Getting Ready for Winter, any recco's on Wax?

[hsc1102]

Would appreciate everyone's input, I am trying to get ready for winter by washing and waxing the X5M.

My question to everyone is what wax (paste/liquid/synthetic) would you recommend? While I am willing get my hands dirty and do the work myself, I don't want to spend 4-8 hours start to finish.

I am looking for the most efficient (speed/cost/quality) but don't want to invest my entire Saturday detailing the car.

I found a few on amazon that look interesting...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[RideM5]

I'm a fan of the meguiares in the second link. Easy to use and looks great.

[mleun481]

I prefer to use a sealant vs wax. Sealants last longer plus you can top it with wax if you want. I detail as a hobby so I don't mind spending 8hrs+ on detailing.

[P1]

Neither of those. If you're not really into detailing, then select something that will last you a while. Looks are important, as are the ease of application and removal. I have an entire cabinet full of detailing products, and although I love my Swissvax waxes (I have many of them), I always go back to my Menzerna Power Lock. Lasts forever, easy on and SUPER easy off. Just cannot beat it...

[buckeyewalt]

The best wax I EVER used on my vehicles is Collinite #845 insulator wax. This wax is suitable for automotive, marine, aeronautical and industrial use so says the label. There is no other wax that I used for any vehicles that it doesn't last longer, keeps up the shine and beads water like crazy. Not trying to sell anybody on this but for just plain durability there is no equal....period!

[Grayhair]

Zano Brothers, can only purchase from their web site. New addition to their show car line takes ten minutes to apply. No wiping off or buffing as it drys to a perfect sealed gloss finish. It lasted over a year on my M235 and it's been on my X5 for two months.

[Brian425]

I agree with the recommendations for Zaino or Menzerna.

The Zaino brothers started as painters doing custom cars here in Brooklyn, NY. They have been refining their product for years.

[WallyM5]

Turtle wax, it makes my X just a little slower.

[jplatt83]

Originally Posted by Grayhair

Zano Brothers, can only purchase from their web site. New addition to their show car line takes ten minutes to apply. No wiping off or buffing as it drys to a perfect sealed gloss finish. It lasted over a year on my M235 and it's been on my X5 for two months.

What do you mean no wiping off? Isn't that the point of waxing your car. Apply, let sit and dry and then buff out...

[P1]

Originally Posted by buckeyewalt

The best wax I EVER used on my vehicles is Collinite #845 insulator wax. This wax is suitable for automotive, marine, aeronautical and industrial use so says the label. There is no other wax that I used for any vehicles that it doesn't last longer, keeps up the shine and beads water like crazy. Not trying to sell anybody on this but for just plain durability there is no equal....period!

I have 845 as well, and although I agree with you on all points above, the sealant isn't quite as easy to apply and remove vs. Power Lock. It's also loses it's slickness pretty quickly, although it'll keep beading for a while.

Originally Posted by Grayhair

Zano Brothers, can only purchase from their web site. New addition to their show car line takes ten minutes to apply. No wiping off or buffing as it drys to a perfect sealed gloss finish. It lasted over a year on my M235 and it's been on my X5 for two months.

Zaino is the first product I used when I got into detailing. But in my opinion, there are far better options out there where one product will get the job done. I remember having to use ZFX, then a layer of a Z-1, then a layer of Z-2, let it cure for 24 hours, then a layer of Z-8 and spray it down with a mist of Z-16 etc. etc. Wore me out completely.

[jplatt83]

I have a black sapphire 35d and i used Mcguires black wax. The shine and wetness look was simply amazing however i don't think it lasts to long. I want something that will be on for 4-6 months. I live in IL. Open to suggestions.

I was about to pull the trigger on Zaino but then realized i needed a separate kit. Forget that noise.

[mleun481]

There are wipe on walk away sealants. Waxes don't last as long as sealants. Find something you like and use it often.

[baliano]

Don't bother with wax, it won't last. For ease of use I also like Menzerna Power Lock, however, I would also suggest Sonax Polymer Net Shield. Easy, will last you all winter and then some, and the protection is second to none in the sealant category. Super affordable as well. It can go on any surface as well...glass, plastic, metal ect... You can boost the performance and longevity of the Sonex with Sonex Brilliant Shine detail spray after every 2 or three washes. I would hit your car with a quick clay/polish prior. It may take 5-7 hours (minimum) to do all steps, but well worth it. Putting wax on top of un-prepped paint doesn't make sense to me. A quality detail can take many hours but if maintained correctly you will only have to do 1 or 2 times a year.

[overheadvalve]

Originally Posted by buckeyewalt

The best wax I EVER used on my vehicles is Collinite #845 insulator wax. This wax is suitable for automotive, marine, aeronautical and industrial use so says the label. There is no other wax that I used for any vehicles that it doesn't last longer, keeps up the shine and beads water like crazy. Not trying to sell anybody on this but for just plain durability there is no equal....period!

+1. Been using it for years!

[P1]

I just bought some Optimum ONR for the first time. Although I'm in Texas and we don't experience bad winters, I'm curious to see how much easier it'll make my washing routine.

[socale39]

+1 on Collinite 845. I used to use meguiars waxes but the 845 does wonders. I love taking a water bottle over a freshly sealed hood, water just slips right off.

[zeroboot]

this stuff...GTechniq EXO Ultra Durable Hybrid Coating

[jplatt83]

I'm going to try out the Sonax Polymer Net Shield

[P1]

Originally Posted by jplatt83

I'm going to try out the Sonax Polymer Net Shield

I have it, and it says what it does on the tin but it's now fun to apply and remove unfortunately...

[jplatt83]

Originally Posted by P1et

I have it, and it says what it does on the tin but it's now fun to apply and remove unfortunately...

I've watched a few videos and it looks like the trick is to wipe it off pretty much immediately after you apply it. Of course, in a cool, shady area.

Also, one person dampened his applicator pad before spaying the product and he said it helped out a lot.

[baliano]

Great choice. The key is small sections. I've applied PNS to my M3 and X5 several times and didn't find it difficult at all. The first go around is a bit tricky b/c it doesn't glide on like wax. It's a bit 'sticky' but the learning curve is quick. It repels water dust and dirt better than any non-coating I've tried-and I have all the big players in my detail arsenal. Detailers Domain and autogeek both have great reviews on it. Best of luck and post pics after you apply

[P1]

Originally Posted by baliano

Great choice. The key is small sections. I've applied PNS to my M3 and X5 several times and didn't find it difficult at all. The first go around is a bit tricky b/c it doesn't glide on like wax. It's a bit 'sticky' but the learning curve is quick. It repels water dust and dirt better than any non-coating I've tried-and I have all the big players in my detail arsenal. Detailers Domain and autogeek both have great reviews on it. Best of luck and post pics after you apply

What is your process? I'm always up for improving my technique.