http://cpcardetailing.com If you need help with the swirls in your car's clearcoat, I can't recommend these guys enough. Skipping the ugly details, I needed a complete paint correction. Watch out for those hacks at your dealer! (SEE PICTURES BELOW -- a couple before and more after, to illustrate the difference!) I contacted a series of local "detailers" who said things ranging from "A little bit of glaze will clear that right up " to "You need to sand off the clearcoat and have it resprayed ." Finally, I found a company with solid references that performs mobile paint correction and detailing services. A few moments after sending an inquiry via e-mail, my phone rang, and it was the man himself, Ciro Papi, owner/operator of CP Detailing. Ciro had instantly separated himself from the pack by being prompt, courteous, and responsible. His website is professional and informative (click the link up top). After our initial conversation, where I explained my needs, he even spoke to my dealer's service manager, explaining his services and creating their own payment arrangements. When the day for my ‘treatment' finally arrived, I was filled with anticipation, and anxiety. My car had about 3,800 miles on it, and I was afraid it could come out worse or that I would not be happy. I was instantly grinning when Ciro and his partner, Christian, arrived around 10AM in a modified EVO, packed to the gills with equipment. We talked cars for a few minutes, and I was already feeling good. My fears were soon further eased as I saw more and more evidence of their level of enthusiasm for automobiles and their proper care: They carefully unpacked their neatly organized grit guards, latex gloves, multiple polishers, et cetera. They asked me about my product preferences, they showed me their equipment, they carefully inspected the vehicle. Their knowledge of their craft was apparent, and it made trusting them with my car a lot easier. It was very clear that CP Detailing has the experience and patience to make the best possible results. Sometime around 3AM (that's 17 hours later folks) I entered my garage to see my car in a condition that dropped my jaw. The shine, luster and depth of the paint surpassed even that I saw on the day I took delivery. To say I was impressed with my car's appearance is a complete understatement. Perhaps more importantly, I was totally amazed by the work ethic and commitment to perfection demonstrated by Ciro and Christian. I, and my 335i, thank them!
Did they give you instructions for your car's after-care? This can be as important as the people you chose to correct the problem in the first place. Their work is indeed impressive. Even BMW's own paint specialists should be proud of such an attractive vehicle. P.S. A shame you couldn't snap some pics of that EVO. Not only would it be great advertising for their company (what company doesn't love free advertising), but I think everyone here appreciates a sharp E30 M3.
I doubt he's talking about an M3. It's most likely one of those toy cars with big wings and make go-fast "swoosh" noises... a Mitsubeeshee or something like that.
Yup, one of those Mitsubishi EVOs -- this car had a bit of a 'sleeper' look, not as over the top as some examples...but it is extremely fast, nimble, and brutally aggressive. And those swooshing noises seem to also be coming from my own engine bay these days... I wanted to share with you guys because sometimes (even through no fault of our own), our beautfiul BMWs end up swirled, looking like extras in a spiderman flick. If you have the desire, you can restore your vehicle's shine and luster, and you don't need a body shop -- Just call Ciro. He can even advise you how to build your roster of detailing equipment so that you can best preserve his work. Did someone say my vehicle was attractive? THANKS! ...made my day.
Never thought I'd say this about a BMW, but.. it almost looks too good to drive! Remember I said almost!
detailing Some questions. 1- Do you know what caused the swirls? Did you go through car washes? In what part of the country do you live? I live in Florida, and the roads are quite clean so my car(03 325it) has not been washed since March of 09. It was then when I discovered a product Called http://www.wetpaintglaze.com/ now I polish twice a year using a random orbital polisher and the finest polish I can find. The last polish was with Meguiar's Scratch X2.0 and then coated with wet paint. My car is 71/2 years old and has no swirl marks. Now that my car is in the condition that it is I spend about 15 min. a day wiping it with a California Duster and Swiffer duster for the Wheels bluewagon .
I know where the swirl marks came from. Ask BMW of Ridgefield CT-- they ignored the sign on my dash that said, "please no wash." Then they hand-washed my car with a snow brush and dried it with rags filled with sand. I picked the car up after a minor service appointment and nearly had a fit in the parking lot. Because of my level of anal-retentiveness when it comes to car care, I haven't been to a car wash since I bought my first e92 in 2006, and I council all my friends to avoid them. I also have an extensive collection of polishes and orbitals and the like, formerly including wet paint glaze. The problem with that product is that it is in fact, a glaze. Now, for my glazes I prefer Chemical Guys Extreme EZ-Creme Glaze with Acrylic Shine II But, in this case (since my car was brand new and it wasn't of my doing), I didn't want a glaze to fill the swirls and then wash off....I wanted the swirls corrected with a multi-step abrasive process. Menzerna products are my favorite polishes, but I have also used Zaino and Griot's products in the past -- with limited success -- I run my own small detailing business. The key is using the right polish, with the right pads, and the right amount of 'work' (the pressure you use, the speed, the time the product lasts as you polish). I was extremely happy with CP detailing because they were enthusiastic, hard working, they had the pads, the polishes, the patience, and the expertise. If I can't do it myself, these are the only guys I am calling.
Swirl marks I hope you asked Ridgefield BMW to pay for the detailing. I would have. Which Menzerna polish did you use??? bluewagon
They did pay, after some hand-wringing and borderline incompetence. -- Just so this doesn't become a bash the dealer thread, they eventually handled paying for the cost of my 17 hour detail. My Client Advisor, Robert Mahoney is an enthusiast and a gentleman, and my Service Advisor Steve Kazlauskas could not be more pleasant. If you are in the area, I highly recommend these two individuals. -- I have almost all of the Menzerna polishes in their 'clearcoat correction series.' But, their top inspection, Final Finish and Intensive Polish are notable for their long working time, and their results. They are superior to Griot's for sure, but you also need a good buffer.
Do you mind if I ask how much they charged? Once I get some bodywork done, I think I'm going to have my car detailed. It's never been detailed in its life, and since the 3 years it's been painted, has only had maybe 1 waxing, and plenty of swirl marks.
I don't know the exact pricing, because it was not paid for by me. But, when I got estimates from 4 area detailers and body shops, CP was the lowest by a fairly wide margin! My suggestion would be to call Ciro. Maybe e-mail him some pictures of your swirls and other concerns...I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
