Decided to take 1.5 days and tackle this OB once and for all.
This car's paint is far from perfect. Lots of swirls and deeper scratches from PO using a california water blade. That said, very happy with the results. Couldn't touch the deeper stuff, but it's worlds better than it was. I think with more patience I could get more of the deeper stuff out, but for some reason this OB seems a lot harder to polish than the IR and TiAg I've had on other E46s.
Process:
- wheels (sonax)
- wash
- clay
- wash
- M105 with LC yellow pad on a DA @ speeds 5 and 6 - had to do a lot of passes on the trunk lid and some other areas. Still, didn't get everything out.
- menzerna super-intensive polish with LC white pad on a DA @ 5
- I use 4 inch pads because they're easier to maneuver and you don't get product all over the place.
- menzerna power lock sealant
- let menzerna cure over night, apply second coat
- optimum gloss enhancer QD on wheels
- poorboys tire shine
- black wow on black plastic
- stoner's invisible glass
- rainx
- 303 aerospace protectant in wheel wells
Did some basic interior stuff - leather, vacuum, etc...
I'm not good at taking before and/or during photos.
Before:
During (after second polish):
Afters:
Note: If you use menzerna powerlock, make sure you get all of it off before applying the second layer! I have small pieces of residue trapped under the second layer! Guess I'll get them off in 4 months.
I also debadged it.