Attn: Car guys/gals

[topspeed]

To the small cadre of gearheads here at AR, just wanted to introduce you to a new wax I tried this past weekend. I've used just about every wax known from $5 Meguiars Pro to $50 Zymol and this Zaino wax is the new benchmark. My new car is Carbon Black according to BMW, but it's deep, deep blue to the rest of the world. After 4 coats of Zaino lemme tell you, this thing looks like a rolling black mirror. Although new, the paint had some spider webbing and the Zaino got rid of any hint of webbing, swirls, or other nastiness. The paint is truly flawless. Wow!

If you like to take care of your car, give this stuff a try. It isn't expensive and goes on very, very easy. In fact, the rule of thumb is "When in doubt, use less!" Taking it off requires no more than mild pressure. I waxed my car in 10 minutes and removed it in 20. It's that easy.

Cool stuff !

[EFE Speakers]

..wax my 330i next week!

Does this wax give a time table for how long it is suppose to last? Where did you purchase it?

There is a detail shop here in Prescott that applies a polymer polish and says it last 6 months to 1 year.

I originally had a teflon coating applied when I bought the car in Dec 2001, it has kept it very nice for the last few years but is showing signs of wearing off now. Nobody out here has even heard of a teflon coating???

I'd like to apply something that is low maintenance for at least a year or two. Of course regular hand washing with a mild auto detergent and keeping the car in the garage helps extend whatever is applied. Thanks for the tip Darin, I'll look into it!

Ed Frias

[jeskibuff]

Even better than Zaino is QuickSilver treatment for audio cables. This stuff does EVERYTHING! It's a car wax! No, it's a dessert topping! No, it's a car wax AND a dessert topping. Got a huge dent in your fender? NO PROBLEM. Apply QuickSilver and the dent pops RIGHT OUT! Get yours today...only $64.95.

P.S. Pet just died? Squirt a little QuickSilver on poochie. He'll come back to life, more loving than ever! I can't believe I ever lived without this stuff!

(hey TopSpeed...thanks for the tip. I've been using Zymol on my M3 and will check out Zaino when I run out).

[topspeed]

Even better than Zaino is QuickSilver treatment for audio cables. This stuff does EVERYTHING! It's a car wax! No, it's a dessert topping! No, it's a car wax AND a dessert topping. Got a huge dent in your fender? NO PROBLEM. Apply QuickSilver and the dent pops RIGHT OUT! Get yours today...only $64.95.

P.S. Pet just died? Squirt a little QuickSilver on poochie. He'll come back to life, more loving than ever! I can't believe I ever lived without this stuff!

(hey TopSpeed...thanks for the tip. I've been using Zymol on my M3 and will check out Zaino when I run out).

Dude, you're too much ! BTW, what the hell does "BBQ" and "111oneone" mean anyway? I think we lost something in the translation with Bjorn. Maybe it's Swedish?

Which Zymol are you using? Carbon, Creame, Atlantique? I was using the Creame on my white Ci and while I loved the look and feel of it, the stuff would only stick for about a month or two. While I don't mind waxing my car every other month, especially considering how easy Zymol goes on and off, it would be nice if I didn't have to because there isn't any protection left on it. You know what I'm talking about; The first wash after putting a coat on, the water practically bounces off the paint, the second it's beading pretty well, but by the sixth or seventh wash, it's beading up but doesn't roll off the paint like it did a month ago. The paint also doesn't have that silky feel to it when you brush it with the back of you hand either. Am I right?

Obviously, I've only had the Zaino on for a week or so, thus I can't comment on it's durability. Based on the reviews of the people that recommended it to me, I'm expecting at least 6 months of protection. The problem is it's been so long since I've waited that long between waxings, I'll probably end up doing it every quarter anyway just to avoid getting the shakes. I can say for certain that it provides superior depth and shine in comparison to the Zymol. They told me that the more you use, the deeper the finish and they aren't kidding. It's actually rather addictive because as the paint gets deeper, you want to keep applying coats to see how good it can get. Good Lord, somebody stop me!

BTW, how do you like your M3? I've had my convertible for almost 3 weeks now and the 1200 mile break-in period is absolutely killing me . It's funny how different the SMG is from driving anything else. I thought it would be cool using the paddles but to honest, I'm using the stick on the console much more beause it just feels more natural after driving manuals for so long. I'm adjusting, albeit slowly. I was also surprised at the difference the Sport setting makes. When engaged, I feel like Gene Wilder screaming, "It's Alive!!!" Wow, it feels like 1000lbs were removed. I wasn't expecting it to be that dramatic.


Hey Ed,

You can buy it from zainostore.com or just click on the link I provided in the orginal post ("this Zaino wax"). From my what I've been told, one application should be good for 6 months. They also have a Z6 spray on detailer that is there to extend the periods between waxes. You literally just spray it on and wipe it off. Simple.

I've heard of that teflon stuff. In fact, my BMW dealer tried to get me to pay for it when I bought my previous car. I respectfully declined as I firmly believe you don't really know your car until you've been able to wash and wax it by hand. I love studying the art of car design so smoothing my hands over the curves gives a better appreciation for the design language. This is one of the reasons I would like Chris Bangle and Adrian Van Hooydonk's heads (or similar body part) on a platter. Look what they did to our cars ! Sorry, I digress. You can get waxes with teflon from Mother's, Dupont, and others at your local Auto Zone.

BTW, two of the guys that recommend Zaino to me were big time Corvette guys. One e-mailed me a pic of his GranSport and the other his ZR-1 and Z06. The stunning GranSport is what convinced me to give it a try. Zaino has an M5 in the shop so this stuff is terrific for both your current 330 and your upcoming Z06 (you lucky dog!). Give it a try and put a couple of coats on, you won't be disappointed.

[EFE Speakers]

Hey TS,
After reading the testimonies and seeing a lot of those pictures at their site, this stuff almost sounds too good to believe! I ordered the Z2 polish, the speed up mix and their car wash. My 330i still looks new after 20k miles, but if this stuff makes it glow even better, I'll have a brand new looking car! (( :

I agree with your opinion regarding the new BMW style, it looks ugly! I would never have bought a 330i if they had looked like that two years ago. Some say the new style will grow on you, it hasn't grown on me and every time I look at it I like my 2002 more and more! I hope they don't use this design on the new M3, for sure it will make sales go down.

I heard the 2006 M3 will have a V8 in it, I wonder if they'll try to hit the 4 second flat barrier? I think it's going to be pretty hard for any car company to build a car that will match the new Z06 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds, at least with a price range of under $100k.
Now I'm hearing rumors of a new 550HP Viper, but who would spend $85k to $90k to get approximately 3.5 seconds (0-60) when you can buy a Z06 Vette for under $70K with much better technology built into it? The auto industry is really getting exciting as it was in the mid to late 1960's! I owned and raced a rat motor 427ci 1962 Nova in the late 60's, it got about 8mpg driving around on the street. The new 427ci Z06 is currently rated to get 16 city to 25mpg Highway, talk about great technology! Dave Hill (Chevrolet Corvette Chief) is said to be working on getting the mpg up on the new Z06 so there won't be any gas guzzler tax applied. Who would believe a 500 horsepower car could get anywhere around 25 to 27mpg on the highway, it just blows my mind! I can't even get over 23mpg on my 330i no matter how I drive it. I'll let you know how the shine turns out in a couple of weeks, thanks for the tip!

Ed Frias

[topspeed]

You bring up a point that I think is ignored far too often: Gas mileage. I am simply blown away by the EPA ratings for both the C6 and Z06 (along with the C5 while we're at it). My car has between 70-170 fewer hp and less than half the displacement, yet is only rated for 16/23. I don't know what kind of magic wand Hill is waving over the LS6 and new 427 motors, but it's working! Incredible.

The '06 M3 is purported to have a 4L V8 with 400hp. Thankfully, they've kept the "flame surfacing" to a minium and the new body is a handsome update of classic BMW style. I've see a couple of computer enhanced spy photos but this one from Autobild is the first I've see of a 4 door M3. I don't know if it will hit 4 sec. 0-60. Hell, it wasn't long ago that I thought a 6 sec 0-60 was quick! The times they are a-changin'!

BTW, if your 330i is a darker color, you might do well to grab a bottle of Z5 too as it is best for removing spider webs and swirls on dark cars.

Let me know what you think.

[jeskibuff]

Dude, you're too much ! BTW, what the hell does "BBQ" and "111oneone" mean anyway? I think we lost something in the translation with Bjorn. Maybe it's Swedish?

Bjorn is being very evasive. He's just torturing us by toying with our curiosity. It really doesn't mean a thing!

Which Zymol are you using? Carbon, Creame, Atlantique?

Carbon. Is Creame and Atlantique supposed to be better or is Carbon the top-of-the-line?

I was using the Creame on my white Ci and while I loved the look and feel of it, the stuff would only stick for about a month or two. While I don't mind waxing my car every other month, especially considering how easy Zymol goes on and off, it would be nice if I didn't have to because there isn't any protection left on it. You know what I'm talking about; The first wash after putting a coat on, the water practically bounces off the paint, the second it's beading pretty well, but by the sixth or seventh wash, it's beading up but doesn't roll off the paint like it did a month ago.

Yeah...sounds about right. We could always plaster our finishes with duct tape and never have to worry about rock dings and swirl marks ever again.

The paint also doesn't have that silky feel to it when you brush it with the back of you hand either. Am I right?

You cruel man. I never backhand my M3!

BTW, how do you like your M3? I've had my convertible for almost 3 weeks now and the 1200 mile break-in period is absolutely killing me .

I've had it for over 7 years now and the hardest thing is to figure out what to replace it with. It's been extremely reliable and it's still a major blast to drive. I normally don't keep a vehicle for more than 3 years. I've had my eyes on Acura NSX's for a while, but have just been waiting for the right deal to come along. Buying such a vehicle in my area would be stupid right now as the pot-holed roads would beat the thing to death. I'm in limbo, but the M3 makes it a very happy limbo.

I firmly believe you don't really know your car until you've been able to wash and wax it by hand. I love studying the art of car design so smoothing my hands over the curves gives a better appreciation for the design language.

Plus, that attention to detail helps you to notice things that need attention before they rear their ugly heads.

[topspeed]

Good for any paint? Jap and german paint are all different and some waxes arent good for them. If you waxed in ten minutes,it a very small car and you did a poor job. Didnt you say 4 coats?

Clearly, I didn't do 4 apps and removals in 10 minutes. On an M3 convertible, which is indeed a small car, I can get a coat on the car in around 10-15 minutes. Removal takes a smidge longer as you have detail the creases, gaps, etc.

I used to believe the Zymol marketing hoo-ha about different paints too. I believed it for over 10 years in fact. I used Zymol Saab on my Saab, Carbon on my Orvis Green Jeep, and Creame on my white BMW. It makes no difference, they all had poor durability. Zaino has a 30 day money-back guarantee so why not see if it makes a difference on your particular car? Hey, at least it's only $7 instead of $50 for the Zymol!

Carbon. Is Creame and Atlantique supposed to be better or is Carbon the top-of-the-line?

Nah, Carbon is for dark colors, Creame for light colors, otherwise they are the same. Alantique, Concours, and their other specialty waxes supposedly have a higher content of carnuba and are for show cars or people with more money than brains. These are the same guys that buy Valhalla wires. I'm sure their shine is terrific and since they go on trailer queens parked in air-conditioned garages, durability really isn't an issue is it?

Yeah...sounds about right. We could always plaster our finishes with duct tape and never have to worry about rock dings and swirl marks ever again.

You cruel man. I never backhand my M3!

Yer killin' me, man!

I've had it for over 7 years now and the hardest thing is to figure out what to replace it with. It's been extremely reliable and it's still a major blast to drive. I normally don't keep a vehicle for more than 3 years. I've had my eyes on Acura NSX's for a while, but have just been waiting for the right deal to come along. Buying such a vehicle in my area would be stupid right now as the pot-holed roads would beat the thing to death. I'm in limbo, but the M3 makes it a very happy limbo.

No doubt. I like Ed's idea of the C6/Z06. Very tough to beat for the bux. My friend has a NSX and loves it. It screams like a banshee when you wind it out and features world-class handling. For an "exotic" though, it's somewhat innocuous. I'm a big fan of 911's, have you ever taken one for a spin (quite literally if we're talking about 993's and earlier )? In this day and age where cars are becoming more and more homogenous, there is still nothing that drives and sounds like a Porsche.

Plus, that attention to detail helps you to notice things that need attention before they rear their ugly heads.

So true, good point.


BTW Ed,
Great color! That dark silver was my second choice and you're probably right about not needing Z5.