Hey guys,

With summer right around the corner, I'm thinking about getting a full detail done to the car. I'm looking for a detailer.

Any leads or does anybody know reputable guys that do detailing?

Also, what do they charge?

Thanks

I've heard Lux Auto Detailing is amazing. I can't speak from personal experience, I do all of my own detailing, which is what I'd recommend you to do. You get a good sense of accomplishment, plus you can repeat as often as you'd like without intense repeat expenses. Other than the initial expense of acquiring hardware such as the buffer, etc, its inexpensive to detail your own car. Getting somebody to detail it for you isn't cheap, no matter how you slice it.

Ryan,

Good post ... maybe the question now is, what are some recommended products I should look into? (ie wax, buffer equipment etc).

Thanks!

Buffer: PC 7424 Random Orbital Porter Cable
Clay: Meguiar's Clay Kit.
Dash, console, etc: 3M Aerospace 303 Protectant.
Exterior Black Moldings (don't have them on M5s, but for others): Mother's Back to Black (guess you could use on your washer nozzles :P.)

I use Meguiar's Wash Soap, two buckets, one for soapy water, other for rinsing. I do wheels last, so that none of the brake dust gets into the water that is going to be used to do the rest of the car. Some people swear by doing them first, but I'm much less worried of splashing brake dust on my car that could be washed off easily, than putting it into a wash mitt that will grind it into the paint.

Don't use armor-all. It gets everything messy. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. I'm also, as Jimmy can attest to, a whore about cleaning up the engine bay, so I've got my own techniques for that, as well.

One last tip: For waxing, make the coat as THIN as you possibly can, and do multiple coats. You'll get a much deeper shine that way than doing one thick coat. Getting the car to look amazing isn't a one-day deal, its a process that is everlasting. I wash a minimum of once a week (in summer), and wax (in summer) every 2-3 weeks. Obviously, the cycle goes slower in winter, just do it when you can.

RRSperry .. member here and a good guy.. he just completed our e60 M5 and did a great job and is going to do our X5 sometime.. lives in HoCo, send him a PM.

Buffer: PC 7424 Random Orbital Porter Cable
Clay: Meguiar's Clay Kit.
Dash, console, etc: 3M Aerospace 303 Protectant.
Exterior Black Moldings (don't have them on M5s, but for others): Mother's Back to Black (guess you could use on your washer nozzles :P.)

I use Meguiar's Wash Soap, two buckets, one for soapy water, other for rinsing. I do wheels last, so that none of the brake dust gets into the water that is going to be used to do the rest of the car. Some people swear by doing them first, but I'm much less worried of splashing brake dust on my car that could be washed off easily, than putting it into a wash mitt that will grind it into the paint.

Don't use armor-all. It gets everything messy. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. I'm also, as Jimmy can attest to, a whore about cleaning up the engine bay, so I've got my own techniques for that, as well.

One last tip: For waxing, make the coat as THIN as you possibly can, and do multiple coats. You'll get a much deeper shine that way than doing one thick coat. Getting the car to look amazing isn't a one-day deal, its a process that is everlasting. I wash a minimum of once a week (in summer), and wax (in summer) every 2-3 weeks. Obviously, the cycle goes slower in winter, just do it when you can.
Back to Black doesn't last very long. Forever black is a dye that seems to be popular but more difficult to apply evenly.

---Eric

i agree that detailing your own car is a good idea, but it's a good idea to take it to a pro at least once a year. taking it to the pro will give you something really nice to maintain. orbital buffers are fun, but they are no replacement for a decent multi-step process done with a rotary buffer.

I use Meguiar's Wash Soap, two buckets, one for soapy water, other for rinsing. I do wheels last, so that none of the brake dust gets into the water that is going to be used to do the rest of the car. Some people swear by doing them first, but I'm much less worried of splashing brake dust on my car that could be washed off easily, than putting it into a wash mitt that will grind it into the paint. use 2 mitts. One for wheels and one for the rest of the car.

use 2 mitts. One for wheels and one for the rest of the car.

Still need two buckets. The brake dust will come out of one mitt, into the single bucket, and then get absorbed into the other mitt. Better safe than sorry. I don't use a mitt for my wheels though, I use a sponge-type deal. Also, has anyone used wheel wax, or clayed wheels? I've got some pitted brake dust I need to remove.

Still need two buckets. The brake dust will come out of one mitt, into the single bucket, and then get absorbed into the other mitt. Better safe than sorry. I don't use a mitt for my wheels though, I use a sponge-type deal. Also, has anyone used wheel wax, or clayed wheels? I've got some pitted brake dust I need to remove. Empty the bucket out and refill between doing wheels and the rest of the car.

RRSperry is great... I stopped by his place on Friday and while hes not doing any work for me cause my paint is fuxxored I saw the X5 he was working on and his own M3... immaculate(he even said the M was dirty) He is someone who takes pride in what they do.

IMO nothing more you could ask for from a detailer :)

Empty the bucket out and refill between doing wheels and the rest of the car.

Easier just to have two dedicated buckets :).

I too recommend RRSperry.

I too recommend RRSperry.

Thanks, guys!

I spoke with Rich (RRSperry); when late Spring/early Summer rolls around, I'm going to his place so he can detail my car.

Thanks for the replies and the great referral! :)

Thanks for the nice comments guys. I do try to please.

Rich

Thanks for the nice comments guys. I do try to please.

Rich

You do? I left you two message. Never got a response back from you. :dunno

I have another guy coming over this weekend anyway.

So what's a fair price for a detailing job. I want to get my E30 done just exterior.

Contact me off list. Andy, I never got a message, at least I don't remember one, if I did, I sincerely apologize. I'd love to come by and help, no charge. Again, sorry.

Contact me off list. Andy, I never got a message, at least I don't remember one, if I did, I sincerely apologize. I'd love to come by and help, no charge. Again, sorry.

Wow, very generous. In light of this, might youi disregard that we spoke this am and make me the same offer?

Neil

Wow, very generous. In light of this, might youi disregard that we spoke this am and make me the same offer?

Neil


Ditto ... come on, Rich, you could give Neil and I generous free offers ... :D

Ditto ... come on, Rich, you could give Neil and I generous free offers ... :D

Damn Armo! He didn't return your call either?? What's with this guy.

Neil

Damn Armo! He didn't return your call either?? What's with this guy.

Neil

He hasn't returned me call either? I'm feeling very down at this point :(

Well, we spoke via email, but, I didn't hear about this free of charge deal until now ;)

I have a feeling Rich will accomodate both of us with free services once he checks in here, Neil ...

:D

You blew it. Shouldn't have admitted you spoke. In fact, I'm prepared to deny that we had a very pleasant conversation this am. 'Fraid it's less likely that we'll get the free offer than we'll get a upcharge!

Neil

Thanks for the nice comments guys. I do try to please.

Rich

Rich can you please email me your contact info, I need to get my wifes Z4 into you. todd@homefirstmortgage.com

yeah RRSperry is def. the go to guy!
i met him at the Arundel Mills Meet and got only positive things to say about him.
Plus he mostly works with BMWs and does and excellent job, so you know you're in good hands!

RRSperry .. member here and a good guy.. he just completed our e60 M5 and did a great job and is going to do our X5 sometime.. lives in HoCo, send him a PM.

I had the other E60 M5 at the meet. I have to drop by Rich's to have a detail.

I just had my entire windshield replaced to fix a faulty rain sensor. Thankfully all under warranty

BTW.. Here is that carbon Filter removal mod. 15-20 hp gain at the wheels verified by dyno
http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=66688