Just bought a 98 titanium silver M3/4 that is in great condition. Previous owner supposedly used meguiar's stuff on it, but unclear exactly how often or exactly what products. I'm thinking it needs a good exterior detailing before I get too busy with my new job, but I'm having trouble figuring out exactly what I should use. I've read all the FAQ's obviously, but there are just so many recommendations.

Here are my needs:

1. long lasting protection
2. long lasting shine
3. something that can be applied by someone with only basic detailing experience in a day or so.

As much as I'd like to be hardcore about my washing/detailing, my new job is going to consume way too much of my time. So I need something that will last as long as possible between applications. Protection is more important than good looks, but obviously I want both. Will probably wash the car every other week if that matters.

So recommendations guys? I need exact products if possible please. And any detailing accessories to apply it all.

Based on the FAQ here, I'm leaning towards Klasse AIO + Klasse SG. After reading the bimmer.org FAQ, Zaino sounds more interesting, although I haven't figured out exactly what Zaino stuff I'd need just yet.

Already have some Meguiar's Deep Crystal car wash liquid, Black Magic wheel cleaner, Meguiar's tire wet spray, and Meguiar's Quick Detailer. I had original picked up Meguiar's Gold Class liquid wax as well, but after doing some more reading, I don't think it'll last long enough for my needs, and probably not look as good as some other stuff out there. (the result of an impulse trip to walmart without much research, although most of it hasn't been used, so I could probably return it all).

SO, help! :)

Read the Detailing 101 thread.

If I were you I would go with klasse AIO + SG. If you don't have any swirls to remove then you can do the following process once every six months:

Wash, Clay, AIO, SG. You can add multiple layers of SG spaced 24 hours apart on a just washed surface. 1 layer of SG should last 6 months. I add more for looks. You can do the whole process in 6 hours. That's how long it takes me. 6 hours every 6 months for a great looking long lasting finish is pretty reasonable.

If you decide to go zaino, just follow the instructions on the zaino website. You'll need either z1 or zfx plus z2 and possibly z5 if you have light swirls. If you don't have light swirls you want to fill then you won't need z5. You can also get z6 which is the QD. You can use it periodically after washing to help rejuvinate the zaino layer. z7 is optional. That's the zaino car wash. If I were you I'd just pick up some gold class wash from target for 10 bucks. The z7 is expensive for what you get.

Hope this helped.

David.

Thanks David. That's exactly the kind of reaffirmation I was looking for from someone who knows what they're talking about.

How do Zaino and Klasse stuff compare? Definitely still leaning towards the Klasse based on the information here and elsewhere, but never seen these two compared directly. Before I started looking into this more careful, Zaino seemed to have a bigger name (since I'd actually heard of it).

check out the www.zaino.com website; many diehard Zaino fans on this website..............do a "search".

One thing I like about Zaino is that you can keep adding layers of Zaino to increase the depth of shine.

Thanks David. That's exactly the kind of reaffirmation I was looking for from someone who knows what they're talking about.

How do Zaino and Klasse stuff compare? Definitely still leaning towards the Klasse based on the information here and elsewhere, but never seen these two compared directly. Before I started looking into this more careful, Zaino seemed to have a bigger name (since I'd actually heard of it).
You're right, Zaino does have a bigger name especially on internet boards. It seems to be quite popular on Domestic muscle car forums.

In terms of how they compare;

Zaino is a complete line of products ranging from paint, to tires, to leather, while klasse is a pre-sealant paint cleaner (AIO) and a sealant (SG).

Zaino, due to it's compatible QD and car wash, will hold it's slickness longer than klasse, so long as the QD and car wash are used.

Zaino is 99% optically clear, while klasse is not. Zaino will retain the look of your polished paint. Many new car owners that use zaino have expressed disappointment that their zaino did not add to the look of the paint. The optical clarity of the product coupled with the fact that the paint is brand new is why it didn't. Klasse on the other hand will give the paint an extra candy like shine. Because SG is not optically clear, multiple layers will slightly darken your finish.

The klasse sytem has a pre-cleaner product product (AIO) in its family, while zaino does not. Many hard core enthusiast detailers will use AIO prior to zaino.

Zaino requires extra mixing if using zfx, or re-application of z1 after 10 coats or 6 months. Klasse SG can be applied over itself as often as needed without the use of an extra bonding agent.

Zaino is a bit easier to buff off than SG. If you do decide to use SG, then use my SG method in detailing 101. The methods posted on autogeek, CMA, etc are the old school ways, and will guarantee that you have a difficult time removing SG.

That's all I can think of now. If I can think of anything else, I will let you know.

David.

wow, good info david :)

I'm curious if you think a clay bar is necessary in addition to Klasse AIO? Seems like it wouldn't hurt, but on the other hand, looks like it takes a lot of effort...

wow, good info david :)

I'm curious if you think a clay bar is necessary in addition to Klasse AIO? Seems like it wouldn't hurt, but on the other hand, looks like it takes a lot of effort...
Mike,

Clay will yield the MOST noticable improvement in your paint. If you haven't ever clayed your car, then I suggest you do it during your detail. You will be absolutely amazed at how smooth your paint will be, and at how black your clay will turn after your done. There is quite bit of contamination that regular washing cannot remove. That's where bi-yearly claying comes in. See detailing 101 for the most fail proof method claying.

Anymore questions, please let me know.

David.

thanks again david. gonna order up some clay right now and probably some bug & tar remover for good measure. no clue if the previous owner ever clayed his car, so it'll be interesting to see how much of a difference it makes.

last question (for now) - any time estimate on how long for a newbie to do a complete exterior detailing? from wash to clay to polish, etc.

If you're looking at a wash, clay, wash, SMR, polish, AIO, SG plan on spending about 6 to 8 hours. Figure a wash/dry will take between 20 and 40 min. Clay about an hour to 90 min if you do the entire car. Each polish step if you use a PC will take about 40 to 60 minutes. Once you get some practice and the car is well maintained, you should be able to get your normal wash/polish/wax down to about 2 hrs, full detail including inside and clay should take about 6.

I'm going to say 10 hours, only because this is your first big detail. But a lot of it will depend on the condition of the paint, and the amount of time you'll need to put into each step.

thanks guys - the order is in and hopefully i'll be detailing next weekend :)

in case anyone cares, i went with Klasse AIO + SG, Sonus acrylic spritz, a clay magic clay bar kit, and a lexol leather kit. It was a tough call between Klasse and Zaino, but Klasse seemed easier. I may eventually switch to Zaino since it supposedly lasts longer, but that'll be a while down the line.

Thanks again!
Mike

Mike, you bought some quality products.

The sonus will help keep the klasse slick and looking like new.

You'll be happy with the results. Just remember, follow the SG technique in detailing 101. The instructions that you'll get from autogeek are old school and painful.

Post pics when you're done!

David.

will do david. I must say, you are a great resource for the board and I doubt you get appreciated as much as you should. Thanks again! :)

Mike

will do david. I must say, you are a great resource for the board and I doubt you get appreciated as much as you should. Thanks again! :)

Mike
Thanks Mike, I appreciate that! I do what I can to make a positive contribution to the board! :)