[Gwong27]

Just purchased a used BMW X5MC 21. Would love to detail it on my own. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Including microfiber towels options. Ceramic vs carnauba wax. Any advice is appreciated.
So much has changed since I detailed my car in my 20’s.

[AECDY]

Congrat on the new ride.
Check out chemical guys, they have all sort of products and videos. There are other brands out there, it depends on preference.
I personally use their Mr.Pink car wash with the foam cannon and microfiber wash mitts as well as their micro fiber towels to dry. My car is ceramic coated so I use the leaf blower first and then the microfiber towels.

[Paul-in-MA]

Ceramic coating is a game changer. Bugs and bird droppings come right off. Water beads run right off after washing. Shine is brilliant. Just be aware that there are different levels of ceramic coating and you can expect to pay around $1500 for a quality job. Paint prep is very important, especially on a used car. If you're up for a trip to Boston, these guys do great work:

https://uccboston.com/

They will need your car for 2 days and there is an Enterprise Rental Car in nearby Danvers that will meet you there with a rental car.

[Russ103]

A foam cannon and an electric power washer is a must

[LOFT]

If you can ceramic coat your car properly, I would highly recommend it.

I had mine professionally done in spring to protect it against bugs, bird droppings and especially tree sap. At the detailers recommendation I bought Mother's bug and tar remover.

This morning I easily cleaned off a few days worth of tree sap with the remover and a microfibre cloth. Followed up with a "touchless" car was, and the car looks great.

[rmorin1249]

Forget wax. Thoroughly clean the paint and apply a sealant. I recently used 303 Graphene. There is a plethora of options many of which can be owner applied. You don't have to pay hundreds of dollars to pay a "professional" IMHO.

[Gwong27]

Thanks for advice

[Gwong27]

Originally Posted by Paul-in-MA

Ceramic coating is a game changer. Bugs and bird droppings come right off. Water beads run right off after washing. Shine is brilliant. Just be aware that there are different levels of ceramic coating and you can expect to pay around $1500 for a quality job. Paint prep is very important, especially on a used car. If you're up for a trip to Boston, these guys do great work:

https://uccboston.com/

They will need your car for 2 days and there is an Enterprise Rental Car in nearby Danvers that will meet you there with a rental car.

Thanks for advice

[Gwong27]

Originally Posted by Russ103

A foam cannon and an electric power washer is a must

Man you got me researching foam cannons now. Holy shit lol

[Gwong27]

Have you guys heard of GYEON wet coat

[bandersen]

Check out Detailers Domain (.com). Phil has always had amazing products and videos. If I lived near him I'd be taking my car to him.

[malvern_man]

Originally Posted by Gwong27

Have you guys heard of GYEON wet coat

I've used Gyeon Wet Coat quite a few times and I think it's a great product. If you want to try some snow foam cannon applied spray on and rinse off products I can recommend Autoglym Polar Seal, ValetPRO snow seal and Bilt Hamber Touch-On.

I'm in the UK so not sure if these products are available in the US.

[malvern_man]

Originally Posted by Russ103

A foam cannon and an electric power washer is a must

Seconded.

[malvern_man]

Originally Posted by Paul-in-MA

Ceramic coating is a game changer. Bugs and bird droppings come right off. Water beads run right off after washing. Shine is brilliant. Just be aware that there are different levels of ceramic coating and you can expect to pay around $1500 for a quality job. Paint prep is very important, especially on a used car. If you're up for a trip to Boston, these guys do great work:

https://uccboston.com/

They will need your car for 2 days and there is an Enterprise Rental Car in nearby Danvers that will meet you there with a rental car.

Just had my X5 PPF'd and ceramic coated.

[Russ103]

Originally Posted by Gwong27

Man you got me researching foam cannons now. Holy shit lol

It's an absolute game changer. Properly washing a car without a foam cannon pre-wash is now unthinkable to me.

[medphysdave]

Carpro Lift for foam. This stuff is crazy good. I keep raving to people about it because I'm kinda blown away by it. Hard to describe, but those that have used it seem to feel the same way.

Would like to hear from other users if they've tried it.

[malvern_man]

Gyeon snow foam is excellent.

Not sure if these next products are available in the US but Bilt Hamber Auto Foam and Touch-Less are both excellent snow foams too. Autobrite Direct Magifoam is also great, I've got 5 litres of it.

Add 30ml of citrus apc to your snow foam solution for that extra bite.

[Gwong27]

Originally Posted by malvern_man

I've used Gyeon Wet Coat quite a few times and I think it's a great product. If you want to try some snow foam cannon applied spray on and rinse off products I can recommend Autoglym Polar Seal, ValetPRO snow seal and Bilt Hamber Touch-On.

I'm in the UK so not sure if these products are available in the US.

I’m not sure either. But I will check. Thanks for advice

[chefwong]

Foam IMO is over-rated.....I'm the detailing nut that has also ordered foam shampoos from overseas as you cannot get them here due to EPA laws.......

IMO if doesn't do much than a quality shampoo that is both lubricious and cleans/rinses well. I don't foam at all these except - and really only do it for the weekly winter washes, just because of the placebo effect of it removing sand/salt, etc before the wash.....

Some great soaps being recommended but FWIW, water plays a huge role in how soaps behave. You can take one soap and drive one town over, and the experience of the soap may be totally different due to water conditions.

[medphysdave]

Originally Posted by chefwong

Foam IMO is over-rated.....I'm the detailing nut that has also ordered foam shampoos from overseas as you cannot get them here due to EPA laws.......

IMO if doesn't do much than a quality shampoo that is both lubricious and cleans/rinses well. I don't foam at all these except - and really only do it for the weekly winter washes, just because of the placebo effect of it removing sand/salt, etc before the wash.....

Some great soaps being recommended but FWIW, water plays a huge role in how soaps behave. You can take one soap and drive one town over, and the experience of the soap may be totally different due to water conditions.

I thought this same thing about foam until I used the Lift. The only explanation for why I think it works so well it's it must be getting deeper into the imperfections in the ceramic coating or it has something in it that is giving the allusion of increased "slickness". I noticed a reduction in clinging dirt after using this in conjunction with my wash. The bubble action while on the car is also weird. I know I sound like some kinda salesman, but I was taken back by the performance. I was expecting wasted money because it's just a pre wash..

[chefwong]

I'm a huge Fan or Reset . It's replace my previous top tier shampoo. Others may balk at the price but it's worth. It's strong, so it can degrade sealants....

Lift FWIW is fairly alkaline...hence it's cleaning ability as well

If I need a little kick for a prewash, I'll go straight to my preferred high alkaline - 1Z Industrial Cleaner.

[sharkymcpeterson]

For me step one is to get a paint correction done. Even new cars need this. Starting from as close to perfection is the only way. Ceramic coating/PPF is also crucial.

Obviously, only hand washing or touchlesss.

I'm buying a water deionizer and pressure washer this weekend to aid in the washing process. Hard water is a nightmare. I use a blower to help dry and get the places where water drain lines are inevitable. After it's been dry for a couple hours I'll go back over the car with waterless car wash to catch any water spots using a new microfiber towel every time. I buy them buy the dozen and throw them away once I've used them once. Wasteful-maybe, ultra determined to attain perfection-definitely. Currently Im using a spray on wax from chemical guys to finish. I also love their ceramic wax. It's long lasting and creates a glow like shine. These new auto care products that are on the market now are game changer.

I use Chemical Guys and Jay Leno products mostly. Some Adams.

The Jay Leno tire shine I use applies like lotion, no spray down the side of your car after it's on, lasts longer than anything else I've used and is pretty inexpensive and easily found. Wal-mart usually has a solid stock.

Happy detailing!