Washing a black 330Ci

[TWELEVIE]

Hello. I'm fairly new to this forum and I was recently given a 2003 BMW 330Ci. Yes, given. See, I'm 20 years old and I attend the United States Air Force Academy. Since I don't pay any tuition, board, lodging, books, food, uniforms, supplies (I.E. laptop computer), and such, my parents bought me the Bimmer as "inspiration."

Anywho, the car is Black Metallic Saphire. At first I wanted the basic silver but when I saw this color, I immediately feel in love with it. It gives the car a very "classy look."

Now down to business. How do I effectively wash the car without getting swirl marks. I figured swirl marks are inevitable on a black paint job but I just wanted to know how do I go about slowly the process down? Is there a mitten anyone prefers? Do you wash the car with little light outside/under a canopy? Do you use one of those "spray filters" on your hoses? Any particular car wash soap?

I'd deeply appreciate your response.

P.S. - Here she is..."Cheri."

http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/40381f7b_b262/bc/6048/__sr_/a8b2.jpg?phafvbAB.cZP7Uh_

[flashinthepan]

My 330 was Black Sapphire:

-Never press hard with anything, towel, cloth etc...

-Always pre-rinse road grime before washing

Long Term:
You will ulitimately get a few wash marks with time & I suggest you watch this forum for advice on using a Porter-Cable Random Orbital Buffer, guys in the know have great results.

I love the look of Black, but went Silver-Grey this time, just a little easier upkeep.

Good Luck & have some Fun !!! :thumbup:

[BahnBaum]

To cut down on swirl marks:

Come up with a routine that has you wash your wheels and lower rocker panels of the car separately from the rest of the car. I even use a separate mit, bucket and water.

Like Flash says, pre-rinse well and use as little pressure on the mit as possible. Should you drop a rag or a mit on the ground, don't reuse it without thoroughly rinsing it.

Get a quality set of microfibers for polishing and drying. www.pakshak.com is a great source.

Congratulations and post some pics!

Alex

[Guest84]

Not much to add what hasn't been already mentioned above^^, but I will add this:
Hand Wash in linear strokes, never wash in circles. I prefer 100% Chenille wash mitts, and use 3 of them with the 2 bucket method (one car soap and other rinse) One mitt I use for the major panels, the 2nd mitt for bumpers and rocker panels (these get very dirty) and the 3rd for the wheels along with a wheel brush. I buy a new mitt about once a month and rotate them (the newest for major body panels, the next newest is rotated to the rocker, bumper duty and least newest is rotated to wheels duty)

Never use fabric softener for your drying towels if you use them. I prefer using the CWB and chamois, and you want to keep your chamois clean too (Whether they be synthetic or real chamois) Try to use 100% cotton towels if you use drying towels, and nothing but the best products for removing polish or wax.

Never use detail spray on a dirty car. Wash the car first, then use detail spray. Even something as harmless as pollen can scratch your finish (ever seen pollen up close under a microscope? They look like spike balls!)

Metallic or Jet Black is one of the most difficult colors to maintain, but IMO, its one of the most beautiful colors when its clean. Enjoy!