540i M Equipped and Finished to a "T"

[Totoland]

This car is unusual in that it was purchased from the Pres. of the Milwaukee BMW Club instead of an auction car. The owner kept it in FANTASTIC shape. For paint process, I used a mild format: Meguiar's #83 with a 3M compound pad to remove some light scratching, followed by 3M Dark Glaze with the 3M Glaze pad.

My final product was Zaino Z5 as a test for this product. It does produce a very slick, wet looking finish and will also show any imperfections underneath. I used the Z Clear Seal on the M Wheels and it works great.

Some pics:

Polishing bumper with #83

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_SGray_FrontBumper2.jpg

Final power wash before Zaino application

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_SGrayOutside2_17hr.jpg

Even the exhaust is pristine!

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_SGrayExhaust_17hr.jpg

Done Shots!

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_Finished_Z5_22hr.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_Finished_Z5_22hra.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_Finished_Z5_22hrb.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/SterlingGray%20540i/540i_Finished_Z5_22hrc.jpg

I honestly don't think the dealer will keep this car very long....and I'm hoping another BMW Club member will purchase it and keep it in this condition.

Toto

[simracer]

Toto,

You're killing me. Beauty of a car and one that I'd want, esp if my wife wants to expand the family by one more. DHS might visit if I were to try to stuff 3 kids in the rear of the 328i.
Although I'd have a heck of a time campaigning a 540i in autocross.

Question, did you use Z5 or Z5 Pro? In any event, isn't is suppose to hide very light swirling? At least to a larger degree than Z2?

Also, how do you like 83? Do you think it can be used successfully via PC or is it best used with a rotary polisher? I need something with a bit more bite than Menz SIP via the PC for a hood scratch and I was thinking 83 might be the ticket.

[Totoland]

Toto,

You're killing me. Beauty of a car and one that I'd want, esp if my wife wants to expand the family by one more. DHS might visit if I were to try to stuff 3 kids in the rear of the 328i.
Although I'd have a heck of a time campaigning a 540i in autocross.

Question, did you use Z5 or Z5 Pro? In any event, isn't is suppose to hide very light swirling? At least to a larger degree than Z2?

Also, how do you like 83? Do you think it can be used successfully via PC or is it best used with a rotary polisher? I need something with a bit more bite than Menz SIP via the PC for a hood scratch and I was thinking 83 might be the ticket.

Aw come on simracer! It's already got all the M goodies and a spare set of winter wheels and tires....u-b-ready for Hallet!

I don't really know if what I have is Z5 or Z5 Pro...gotta look at the bottle when I get back to the shop. The Zaino rep gave me a "courtesy" sample of a bunch of their products.

#83: I've been using it for several years with excellent results on a pc as well as a rotary. For decent scratch repair with a pc, use 83 with an 8006 pad (Meguiar's number) and take some time. It will work the scratch smooth, but takes some time and don't use too much product while you're at it. I'd definitely recommend 83. If the polish pad doesn't work, go to a more aggressive compound pad.

Toto

[simracer]

Ha ha. Haven't been out to Hallett (driving anyway) since the Taurus SHO convention in 2001. But I've been there several times since in pit crew capacity. Not quite as fun, but a lot less likelihood of getting t-boned.

Yes, I've got the more current Z2 Pro, but the Z5 that I have is the old formula. Still seems to work pretty well though.

Thanks for the info on 83. I do hear guys on Autopia complain about it gumming up the pad. But the common gotchas seem to be too much product or high humidity working environment. Thanks for letting me know I can tackle it with the PC.

[Steve530]

Very nice. Good work.

[RyansBMW]

damn thats hot!