Renewing a Legend: The 2023 BMW X5 Ceramic Coating & Detail
- kyle
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
There is a common misconception that a relatively new car arrives from the dealership in a next to perfect condition. In reality, by the time a vehicle like this 2023 BMW X5 reaches a customer, it has endured numerous poor washes from the car wash as well as contaminates imbedded into the paintwork.
We recently had this stunning X5 in the studio for a multi day Machine Polish and Ceramic Coating package. Our goal wasn't just to make it "clean" it was to achieve a level of depth and protection that far exceeds the factory finish, ensuring this vehicle remains protected until 2028.
Day 1: Decontamination and Preparation
You cannot build a house on a shaky foundation, and you cannot apply a ceramic coating to "dirty" paint. Even if paint looks clean, it is often riddled with bonded contaminants.
The Engine Bay
We began by addressing the heart of the vehicle. The engine bay received a professional degreasing and a light clean. Once moved inside, it was blow dried to ensure no moisture remained in sensitive areas. To finish, we applied a hydrophobic dressing to all plastics, which not only gives it a "factory fresh" look but also repels dust and water.
The Three Stage Exterior Wash
To get the paintwork ready for the machine polish, we followed a rigorous three stage process:
Grime Removal: A deep soak and rinse to remove all surface mud and road film.
Chemical Decontamination: A specialized chemical wash to dissolve fallout and stubborn tar spots that regular soap won't touch.
Mechanical Clay Bar: The final step to pull out any remaining bonded contaminants, leaving the surface "smooth as glass."
Day 2: The Art of the Machine Polish
Once the BMW was fully decontaminated, we moved on to the most transformative part of the process, a Single Stage Machine Polish.
Many owners are surprised to find light scratches and "swirl marks" on their 2023 models. These often come from improper washing techniques at the dealership or the hand car wash.
Our machine polishing stage:
Removes light scratches and swirls.
Significantly enhances the gloss levels of the paintwork.
Creates a perfectly flat surface for the ceramic coating to bond to.
By the end of Day 1, we had already perfected the front end and the roof. On Day 2, we completed the remaining panels and moved into the final protection phase.
Long-Term Protection: Bonding the Coating
Before the ceramic coating is applied, we perform a panel wipe down. This removes any oils or residues left over from the polishing stage. It is a critical step, without it the coating won't form a physical bond with the exterior paint.
The result is a crystalline layer of protection that hardens over the paint. This BMW X5 is now officially protected until 2028. To round off the service, we gave the interior a "freshen up" valet, ensuring the cabin felt as new as the exterior looked.
Why Our Clients Trust Us
We recently hit a milestone of 90 Google Reviews in just over a year. We believe in transparency and "how I" stories rather than just "how-to" guides. We treat every car whether it's a daily driver or a luxury SUV with the same obsession for detail.
Is your vehicle ready for a transformation?
Don't wait for the elements to dull your paintwork. Whether you’ve just picked up a new car or want to restore your current one, we can help.
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