Used Carnuba wax, just for some protection and easy cleaning.










FYI the M3 has 126,500 miles and I did a hard wash, polish, wax w/ Collinite No. 845

 

nice, I did a "spirited" hill country drive with some Ford GT's, GTR's, Vipers and Vettes yesterday so I washed, waxed and sealed the Vantage today as well. Used Chemical Guys 50/50 wax and Jetseal 109.

 

I also have my Vantage for more special occasions and good weather and have an M3 as my daily driver. However my M3 is now for sale since I have never owned a convertible and bought a BMW 335 retractable hardtop while I still have some hair left to "Blow in the Wind"

I too like to maintain my cars so I took a detailing class one winter at my local community college. I just finished a clay bar, Meguiar's 105/205 polish with the Griot's random orbital buffer, then finished with a coat of Blackfire Wet Diamond paint protection. Black Onyx paint on my new 09 Vantage looks like liquid glass now!

I tried Lexol leather conditioner on my former 08 Vantage and it streaked. I think I saw some posts on this forum where people had better luck with Leatherique on the Aston leather. I am thinking about ordering some. Anybody else have good experience with it?

 

Mark-I tried several leather conditioners and cleaners on the Aston that had worked for previous cars, and most streaked or made the leather a bit shiny.

The leatherique is all that I use now, its a pain to do but gives the leather the correct matte look that it had from factory and helps keep it soft.

Pick it up, follow the directions and you will not be disappointed.

 

I been using Collinite 845 for years on my e46 and love the results...

 

On my previous AM, I used the Leatherique and was very happy with the results. I was apart of a forum buy and most of the members posted glowing reviews soon after!

 

I've never heard of those, but I will look into that next time I wanna buy some. I might pick it up for the next go about....

But how often do you wax?

The M3 is a great DD, I'm happy with it although I have sooo many miles on it now. I might wanna trade it up soon.

I've heard sooo much about leatherique I might just try that for the next interior detail.

Will try that, any word on the smell? Smell good, lkike new leather at all?

How long did it last? I keep the car outside and get to the wash maybe once every 2-3 weeks. Usually take it to the self spray wash (M3 that is)

Also, can you comment on the smell, does it smell bring out the leather smell?

 

I got put onto Collinite 845 about 6 years ago by a detailer who swore by the stuff. I've tried loads of other waxes, but Collinite is one of the most durable waxes out there. I find the an application of Collinite lasts me an easy 3(plus) months - with all my neighbours going about 6 months. I wash my car about one a week.

Drawback ?? - just doesn't give you the depth of other waxes on the market.

This past year I mixed Collinite & a few things together - had the water repelling from my car for about 1 month (here's a small sample area I tried)



In terms of smell of the Leatherique - it seemed non assuming enough. Not very chemical smell. I was worried also, when you sniff the bottle not a very pleasant smell. Definitely better than Lexol in terms of smell.


Edit:

By the way, Collinite Super Doublecoat (No. 476s) is even better in terms of durability, but harder to work with. I've used it in the past, but find the '845' easier to work with.
http://www.eshine.ca/collinite_super_doublecoat_auto_wax_no_476s9oz-1001.php

 

I wax every 4 months or so, but only wash my car once a month as it never gets rained on and sits in a garage. The 50/50 is very deep, but not very durable. Thats why i also do the jetseal. Check out their website, a deailer friend turned me on to the site.

 

I might start doing it more often in that case. I used to wash it once every 2-3 weeks over the summer.

Thanks! The M3 is aging, but still holding up well and definitely fun. Just gotta take care of it, to be happy to drive it all day.

 

I use Hide Food on mine (Obsidian Black), with excellent results -- nice, rich-looking matte finish. I have heard nothing but good things about Leatherique. I use Zymol Concours on the Onyx Black, and it is spectacular. It seems very durable, although the car is a weekend/fun car, garaged and doesn't get out in bad weather.

CJ, your car looks fantastic.