Getting swirls out of your AW M3

[PetrolFumes]

So, I saw my car at an angle in the sun today and realized there is a ton of swirl makrkes and I have NEVER put it through an automated car wash and always had it hand washed.

I am bringing it in to the dealership for a detail.. Will this get rid of the swirls? What is everyone doing to get rid of and keep their cars from getting swirls??

[C|3R1C]

Originally Posted by MPowerrE92

So, I saw my car at an angle in the sun today and realized there is a ton of swirl makrkes and I have NEVER put it through an automated car wash and always had it hand washed.

I am bringing it in to the dealership for a detail.. Will this get rid of the swirls? What is everyone doing to get rid of and keep their cars from getting swirls??

Washing a car in general will get swirls. It's inevitable. However, to fight that problem I usually take my DA polisher and use rubbing compound then wax. It will significantly reduce the amount visible, but getting rid of all of them will be very time consuming and worthless because they will come back. Also wet sanding a little then rubbing compound works good too, but at that point your taking off a thicker layer of paint (removing the swirls cut into the paint).Long point short, use rubbing compound and just polish nicely. I like meguiars

[PetrolFumes]

So get it washed as normally then do a polish with microfiber cloth?

Originally Posted by C|3R1C

Washing a car in general will get swirls. It's inevitable. However, to fight that problem I usually take my DA polisher and use rubbing compound then wax. It will significantly reduce the amount visible, but getting rid of all of them will be very time consuming and worthless because they will come back. Also wet sanding a little then rubbing compound works good too, but at that point your taking off a thicker layer of paint (removing the swirls cut into the paint).Long point short, use rubbing compound and just polish nicely. I like meguiars

[C|3R1C]

Originally Posted by MPowerrE92

So get it washed as normally then do a polish with microfiber cloth?

Pretty much most of the time just wash your car normally. My system is to wash my car, dry it off as much as i can, let it air dry, go over it again with quick detailer to remove water spots. Once the swirls start to build up, i will detail it with rubbing compound and wax to help clean them up, usually once ever two months or so. I also use a microfiber cloth.

[rjd598]

Don't go to the dealer. With proper cleaning techniques you are able to avoid swirls but this
means you do all the washing and drying yourself. If you can afford it I would get a paint correction that is tailored to your needs. Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone in your area but im sure the pros will have good recommendations

[SamS]

Originally Posted by MPowerrE92

So get it washed as normally then do a polish with microfiber cloth?

No. You need compounding via a professional, or a couple of days to do it yourself. My car is Jerez, but the problem was the same. You can how I fixed it here:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677219

[Singletrack]

A very high quality lambs wool mitt will not scratch the paint significantly. Also, wash it the straight lines as the air would flow over the car.

A paint correction by a professional will remove the swirls by removing trace amounts of the top layer of paint - the clearcoat.

Good luck!

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Every time I see swirl marks on my AW M3 I just step back 3 feet and they are gone.

This is a very good solution if you are man enough.

[OTDet]

here's a good detailing read on washing ( I hope you like reading )

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=4637

and last don't ever go to the dealership for paint correction on your $70,000+ M3!! Phil DetailersDomain is in NJ and so is many others...

[PetrolFumes]

How do I contact them!

Originally Posted by OTDetailer

here's a good detailing read on washing ( I hope you like reading )

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=4637

and last don't ever go to the dealership for paint correction on your $70,000+ M3!! Phil DetailersDomain is in NJ and so is many others...

[OTDet]

Phil@detailersdomain.com

[PetrolFumes]

Just emailed him. Thank you sir.

Originally Posted by OTDetailer

Phil@detailersdomain.com

[JesusMChrist]

I just read in the thread SamS posted of using a leaf blower to dry the vehicle, is this a common theme? I have never heard/thought of this before, curious if it's worth investing in one!

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by JesusMChrist

I just read in the thread SamS posted of using a leaf blower to dry the vehicle, is this a common theme? I have never heard/thought of this before, curious if it's worth investing in one!

I was on that thread..and have to inset foot in mouth.. as I said i just drive the car after a wash and let it air dry...but on a whim I bought a leaf blower from amazon for like $35 and used it ystrdy for the first time..all I can say is WOW..leaf blower FTW..

[tibra1]

OP get it detailed somewhere good where they buff under the lights..if you take care in how you wash and protect the paint you should be able to keep it swirl free

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by tibra1

I was on that thread..and have to inset foot in mouth.. as I said i just drive the car after a wash and let it air dry...but on a whim I bought a leaf blower from amazon for like $35 and used it ystrdy for the first time..all I can say is WOW..leaf blower FTW..

+1 you will reduce the risk of swirling even more. the remaining water on the car should be blot dried with a waffle weave mf towel.

[AutoCon]

Originally Posted by JesusMChrist

I just read in the thread SamS posted of using a leaf blower to dry the vehicle, is this a common theme? I have never heard/thought of this before, curious if it's worth investing in one!

Pick up one of these from Phil @ detailersdomain(Site sponsor) pricey but I should have got one a LONGTIME ago.


http://www.detailersdomain.com/Metro...3CD_p_344.html

[Templar]

Take it to the dealership if you want it to really swirl...

You're not going to be satisfied unless you wash it yourself. Read up on proper wash methods for reducing/avoiding swirls. I guarantee whatever people you pay to wash your car don't follow the proper methods at all... Start doing it yourself and it'll be better.