First detailing effort: 2004 MB c320

[skins333]

Although I've read all the posts on these detailing forums (e90post/m3post) for a few years now and loaded up on detailing supplies, I finally got the motivation and courage to take a crack at polishing. Literally, I've owned a porter cable w/ accessories for about 3 years and this is my true effort with it.

I got this car from my dad last year about the time I bought my m3 and use it to haul around kids and for inclement weather, etc. It is a 2004 w/ 117k miles and was totally abused. Almost biweekly carwashes for years and had tons of scrapes and scratches...and every square inch covered in swirls.

Sorry didn't have any energy to take before/during pics, although incredibly rewarding, this was brutal process, that took several hours (~5 just on exterior), even with plenty of shortcuts.

Process:
-dr.color chip (love this stuff, but always run low on the seal-act solution)
-washed/clayed/masked
-polished using porter cable and one-step process with menzerna power finish and orange pad (I planned on following up using the power gloss p085rd with finishing pad, but it looked so incredibly good w/o any haze I decided to skip it)
-IPA wipedown
-sealed w/ opti-seal (this was easiest part, took only about 5-10 minutes)
-waxed with poorboy world's natty blue

Thanks for looking!

[6spdg37s]

you did a good job lol .. i wish there were some before pics but i can imagine what it looked like going thru car washes and stuff and with 117k miles !

[skins333]

Thanks man! I was sweating my a$$ off in the hot/humid garage, and just wanted to get done. It looked horrendous before though, I could hardly stand to look at it.

[rjd598]

wow that's amazing for a one step!!! your hard work paid off for sure

[skins333]

Originally Posted by rjd598

wow that's amazing for a one step!!! your hard work paid off for sure

Thanks man!!

[StealYourFace]

I'd be proud to be seen in that car, nice work.

[skins333]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

I'd be proud to be seen in that car, nice work.

Thanks man, appreciate it!!

[positiveions]

you can tap yourself on the back. Did a good job.
I'm getting to that point where I can't stand looking at my DD MKV Jetta. But, I'm waiting for the weather to cool off.

[jpan08]

Those look like some bigass wheels. Awesome job on the merc. Want to get the courage to do the same thing

[flipm3]

Great work! The reflection is very nice!

Time to tackle the E92

[skins333]

Originally Posted by positiveions

you can tap yourself on the back. Did a good job.
I'm getting to that point where I can't stand looking at my DD MKV Jetta. But, I'm waiting for the weather to cool off.

Thanks man, do it, very worthwhile.

Originally Posted by jpan08

Those look like some bigass wheels. Awesome job on the merc. Want to get the courage to do the same thing

16's!! Gotta make up for the 20's on the m3 and need it to be my snowmobile in the winter. Thanks, what are you waiting for..do it! Lots of good info on here to keep you out of trouble.

Originally Posted by flipm3

Great work! The reflection is very nice!

Time to tackle the E92

Thanks man!! Did the m3 few weeks ago before MPACT. Took more pics for that one, will post soon.

[Raja Ventureshield]

Awesome job. Detailing takes a lot of time and patience