This is probably the best looking R60 I have seen. Can you elaborate on the window tinting? How much did it cost? And is it fully legal in your state?

 

John, Thanks for the nice comments... I replied (finally) to you in the other thread.. 35% in the front, 5% all other windows. $229 for the entire car is what I paid. The first quote was for $250 but I told him I'd got to the dealer for that price (same charge).

I know the 35% in the front is the darkest allowed in TX. The rest of the car is legal as far as I know - I told the tint guy I wanted to be able to pass inspection...

Funny I ended with a blue car... by far not my first choice... In the end however, I'm very happy...

As other people have said with the other colors - it changes depending on the light

Btw, I too named my baby Jack - he was born in January... almost 8lbs

 

Just one slight correction. In Texas you can have 25% on the side windows in combination with whatever tint the window might naturally be. So if the factory lass has a 10% light transmittal, you can add 35% TINT to get to 25%.

Michael

 

What are you using for wax/polish? I've tried a base Collinite Super Doublecoat Paste Wax with a Mother's Carnuba top layer, but I don't think the Carnuba content in Mother's is high enough. Your shine looks pretty good from the picture.

 

That color is awesome if that's what it really looks like.
Where in Houston are you located?

As far as wax/polish, I've used a poop-ton, pretty much every major brand you can think of including internet only stuff like Zaino, and my current favorite is Ultima. Seems expensive but you use so little of it, it lasts forever. It's the easiest to use and longest lasting of anything I've ever tried. In fact the polish which is your last step is apply and walk away. No need to remove anything. And it can be applied several times. I usually do at least 3 coats with 12 hrs between coats. Takes 10 minutes to coat the whole car. My current car is 4 years old with 40k miles and looks newer than the day I drove it home. I wash it once every 3 weeks or so and try to apply Ultima twice a year but usually it goes more like 8-10 months.
http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-car-care.html

http://d2creative.smugmug.com/Other/...0338AudiA3.jpg

 

max got side stripes to match his boot and bonnet stripes yesterday. they turned out better than expected. excuse the dirt I live on a dirt road.

 

looks great raysmax.. looks like max even attracted a little black cat friend to come check him/her out!

 

MINItitan,

Your car is gorgeous. I like the all surf blue look. My baby will have a white roof with white bonnet stripes. I hope it looks as nice as yours.

 

I am pretty impressed, what products did you use from Ultima, there's a lot of stuff on that page

Thanks, I am kind of new to detailing

 

I like the strips on Max. Good job.

Bill

 

No problem. And ya, it can be a bit overwhelming, haha.
Here's my twice/year full detail kit/process.

1. Wash the car with any soap. Dishwash detergent like dawn helps remove old wax.
2. Ultima Elastrofoam Paint Cleaning System. This is like a clay bar but easier. Pulls all the gunk out of your paint. If you lightly rub your hand over your paint and it feels at all gritty, you need this. After using, your paint should feel clean/smooth.
3. Ultima Paint Prep Plus. This helps further clean the surface and creates a better bond for the next step. I use a Porter Cable random orbital machine for this, but you can use the included hand applicator if you want. Apply and remove one panel at a time.
4. Ultima Paint Guard Plus. Use VERY little. Wipe on one section at a time and keep going until you are done with the car. Go have a beer, play with the kids, etc. You can drive the car if you want. But after 12 hours I would do at least one more coat. If the car got dirty, wash it with the Ultima wash. Just dusty? Use the Ultima Detail spray.
5.Ultima Paint Guard Wash. Wash your car with this from now on.
6. Ultima Detail Spray Plus. Keeps it nice and shiny between washes.

That's it. Applicators come with all their products. But you'll need microfiber towels for drying/removal and for the detail spray. I've used the paint guard plus on several cars, probably totalling at least a dozen coats and I still have most of the bottle left. Out of all their products, that's the one you can order the smaller size and know you'll have plenty.

Hey, staying on topic to this thread... can anyone confirm if the Surf Blue pics posted above are true to color? I know the color shifts depending on the light, but how accurate are those shots? I haven't seen that color looking that intense before. Looks great, but the other pics I've seen have been much more dull.

 

I have some pics of my Surf Blue Countryman in my gallery...it is an odd color because it looks so different when you compare photos. The photos you asked about looked pretty close to me!

 

Thanks for the detailed post d2mini, that's awesome of you!

 

It is pretty true. The picture looks like it was taken when it was overcast, and ours looks like that also on an overcast day. It could also be bright sunshine, but with a shadow from the house. In direct sun, it looks a little different.

 

D2Mini, It sounds like alot of work but it is well worth it. I have never used ultima but just might consider it.

MiniLauren, Love your signature line. We are thinking of naming ours (not yet in production) Daisy. So we can call ourselves Drivingmissdaisy (LOL)

 

mrluckypa, are you talking to MiniLauren with Ladybug? Or my baby, Mickey? We are both expecting 2012 Countryman, so it can get confusing?

We both have sig lines designed by COOPERation.

 

I am talking about your baby MiniLauren. Mickey is way cool!!!! I too am expecting but when I don't know. Ordered July 20th no idea as to when production will begin.

 

Have you called 1-866-ASK-MINI with your production number? I ordered around the same time and it's supposed to be completed this thursday. Your car is probably being built right now!

 

I have called AskMINI, they told me that they see that they do not know when production on mine will begin and that they have never seen this before. But my MA says that it will be here in 6-8 weeks (from the date of order).

 

This Surf Blue reminds me of the Coffee Color... In pictures its ok... but in person it's beautiful.

I don't want to annoy people with too many pics of my car, but last night I took two different pics from two different angles and the car looks different. The Blue on black, in my opinion makes it look darker. The photos on the top of this page were taken just after sunset... these first two were taken when the sun was still above the horizon.

I "borrowed" the last two photos from other people's post.

I'm hoping these photos will help those considering the Surf Blue Color...

 

What are you using for wax/polish?

I've only used one - don't remember the name but it was some stuff that you spray on while the car is wet then buff in as you dry it. I'll post a pic of the bottle later - I borrowed it from my neighbor.

Where in Houston are you located?

Kingwood area.. how bout you d2mini?


LaurenMini, please post some photos!!

 

Thanks for the extra pics and comments!

Spring Branch/Memorial but probably heading out west to Katy.

 

Just received (finally!) on Friday just in time for our 2 week road trip up to Bridgton, ME... Getting this car has not been easy.

 

Very nice, good to see a new Oxford Green CM with a white roof.

Are those the factory racks?

Don