Breathing New Life into a Classic: 1989 BMW 320i E30 Paint Correction & 2-Year Ceramic Coating
- kyle
- Nov 1
- 3 min read
See the stunning transformation of a classic 1989 BMW 320i E30 with original, single stage Alpine White paint. We performed a full machine polish and applied a durable 2 year ceramic coating to restore its vintage glow and protect this garage stored time capsule. Read about the process!
The Foundations of a Detailing Dream: A True E30 Timepiece
We recently had the absolute pleasure of working on an absolutely stunning classic: a 1989 BMW 320i E30 in its original Alpine White paint. These E30s are genuine automotive timepieces, and this particular example arrived with us for a multi day package of machine polishing and a ceramic coating installation.
The client's goal was simple yet profound: to bring a little life back to the paintwork. At nearly 36 years old, the single stage paint was showing the inevitable signs of wear and slight oxidation. This is a common challenge with older, solid colour paints, but one we relish tackling. Our mission was to make this vehicle look as good as the day it first rolled out of the showroom!
The Critical First Step: Paint Depth Analysis
Working on classic paint is vastly different from modern two stage finishes, demanding a specialised approach and extreme care. Before touching the paint, we followed our non negotiable protocol: a comprehensive paint depth gauge analysis across the entire vehicle.
The results were a pleasant surprise! The entire vehicle was found to be all original not a single panel had been repainted in its lifetime. While there were a few thin areas on the rear and above the door handles, this deep understanding of the paint's health allowed us to proceed with confidence, knowing exactly how much we could safely remove. Always measure before you correct - Our Services
A Three-Stage Deep Clean & Decontamination
With the paint condition assessed, we moved on to a thorough wash and decontamination process to prepare the surface for polishing. This is a crucial step to prevent dragging any contaminants across the paint during correction.
Three-Stage Wash: The vehicle received a full wash, including a pre wash, snow foam, and a contact wash to remove all surface dirt.
Chemical Decontamination: We used tar and glue remover and an iron fallout remover to dissolve embedded ferrous and chemical contaminants.
Mechanical Decontamination: Finally, a clay bar treatment was performed to remove any remaining bonded on debris, ensuring a perfectly smooth canvas for the polishing process.
Restoring the Original Alpine White Brilliance
The main event was the single stage machine polish. The goal here was to remove the swirl damage and surface oxidation that was dulling the Alpine White finish. A single stage polish is a focused effort, carefully working the older paint to reveal the deep gloss that was hiding beneath the hazy, oxidised top layer.
The result of the correction was nothing short of sensational. The process successfully restored a bright, crisp white colour, bringing back the intense gloss and clarity the E30 deserves. Older cars were truly built to last, and with the right care, their paint can be rejuvenated beautifully.
Long-Term Protection: The 2-Year Ceramic Coating Ceramic Coating
After achieving this correction, the paint was wiped down with a panel wipe to ensure perfect adhesion, and we moved on to the protection stage: a 2 year ceramic coating.
Given that this classic is garage stored and will not be a daily driver, a 2 year coating provides exceptional value and long lasting protection. Ceramic coatings create a durable, chemically resistant, and hydrophobic barrier that protects the paint from UV damage, oxidation, and contamination, even in storage. For a car that won't see significant road mileage, a professional 2 year coating can easily exceed its rated lifespan, giving our client peace of mind for many years to come.
This entire project from the deep clean to the coating was completed over a meticulous two day period. Seeing the client absolutely blown away by the results makes every second of work worthwhile. It's truly a testament to the fact that even classic, nearly 36 year old single-stage paint can be restored to a magnificent, deep, high gloss finish.
Ready to Revive Your Classic?
Do you have a classic car with dull, oxidised, or swirl damaged paint? We specialise in single stage paint correction and applying long lasting ceramic coatings that respect the originality of your vehicle.
What classic are you looking to restore to its former glory? Enquire Now
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