Next, we turn our attention to the wheels and trim. Any chips on the wheels were filled in, wet-sanded, buffed and protected with DyNA Brilliance paint sealant to reduce future contamination from brake dust. The wheel cap centers were taken apart and the exterior ring (which always discolors) was finished in semi-gloss black.

 

The final chapter of the exterior was to apply paint protection film. European headlights were installed in order to delete the amber corners. The first order of business was transfer the HID ballasts to the new light assemblies then remove the rubber trim to allow the film to be flipped over so as not to have any visible edges. The headlights and foglights were then covered with 3M's 14 mil Scotchgard film. The angel eyes were upgraded to 6000K.

The next step was to make custom templates for the paint protection film for the paintwork.

 

Now that the templates were completed, the film was cut out, waxed with the DyNA Brilliance sealant and applied.All the edges were flipped where possible. The areas covered were full hood, full fenders, "A" pillars, leading edge of the roof, front bumper, side sills, bottom of doors, headlights and fogs. I decided to use my car as a testing bed for paint protection films. The brands of film used were 3M Scotchgard, Venture clearcoated film with cap sheet and Xpel's new clearcoated film. I wanted this to be a real world test of the films' durability in the "real world". I will post the results in the future.

 

Some final shots of the film applications and finished results.

 

Wow!!

 

Very impressive process. But now its time to modify it!! Congratulations on the E39 purchase. A wonderful car that will continue to bring a smile to your face everytime you push her.

 

Great job Matt....I expected no less from you.

 

Awesome work. What paint meter/inspection light do you use?

 

I don't think I have words to describe how amazing that detail was

great car...I've been looking at them as well, maybe I'll have you do my initial detail since you are now familiar with the car

 

I wish you were closer to me I would send all my cars to you.....amazing detail.

 

The two lights I used were a Brinkman halogen and a small LED flashlight. The paint meter I brought with me, believe it or not, was a cheapo magnetic type. To me, my most important tools are my eyes to see and my experience to discern the imperfections. When looking for repainted panels, the first thing I look for is not difference in color but rather difference in orange peel.

The best part of bringing all these tools with you is seeing the sellers face when you whip them out; a true Kodak moment

 

This is true. At first it seems fast enough, but as I get used to it I want more. The other day I barely beat the new 335i in Sport mode.

 

Thanks for the detailed writeup and pictures Matt!

I've seen this car in the flesh a few weeks ago and let me tell you, it's flawless.

Hope to see it out at Captree at some point.

-Pete

 

Great work Matt. Meticulous!

Lets say someone bought a preowned car and brought it to you to have the same type of worked performed on it. What would those services cost?

Interior breakdown and detail, exterior/paint correction detail, engine detail, wheel detail, paint protection on vulnerable areas.

thanks

Ronnie

 

Absolutely meticulous! A rolling ad for your skills.