[E60 Driver]

Okay, I've recently did a full exterior detail on my 2005BMW 530i black sapphire and did not get the results I was hoping for. I did make a slight improvement, but nothing drastic. Here is what I did:

Meg's Gold Class Wash w/ Turtlle Wax Microfiber wash mitt
Meg's Smooth Surface Clay w/ Meg's quick detailer for lube
Meg's Scratch X applied w/ Crafsman synthetic applicator bonnet on 10" RO
Meg's Step 2 Deep Crystal Polish applied w/ Craftsman sythhetic applicator bonnet on 10" RO
Meg's NXT 2.0 applied w/ included foam applicator
Meg's Plast X applied w/ microfiber applicator

I would like to finish my existing product before getting new product but if there are definite neccesities such as deeper cutting polishes or what not I'm certainly open to suggestions. I'm looking to remove mostly swirls and a few light scratches and restore the sparkle and shine.

The one thing I was most dissappointed with was the Plast X on my headlights-it did not appear that it did anything--should I not use a microfiber applicator?

I've considered getting a PC but my budget won't allow that for a little while so I'm just trying to make due with what I have and that's a cheapo 10" random orbital...most of the bonnets available are terry cloth or wool. However, Craftsman has a blue synthetic applicator bonnet made for applying waxes that I used. Turtle wax is the only one that makes a foam bonnet for a 10" RO, wondering if that will help.

On another note...anyone have any suggestions for a sticky seat heater button? I purchased the car pre-owned and I think the previous owner(s) must have spilt something that made it sticky---I was told to try to use a freon based aerosol electrical parts cleaner.

Anyhow, sorry for the long post and thanks in advance to any suggestions!

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.

[haper]

do you have before and after pictures? i'm asking b/c there is a limit to what you can expect to achieve w/o using a machine, there is a chance you hit that limit.

[E60 Driver]

I will try to get some pics up asap. BTW, I am using a machine. If you consider a cheap random orbital a machine...I know some detailers don't.

[JLs Detailing]

Part of the problem is probably the RO. It will not do what a PC will and you will see much better results when you upgrade. About the sticky button I don't know that I would use like an electrical contact cleaner. It will get rid of the stickyness but I've seen it melt plastic with a quickness. A guy at work used some on a sticky keypad for a phone and it destroyed that keypad. A citrus based APC would probably take care of the stickyness and be much safer.

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.

	APC All Purpose Cleaner

[Purplewidow]

one take the car to the dealer on the sticky button..explain how you purchased the car and it came like this.. even if it doesn't have a warranty now, they will replace it for you.. if you have a warranty they will replace it anyways for free.. seriously if there is goop inside you need to get it fixed before it makes it's way to another electrical button b/c it is so hot out in the summer.. i would take her in..

on the products it's very tough.. i think you really need to upgrade.. using a 10 inch orbital is tough..how do you get all the tight fits? come on you drive a 530 surly you can spend 500 on some pads, a makita 9227, 3m backing plate, and some menzerna.. you will thank all of us!!!

[E60 Driver]

Yeah...after reconsidering, I think I'm going to fet myself a PC with some LC pads. I'm going to try to use the PC with my existing product and see what kind of results I get. Otherwise, I'll just have to get new products too. Eh...rims can wait a few more weeks I suppose!

A good polish is what I'm concerned the most. I really want to get rid of the swirls and lighter scratches. I've been looking at Griot's and Adams. What do you guys think? Any recommendations? Menzerna possibly?

Thanks!

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.

[haper]

Originally Posted by E60 Driver

I think I'm going to fet myself a PC with some LC pads.

you will see a marked improvement w/ the PC and proper pads. it sounds like the machine you have is specifically designed to apply wax only and is little to no use w/ polishes. the PC is somewhat underpowered so look for Lake County (LC) pads 5.5 inch or even 4 inch - the smaller pad the better correction. i'd suggest 2 orange, 2 white and 1 black; the colors indicate how harsh the cut will be (like sandpaper has numbers). orange will provide good cut, white slightly less and black is a finishing pad w/ little to no cut.

it certainly wouldn't hurt give your products a try, just take a small section like the trunk lid and test different product and pad combinations. if you're not getting the results you want order some menzerna polishes, they work well w/ most BMW paint. I'd suggest SIP w/ the orange pad, followed by 106FF w/ the white pad. if you really want to gloss up the shine follow that w/ 106FF and the black pad, or better yet get some FPII and use it w/ the black pad.

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.