New Car Cleaning?

dkommor · 03-09-2009, 07:33 PM

I just picked up my 128 and I've read many conflicting thoughts on cleaning a new car. Some say not to clay, polish or wax for a few months because the paint is too soft. Others have said to wash and seal. I'm confused and would appreciate some input. My car is AW and I would like to protect the paint as best I can. Thanks!

Tijuana · 03-09-2009, 08:12 PM

I clayed my car when I got it, but there was really very little on it. For all the talk of rail dust I didn't find much. There's no need for polish unless your dealer installs some swirls for free. With AW it will take full sun and close inspection to notice most of them anyway. Definitely wax/seal, your paint will be cured by the time it comes over from Germany.

dkommor · 03-09-2009, 08:55 PM

Thanks for the info! Have a great night.

David

BlackjackMulligan · 03-09-2009, 09:02 PM

I would agree that claying wasn't necessary in my case either. Tough to say if you need it or not without seeing the paint in person. Run your hand over it when wet and see if it's nice and smooth. If so, you can polish with a nice mild Menzerna product then seal with your choice of sealant. Search this forum, there's enough to keep you busy for a few hours.

gtaday51 · 03-09-2009, 09:04 PM

I was told to wash it after a month and to not wax for 4 months after build. BMW NA and my SA told me that.

BlackjackMulligan · 03-10-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtaday51

I was told to wash it after a month and to not wax for 4 months after build. BMW NA and my SA told me that.

Don't wash it for a month? Thats nuts.

I'm not doubting they told you that, it just goes to show you how clueless people can be. The dealer washes it before you ever even see the car....

Lester · 03-10-2009, 08:12 AM

When I picked my car up a year ago, the dealer had sent it to a detailer - it was prepped, and protected/sealed. Most of our cars have spent 4-6 weeks in transit since they had been painted.

03-09-2009, 07:33 PM	#1
dkommor Mindful 4 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2009 128 Coupe AW Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Massapequa Park, NY iTrader: (0)	New Car Cleaning? I just picked up my 128 and I've read many conflicting thoughts on cleaning a new car. Some say not to clay, polish or wax for a few months because the paint is too soft. Others have said to wash and seal. I'm confused and would appreciate some input. My car is AW and I would like to protect the paint as best I can. Thanks!
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03-09-2009, 08:12 PM	#2
Tijuana Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 217 Posts Drives: 535xi Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0)	I clayed my car when I got it, but there was really very little on it. For all the talk of rail dust I didn't find much. There's no need for polish unless your dealer installs some swirls for free. With AW it will take full sun and close inspection to notice most of them anyway. Definitely wax/seal, your paint will be cured by the time it comes over from Germany.
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03-09-2009, 08:55 PM	#3
dkommor Mindful 4 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2009 128 Coupe AW Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Massapequa Park, NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info! Have a great night. David
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03-09-2009, 09:02 PM	#4
BlackjackMulligan Most interesting Roadster 69 Rep 2,224 Posts Drives: '01 Z3.0 Roady;'10 C300 Sport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Boston 'burbs iTrader: (5) Garage List 2010 Mercedes-Benz ... [0.00] 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roa ... [0.00]	I would agree that claying wasn't necessary in my case either. Tough to say if you need it or not without seeing the paint in person. Run your hand over it when wet and see if it's nice and smooth. If so, you can polish with a nice mild Menzerna product then seal with your choice of sealant. Search this forum, there's enough to keep you busy for a few hours. __________________ I can't complain, but sometimes I still do........Life's been good to me so far. - Joe Walsh
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03-09-2009, 09:04 PM	#5
gtaday51 gone but not forgotten 35 Rep 985 Posts Drives: gone 135 - Hello 1M! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: The Big Apple iTrader: (0)	I was told to wash it after a month and to not wax for 4 months after build. BMW NA and my SA told me that. __________________ Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration don't fail me now.
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03-10-2009, 08:12 AM	#7
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	When I picked my car up a year ago, the dealer had sent it to a detailer - it was prepped, and protected/sealed. Most of our cars have spent 4-6 weeks in transit since they had been painted.
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