2006 BMW 750iL - Wet Sanding

[mgm2003]

2006 BMW 750iL with 100K on the clock

My son plans to flip this one (and thank God it didn’t throw any codes when we hooked it up to the shop computer). These are exceptional driving cars, but unfortunately when you stack up miles, repairs come, along with $$$$$$. Car looked like it sat outside for a few years, with zero care. The owner put new brakes and tires on all 4 corners and installed a new battery.

Interior = Excellent condition (it was detailed professionally prior to the sale)

Exterior = Good shape for it`s age, with the exception of the flats. The roof and trunk are beyond correction and need re-sprayed. We decided to give the hood a try to see what we could salvage. The hood had VERY heavy staining under the paint. I have no idea what it was, but it was substantial. I’ve seen some nasty staining in the past—this one took the prize!

Didn’t take many photos: but will share 2 to give you an idea of what the canvas looked like before and after.

Process used:
Wash: Used a mix of APC and car soap (Foam Gun & Hand Wash)
Clay Bar: The hood destroyed of a bar of clay, another first for me. Had to throw it away.
Prep-Solve wipe down: Even after all of that, we still removed contaminants from the surface.
Hit a few spots with Menzerna Power Gloss x’s 2, using a Rupes DA on speed 4 with a LC wool pad. Didn’t touch it.

My son wet sanded the spots (30+ of them). He’s wet sanded more panels than I’ve had lunches in my life (i.e. he’s proficient, at a professional level after doing that at a body shop for 5+ years). The work he did, would have taken me a few evenings (at least). It was something to see! He used a 3M sanding block and Scientific Instruments micro-mesh papers (3600 & a few spots with 3200)

Next up…….
A50 FEYNLAB Super Heavy Cutting Compound: This is hands down, the best compound I’ve ever used, and I’ve tried dozens. Incredible work time, zero dust, and produces a very reasonable finish (probably the best finish I’ve ever seen from a compound). Used the Rupes DA on speed 4, again with a LC wool pad (those pads are so effective) Hit 2 x 2 sections, 8 passes, moving slooooooow.

Final Polish: 3M Ultrafina, Rupes @ speed 3 using a LC polishing pad. 6 passes, cross hatch pattern, again moving slooooooow. This took us from VHS to 4K.

I`d estimate that we corrected the hood 90%. Not perfect, but no longer think that panel needs to be refinished.

No topper yet. Will likely use Zaino Z5, or apply some Collinite 476. We’re going to flip this bad boy, so I’m not going to go too crazy.


Before (started around 6:30pm, this is right before wet sanding):

Shared album - Delaware Resident - Google Photos



After: (Around midnight)—Yes, this took some work. Legs and back feel it!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l5t...ew?usp=sharing



It was pretty cool working on a project with my son. Had a blast!

[Sizzle Chest]

That cleaned up well!!! And very cool that you did it with your son, glad you enjoyed it!

[mgm2003]

@Sizzle--Thanks. Love your work.

The main reason we wet sanded the hood is because we already figured it needed refinished, so really nothing to lose other than time. It ended up being worth the effort. Still have no idea what was on that damn paint. It was like Alien-acid-slobber all over the damn panel!

Here`s a shot from back in the day. My son was my helper at an early age and think he got the bug! And hell no, I didn`t do that to him. He was at the age when they frequently attempt to cut their own hair! Little man looks like a cast member from The Hills Have Eyes! lololol



I had an opportunity to buy this car (< 20 K). F Me!!!!!!! Didn`t do it at the time because of: V6 engine. Poor decision on my part! This car is iconic and has held up over time.

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[Stokdgs]

mgm2003-- Wow !!! That turned out beautiful !!!! Congrats !!!
Thanks for giving us the history and the pics !!!!

Have had 5 Bimmers, 3 new, and loved them all too.

And Detailed hundreds more...And all the other German marques...

And yes, nothing drives like them...

In my experiences, Audi has always had the best leather interiors too..

Those 7-Series Bimmers....Awesome long trip cars..
Dan F

[mgm2003]

Thanks! 95% of that one was my son`s work. The wet sanding was as good as you could ever expect. Prep and Polishing out the canvas did take time, but that wasn`t anything crazy. That BMW is one hell of a machine, and has technology from 2006, not yet seen in mainstream cars. The ride is just wild. You want to drive it like a Porsche--it will comply. If you want it to be a Sunday luxury cruise liner--spot on. Crazy! The seats are more comfortable than any furniture in my house. I`ll include the back seats in that comment too (which may actually be more comfortable). That car is just insane, and so tempting to keep. The only thing I don`t like (and it`s a big dislike), is that damn iDrive dial on the center console. It`s about as intuitive as a TV remote that`s missing batteries! But when you do finally figure out how to select (as an example) one of the many sound inputs--the audiophile quality sound is a step beyond superb! Anyways, I digress. Thank you for the compliment. I`ll share it with my son, because he`s the damn hero of this project!