10-06-2015, 04:45 PM | #23 |
Tanzanite Blue II X5M Pilot
1045
Rep 2,021
Posts
Drives: M3, M4, X3 M40i, X5M
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: WS, GSO High Point, NC
|
Nice detail. One of best that I jave seen!
Man, that is awesome! Makes the car look totally new again. I did this on my old 540i/6 Msport, but your products and process have yielded a better result. I will absolutely follow your lead on my two Xs! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-06-2015, 06:11 PM | #25 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
Materials used for cleaning:
- 3M/scotch Brite scouring pads - Diluted Simple Green 50/50 - Sonax Wheel Cleaner - Brake Cleaner - Assorted brushes The medium scouring pads seem to work the best on aluminum without scratching however I bought an aggressive scouring pad that worked really good for the rear lower arms and aluminum pieces with a dull finish. Aside from that all plastic or painted pieces were scrubbed with brushes or a softer scouring pad so as not to damage the original finish. |
Appreciate
1
|
10-06-2015, 11:44 PM | #26 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
LED Rear License Plate Bulb Upgrade
Had a bulb going back....at least that's what I thought so I bought a pair of LED bulbs to freshen up the look. Was extremely concerned about the LEDs being to bright but frankly the ones I bought I think are perfect. When I ended up replacing the bulbs it ended up that the original just had a bad connection....oh well I'm liking these better! Since I just installed them I can comment on overall reliability but quality seems good and so far no errors. Can't beat it for $8 shipped from Amazon Prime: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o01_s00 Product Side by Side with OEM LEDs Installed |
Appreciate
1
|
10-11-2015, 09:45 AM | #27 |
Lieutenant Colonel
597
Rep 1,805
Posts |
Good job man, looks 100x better already.
__________________
2014 F30 335i / 2014 F31 328d / 2014 F22 m235i
2019 G05 5.0 / 2012 E70 X5 50i / 2007 X5 3.0is 2011 e93 M3 / 2009 E60 M5 / 2004 E46 M3 2017 Alpina B6 22 Ram Trx / 22 M5 CS |
Appreciate
0
|
10-11-2015, 09:40 PM | #30 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
Undercarriage Panel Remove & Detail
Well, today was another day of cleaning, this time focusing on the panels covering the undercarriage of the vehicle. I had enough time to take care of most of the panels from the rear axle to the front but I have the trans and engine cover to do next, maybe next week. Burned up another 5hrs removing cleaning and detailing each part then reinstalling. Additionally I cleaned up the side step panels where they connect under the car. Again, lots of work but well worth the effort IMO. I only wish I had a better angle of the undercarriage photos.....huge difference! Just after removal: Some before and after shots: Even the hardware got some attention: Reinstalled and looking good. Sorry didn't have right lens with me so photos aren't very good. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-11-2015, 11:19 PM | #31 |
Captain
107
Rep 994
Posts |
The background of some of the pics remind me of some of the town homes in Irvine... But then again, there are only a handful of large-scale builders in the US, and they re-use the same plans in many cases, just different trims, colors, plants.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2015, 12:11 AM | #32 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
I have no idea how you would get that from the few photos of the background but I know what you mean as I actually work in Irvine. Though my house is actually in the city of Chino and some of the earlier pics were taken at Chino Airport which is widely known for the Planes of Fame museum.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2015, 10:02 AM | #33 |
Private
17
Rep 53
Posts |
Man, beautiful and inspiring work so far! So cool to see someone who cares about the underside of their car as much as I do. I don't buy cars very often - the last I bought was in 2009 - but I keep them for a long time and work on them myself, which almost necessitates having an OCD-level clean throughout. Leaks and other issues that need diagnosing can be found so much easier when you're starting out with a clean car.
That said, I also live in the PNW which makes it pretty tough to keep the underside as shiny as I'd like it to be. I generally detail the underside at least once a year, and touch it up at every tire rotation. I'll also be watching your build closely as it develops. I just took delivery of my 2011 35d yesterday in platinum bronze and can't wait to get started on "Making it my own." thanks for the inspiration, and best of luck as you go forward! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2015, 10:46 AM | #34 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
Congrats on your recent purchase. I must say I'm loving my 35d and I haven't even begun to really start modding, I usually do that after detailing. Glad to hear someone with similar interests and understanding of why I do this. I'll be happy once I'm done under the car to give my body a bit of a break from the awkward and uncomfortable positions I find myself in. Good luck and your X and be sure to share your progress with the community.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-12-2015, 04:02 PM | #35 |
Private
17
Rep 53
Posts |
Thanks. I'm only 4 days old on this forum but I think I've already managed to view & attempted to memorize about 40% of it. Everyone's so helpful and knowledgeable here.
I'll definitely look forward to seeing how your build progresses too! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-25-2015, 07:30 PM | #37 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
Literally just got back from 1,000mi trip to Yosemite and the 35d did real well hauling all our hiking and camping gear. As for the springs I'll probably be looking to install in a month or so but I have some other aesthetic goodies I'll be installing in the meantime.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2015, 05:19 PM | #38 |
Tanzanite Blue II X5M Pilot
1045
Rep 2,021
Posts
Drives: M3, M4, X3 M40i, X5M
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: WS, GSO High Point, NC
|
You need to start a separate detail thread to show off your work... I really only stumbled in here because I recently purchased a 35d myself.
(just started modding mine as well) This level of detail would generate a lot of interest and would certainly up the ante on our projects. Thanks for sharing!!! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2015, 08:42 PM | #40 |
Major
209
Rep 1,044
Posts |
Quick update, Zeus is at the dealership getting the DEF tank replaced along with an oil and filter service. Upon getting the vehicle back I plan to tackle doing a detail to the engine bay. I reached out to a manufacturer of detailing products I like to use about helping me restock my inventory in trade for some good PR. Not a response saying no, or thanks, or anything which I was a little disappointed about. Leatherique has been gracious in sponsoring my projects and I have to say their products are amazing. Once I finish up a few things you'll definitely see some interior leather action going on.
Anyways, hoping to get the vehicle back before the weekend. Until then I'll see if I can get a few pics of Zeus from my Yosemite trip. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-29-2015, 08:49 AM | #41 |
Private
17
Rep 53
Posts |
Thanks again for sharing. Curious how a DEF tank goes bad?
I have H&R 1.2" springs/turnbuckles, wide flares, OE bike racks, & execuhitch sitting in my garage so far. All that's lacking is the time to install them. The wheels I like are on backorder until mid-Dec so that's kind of taking the wind out of my sails a little. Can't wait to see yours with the Eibach's installed! |
Appreciate
0
|
10-30-2015, 01:42 AM | #42 |
Second Lieutenant
64
Rep 266
Posts |
What dealer do you take it to? My SA said there are currently 5 x5's in the shop at McKenna. Mine will be going soon for the front drive shaft. They should check yours while its there
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|