I posted this in 1st gear but didn't get a response yet :( so I thought I'd try in here. I'm new to forums so if I'm doing something wrong let me know!

I just took delivery of my 2015 CMS, Hans! He is an absolute blast to drive and I think I'm in love! The only pic I have was in a parking lot but it'll have to do for now :/

Quick question..even though it's brand new, should I have a professional detailer go over the exterior? If so, what's the ballpark cost and what exactly do they do? I've never had a car pro-detailed before. This is my first black car and I know swirls come with the territory but there's already so much just from the dealer. I want it *pristine* and then anything that happens after that will be on me. And man, does MINI paint scratch really easily or is it just because it's black and extra noticeable? Definitely no automatic car washes for Hans! Anyhoo, thanks!!

 

Buy a good wax designed for dark colored cars and swirls. Black cars look great, but do require a lot of attention to keep them looking good.

After given it a good hand wax to protect the paint and remove the swirls, it's OK to use a brushless car wash.

 

Congrats! Hans looks great - love the checkerboard details and white over (dark color). I have a '15 Cosmic Blue / White All4 on order...

Yes, I would agree that BMW paint is not good. At least it's the worst I've seen; based on Hondas, multiple Land Rovers, and now my (former) R57 and wife's X3.

 

Thanks for the advice! I really want to start off the right way to keep it looking it's best. I also wasn't sure if I needed to wait and let the paint cure more? Is that a thing? It was just built the first week of November so it's still really new. Thanks again!

 

Thanks! And congrats on yours too! It was a loooong 2 months waiting for mine so it's been an exciting few days Ok, so it's not just me..I feel like I lay a finger on it and it gets swirls. Good to know!

 

Go to the 'Detailing 101' section. Seek out the postings by Octane guy aka Richard Lin of Show Car Detailing. Beside offering excellent advice he has provided several videos of the proper techniques. Also, he offers an excellent selection of car care products including Black Wow, probably the very best black trim product on the market. And when you think you've learned everything, visit his website showcardetailing.com. He used to post on NAM quite often but has been silent for some time or I've just missed him.

 

I'm thinking it's definitely cured or ready to wax, it's been two months.
Meguier's is my personal favorite, but it's a lot of good products on the market.

 

Use a proper detailer to remove swirls and put on a glasscoating. This should protect your paint for at least 2 years. Glasscoating is a scratch resistant coating and will actually protect your paint from scratches that may occour from washing etc.
Waxes only protects the paint from u.v rays and bad weather.

 

Thanks Griffenfeldt! I'll look into that..I never heard of glasscoating so I'll do some research. I've literally never had anything professionally done so this is all new to me!

 

You can also look for swirl removal and then have Opti-Coat applied. It is a permanent nanocoating that will protect the paint indefinitely.

I suspect the whole thing will cost several hundred dollars and take a couple days.