I just picked up a 2013 Cooper S. I clay all of my cars but it was apparent from the start that this car had only been to drive-through car washes, and not often either. The surface felt like leather.

I clayed the whole car and actually had to throw away the clay bar. It was often black before being folded. Amazing that people don't realize how much grime can build up on a car, even if they wash it. I can actually now see the reflective flecks in the paint whereas before it seemed like a flat silver color.

No big deal to post this and no question to ask, but just an encouragement to anyone to learn how to clay and do it. It makes all the difference in the world to the final finish.

 

+1
Clay bar, machine polish and carnauba...and NEVER a drive through. Been using Griot's products for years.
Check out Black Wow. https://www.blackwow.com/ Richard used to be a frequent contributor on NAM.

 

Now that you have most of contaminants off the paint, use this next time It takes a third the effort, a third the time.

 

Do those products work well

 

I just did a Black Wow treatment this afternoon. It won't need another for several months. All it takes is a small drop on the applicator pad to treat a couple of feet of plastic at a time.
Visit Griot's Garage website. Many of their products have how to videos to give you an idea. If they don't
appeal to you, look in to Meguiars, another top rank car care company.

 

Agree about Griots, I really like their synthetic clay (it's the only 'claybar' I have ever used). About $25, officially lasts 24 uses (uhm, you think they priced it at $1/usage?). I used it on my MINI F56 every 3 months for a couple of years with no decrease in quality (except when I left exposed in the back of the car, had to replace it then). Just make sure you constantly clean it during use and after, otherwise use it just like a regular clay bar. Other companies make similar, too

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...MaAs3CEALw_wcB

 

I just used the heat method to being the color back on my 04 S worked great I have a few blotchy spots Because I did not want to damage anything. I guess I am a bit of a Piro I used a benzoin torch.