Ok, so as title says - I paid a local detailing shop to go over my car - set it up for me so that all I had to do was maintain the finish on it. This is the result:

Hood - see all the swirls and scratches?
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/800x600Img_3077.jpg

Trunk - again, scratches still in finish
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/800x600Img_3052.jpg

Rear pillar - see the scratches and towel marks?
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/800x600Img_3055.jpg

Buffing crap left in the hood crevice
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/800x600Img_3074.jpg

So at this point, I was pretty pissed. I went to the local carquest, picked up some Meguiars Mirror glaze stuff - number 82 swirl free polish, number 7 glaze and number 26 yellow wax. This is half of the trunk after I applied it by hand:
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/800x600Img_3047.jpg

So, at this point, I can tell that I can do a MUCH better job by myself. Do I take it back to them and ask them for a) money back, b) they re-do it right or c) they detail the interior because I don't trust them to touch the exterior?

Edit: oh yeah, the wheels look like *crap*, and they didn't vacuum the interior like they said they would....wtf??

a. for sure

That is absolutely awful. I'd go back asap and work something out...however, I wouldn't let them touch your paint again!

Wow, get your money back.

Get your money back for sure. That is just disappointing.........

I just got my PC 7424 couple of weeks ago and used it only a few times and I could do much better than that.I would definitely be going back and demanding some kind of restitution.


Dave

wow, get your money back. My first time with a pc turn out better than that.

Get your money back. Get them away from your car!

Whoa! Bad, bad detail by someone not trained in process techniques. I would definitely request a full refund based upon those pictures! PM me if you want and I can send appropriate pictures of a swirl/scratch free BMW.

Here's one that's the same color I just finished:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/02%20530i/530iAfterPolishing.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/02%20530i/530iBeforePowerWash2.jpg

The missing trim on the rear bumper is at the painter's for a re-paint.

Toto

wow man, it looks like they cleaned it with scotchbrite. That is terrible. I have never seen anything like that. get your money back for sure.

What the hell did they use, a Brillo pad?

A

im thinking they just washed and wax your car.

im thinking they just washed and wax your car.

That's what I'm thinking too - and even at that, they did a $hitty job....

I'm here waiting for them to do it again (this is their last chance) - I'll let y'all know what happens.... :rolleyes

I'm here waiting for them to do it again (this is their last chance) - I'll let y'all know what happens.... :rolleyes

Are you nuts? Are you waiting for them to finish off your paint? Get your money back, dude and just do it yourself. Anything will beat the crummy job they did.

That is just ridiculous! I would definitely demand a refund. It looks like they didn't do anything...even a cleaner wax should have removed a lot of that oxidation.

i say just order a UDM from autogeek and do it yourself. :)

I would have never left w/out solving this.

Well, I talked to the guy in charge this time - instead of the lackey that did the work last time (who turned out to be the younger brother of an ex-girlfriend).

He apologized several times, they buffed it out again - and it looks a lot better - still not what I was looking for, but he told me that they would go over it again in month or so for no charge.

At the very least, it'll get washed again for free. lol

I was just looking for them to set it up for me to maintain, but I'll see how it looks after they go over it again...

One thing for certain - I'm not paying them to do *anything* for me again...

Thats cool of the boss, how much did you pay? I'm borderline do it myself/pay for it.

They charged $125 mas taxas...

Here's some 'semi-after' shots (since they're going to be doing it again)....

(sorry for the ridiculous size of these pics, but resizing them lost the detail)

Rear pillar again:
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/IMG_3105.JPG

Whole car:
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/IMG_3114.JPG

Some closeup 'swirl' marks still in the hood
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/IMG_3116.JPG

More hood scratches
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/IMG_3118.JPG

Gratuitous Roundel shot :D
http://71.60.93.97/~hijack/e36img/IMG_3121.JPG

So, before it goes back, I think I'm going to do the whole car with the Meguiars #82 and then let them polish it from there...since I'm not gonna be paying them anything...

I dunno - still disappointed with paying for it though...always been the DIY kinda person, but didn't wanna learn how to buff on my 328, and none of my friends have anything worth buffing....lol

sorry to say but that pillar still looks like shit.

Edit: it all still looks like shit.

I'm not a detailer but I really believe it requires training and experience. Take note of the (few) quality guys on this site, they definately have practice and knowledge. I've been douched bye these type of idiots also. I have become a consumate DIY guy for a almost all home repair and am now branching out into DIY on my e36 thanks mostly to sites and information like this.

You have to be willing to pay either in cash for service of an expert or in time and equipment to gain basic knowledge to DIY. I'm so disappointed by many of the local services offered.

Get you money back if you can but do not go back. Chaulk it up to life lessons learned.

with my PC, i think the only way i could make your car look like that would be to attach sand paper to my PC and buff it with that. seriously, this is crazy, don't go back.

Where did you take it? I do my own detailing... Just curious to hear what shops around here are that lack-luster.

I'm gonna hold of on posting their name until l8r on...I don't think it's fair to them until they give it an honest go over, but they're in Murrysville, and the only reason I went there was because from what I know, they've got a pretty good reputation for detailing and custom work....

Holy hologramming on the hood and roof. :eek:

I'm gonna hold of on posting their name until l8r on...

Understandable.

from what i have seen, they don't know what they are doing. there is no question about that. did your car look better before you took it to them?

I feel sorry for you, seriously. We could have found you someone in your area from autopia or something.

The car didn't look better before I took it to them - the previous owner used automatic car washes on a regular basis and the paint finish is pretty f'ed up.

They even admitted that it was a shitty job - that they were ashamed that it went out like that.

I'd be more than happy to take a trip to visit anyone relatively nearby and learn what I need to know to fix it...

I would try to get your money back and never let them touch the car again. It is always best to try to find the best detailer that you can afford because the vast majority of detailers/detail shops (95%) are hacks.

I can track down a detailer close to you if you would like.

Andrew

You got what you paid for.GH

You got what you paid for.GH

A buck-twenty five car wash? How do you see that?

Holy Gateway Gators! My wife grew up in Murrysville, PA. We still go back for holidays. I go out of my mind, driving my ultra clean car up there in winter only to return with a salt covered, gray slab of road crap on four wheels.

As I said in a previous post, don't go back. Are you going to let them burn through clear coat and you never notice until months later and at that point your screwed. There is no excuse for letting your car go (finished) like that.

if you have the time, then buy the products/machine and do it yourself. Knowing that you did the detailing yourself will make you feel a lot better.

I learned my lesson after paying $50 bucks for some detailer at a shop to detail my engine(not the car in sig) and there were still spots that he missed. So i bought the engine detailing products and did it myself. While i was waiting at the shop, I see the employees just wash and wax their customer's cars only, no machine of any sort.

if you have the time, then buy the products/machine and do it yourself. Knowing that you did the detailing yourself will make you feel a lot better.

I learned my lesson after paying $50 bucks for some detailer at a shop to detail my engine(not the car in sig) and there were still spots that he missed. So i bought the engine detailing products and did it myself. While i was waiting at the shop, I see the employees just wash and wax their customer's cars only, no machine of any sort.

That's what I'd like to do - but didn't wanna learn how on my bimmer....:eek:

That's what I'd like to do - but didn't wanna learn how on my bimmer....:eek:

If you get the UDM it will be VERY VERY hard to mess up your paint. Now a rotary is a different story. I would HIGHLY advise the UDM with the Menzerna products to finish your car. Of course this will probably set you back an easy $200 but if you detail one car, your equipment and supplies are paid for.

Wow, get your money back.

+1.
I could do better with sandpaper or a rock as an applicator.

If you get the UDM it will be VERY VERY hard to mess up your paint. Now a rotary is a different story. I would HIGHLY advise the UDM with the Menzerna products to finish your car. Of course this will probably set you back an easy $200 but if you detail one car, your equipment and supplies are paid for.

I've got the DA (air powered, and a compressor strong enough to run it - I dabble in paint/body, but have never ventured into 'fixing' neglected paint, short of sanding down and respraying), so in theory, I could either get the adaptor for the dual sided pads and a selection of the pads, or a DA pad for 'hook and loop' pads, along with a selection of those and be set to go? I've got some Meguiars #82 (light cutting swirl polish), glaze and yellow wax - they worked great by hand, would they still be OK with the DA?

i would suggest the menzerna products!

I hate to say it...but sometimes you get what you pay for. If this is the boss's idea of making things right, than he's in the wrong business. Unfortunately mobile detailers seem to be the only ones who express great attention to detail. If not the mobile guys perhaps exotic detail shops, but thats about it.

i would suggest the menzerna products!

+1. Great prodcuts

This is one heck of a deal for someone:

Ultimate Detailing Machine with about 10 hours of use on it.

All pads are usedexcept the UDM OEMs

5 orange pads
1 LCC white pad
1 LCC Black pad
1 LCC yellow pad
2 white UDM pads

5" backing plate
Original bag, wrench, etc

4 Zaino applicators

brand new packof Vroom MFs

The Zaino products are 95% full

Zaino Z2pro
Zaino Z5
Zaino Z6
Zaino Z8
Zaino PC
Zaino 16
ZFX (new)

Optimum Protectant Plus - 85% full
Optimum No Rinse - 66% full

Menzerna Super Intensive Polish - 66% full

Megs NXT Metal Polish - 80% full

I'd really prefer to sell this as a whole. $200 shipped. Paypal accepted, CC or standard. Also available for pickup in Michigan

I have photos available, however the Autopia upgrade broke the images button.

http://www.infinitemile.com/wha/IMG_1028.jpg
http://www.infinitemile.com/wha/IMG_1029.jpg
http://www.infinitemile.com/wha/IMG_1030.jpg
http://www.infinitemile.com/wha/IMG_1031.jpg

A buck-twenty five car wash? How do you see that?

because you were expecting a full detail for 125.

I'm sorry, but after the first time they touched your car, it looked like complete shit, after the second time it wasn't as bad, but they obviously don't know ANYTHING about how to fix your paint.

The only way you are going to be truely happy with with the results is if you either pay up (meaning >$400, at least for LA's rates), or do it yourself.

Don't try to get the best deal, it's never what you want (whether that be a detailer, or the products you use doing it yourself).


Honestly, I suggest reading through autopia for a while to familiarize yourself with the basic steps to detailing. Then i would go and buy what you think you need to fix the paint (meaning NOT brillo pads like your detail buddies). I did a better job that than first time i used a porter cable.

EDIT: That is a hell of a deal above my post.

thats terrible, but my question is, why didn`t you notice how bad it was when you picked it up from them?

because you were expecting a full detail for 125.

I'm sorry, but after the first time they touched your car, it looked like complete shit, after the second time it wasn't as bad, but they obviously don't know ANYTHING about how to fix your paint.

The only way you are going to be truely happy with with the results is if you either pay up (meaning >$400, at least for LA's rates), or do it yourself.

Don't try to get the best deal, it's never what you want (whether that be a detailer, or the products you use doing it yourself).


Honestly, I suggest reading through autopia for a while to familiarize yourself with the basic steps to detailing. Then i would go and buy what you think you need to fix the paint (meaning NOT brillo pads like your detail buddies). I did a better job that than first time i used a porter cable.

EDIT: That is a hell of a deal above my post.

Have been reading up on autopia, have purchased the beginnings of the stuff I need (velcro pad for the DA, mf towels, etc)...and no, they're not gonna touch it again.

I PM'ed him to thank him for the offer, but I just can't swing that right now - so I have to piece my kit together....

thats terrible, but my question is, why didn`t you notice how bad it was when you picked it up from them?

I did, but had to get to class - living a double life sucks...

Please tell me those are the BEFORE pics!!! That is a shame. I hope they did not give you drama getting the job done right, or preferably the $ back!

make sure to get the menzerna super intensive polish.

also, here is the link for anyone wanting the UDM package

http://autopia.org/modules.php?name=Classified&file=viewarticle&id=5

make sure to get the menzerna super intensive polish.

I'll definitely try it - which pad should I use with it?

I'll definitely try it - which pad should I use with it?

orange or yellow depending on how bad the swirls are. light swirls, try the orange first, heavy swirls with the yellow one. But, either way, try the orange pads first.

orange or yellow depending on how bad the swirls are. light swirls, try the orange first, heavy swirls with the yellow one. But, either way, try the orange pads first.

Awesome - thanks!

orange or yellow depending on how bad the swirls are. light swirls, try the orange first, heavy swirls with the yellow one. But, either way, try the orange pads first.

Please dont, use the white for light swirls, orange plus SIP is plenty for most defects, yellow is for compounding only, like menzerna powergloss

ouch.....

Absolutely pitiful. How much did you pay for that "detail"? I'd ask for my money back + a few more bucks so that you can buy detail polish and do it yourself. Raise hell and put them out of business - they don't need to touch another car until they can do it even half-way correct.

Absolutely pitiful. How much did you pay for that "detail"? I'd ask for my money back + a few more bucks so that you can buy detail polish and do it yourself. Raise hell and put them out of business - they don't need to touch another car until they can do it even half-way correct.

It was a buck twenty-five, and it was their "buff and seal" package. I don't know what the 'going' rate is in other places 'round the country, but that's what they advertise on their website - and this is a place that's been around for a long time. I didn't go with some 'fly-by-night' special from some nobody (as it's been suggested previously).

At this point, I'm going to chalk it up to a life lesson, and do it myself. I've already started gathering the tools/supplies that I'll need, but I fear my paint may be (even before they touched it) too far gone - too many automatic car washes and acid rain / bird shit attacks.. :shifty

No paint is 'too far gone' you will be able to get rid of that stuff easy. If you cant, you should go to a junkyard and get a panel and practice wetsanding. And then wetsand your whole car and then polish. The car will look brand new if done right (except for scratches thru the clear)

No paint is 'too far gone' you will be able to get rid of that stuff easy. If you cant, you should go to a junkyard and get a panel and practice wetsanding. And then wetsand your whole car and then polish. The car will look brand new if done right (except for scratches thru the clear)

Eh, I've done that before, but *really* don't want to do it on the bimmer...the last thing I wetsanded was an '85 C-10...it looked like shit to start with, and didn't turn out much better, but I don't wanna fuck up the bimmer...it's the best looking car I've ever had....

Junkyard is your friend, practice, practice, practice and it will build your confidence

That looks like work Elite Custom Coach would do.

That looks like work Elite Custom Coach would do.

You got it.... :sigh

Oh noes!!!

That sucks. Learn how to DIY. It's the best if you have time.

You got it.... :sigh

haha googled and guessed it. :redspot I have never used them just bored at work :D:D:stickoutt

I am getting some SIP. I can sell you an 8 oz. bottle for $15 + shipping if you wanted.

That looks like work Elite Custom Coach would do.

LULZ

I am getting some SIP. I can sell you an 8 oz. bottle for $15 shipped if you wanted.
A) Take him up on this offer. Its $40+ for a 32oz bottle and if you are only detailing your own car that will last AWHILE.

B) DONT, DONT use your compressor powered DA on your paint. If you've never used a PC, you shouldnt jump right to a VERY high-powered rotary (I dont believe they make a compressor powered random orbital which is what the PC is).

Instead listen to the above advice and pick up a UDM, PC, or Flex.

Not to dwell, but that detail result is honestly comical. The 2nd time around is even moreso as they knew you were going to recognize remaining swirls and yet they still left them in the paint...they didnt even use a filler as most hacks will do.

Yes, it would take a few hours (5+ to get that car looking good again) and that means they would be taking $25/hr to complete your car...which is low.

A) Take him up on this offer. Its $40+ for a 32oz bottle and if you are only detailing your own car that will last AWHILE.


Hey Rogue, I will have (2) 8oz bottles for sale. Actually the SIP was over $50 to get to my house. But i agree with EVERYTHING that you have said!!!

A) Take him up on this offer. Its $40+ for a 32oz bottle and if you are only detailing your own car that will last AWHILE.

B) DONT, DONT use your compressor powered DA on your paint. If you've never used a PC, you shouldnt jump right to a VERY high-powered rotary (I dont believe they make a compressor powered random orbital which is what the PC is).

Instead listen to the above advice and pick up a UDM, PC, or Flex.

Not to dwell, but that detail result is honestly comical. The 2nd time around is even moreso as they knew you were going to recognize remaining swirls and yet they still left them in the paint...they didnt even use a filler as most hacks will do.

Yes, it would take a few hours (5+ to get that car looking good again) and that means they would be taking $25/hr to complete your car...which is low.

I have to verify funds to take him up on it, but thanks for the tip.

My compressor powered DA (http://www.chpower.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=90627&cg1=10676&cg2=10718&cg3=)is 6", random orbit and speed adjustable (and I've already picked up the velcro backing pad for it to put the foam pads on) - isn't that what the UDM is?

Hey Rogue, I will have (2) 8oz bottles for sale. Actually the SIP was over $50 to get to my house. But i agree with EVERYTHING that you have said!!!
I would snag one of those if I hadnt just picked up another bottle of both SIP and PO85RD...:cool
I have to verify funds to take him up on it, but thanks for the tip.

My compressor powered DA (http://www.chpower.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=90627&cg1=10676&cg2=10718&cg3=)is 6", random orbit and speed adjustable (and I've already picked up the velcro backing pad for it to put the foam pads on) - isn't that what the UDM is?
That link doesnt make it look as if its a Random Orbital. Sanding wood and filler would generally require a standard sander/polisher. My brother-in-law runs a bodyshop in N. VA and all of their air-powered sanders are equivalent to rotary polishers (not RO)...

Its not as if you cant polish your paint with that...its just easier to cause more damage than correction. Not to mention its easier to create buffer trails, etc.