BMW 3 series, Ice aftercare, accessories, etc

Sahil · 6th January 2009, 19:20

Pay 4-5000rs every 6 month and get a professional job. The dealership charges 7500

kbk_75 · 6th January 2009, 19:34

Just saw this thread. That terracotta interior looks almost like my Fox Red interior!

I think that would look pretty good with a white car!

diki24 · 8th January 2009, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImmortalZ

10K?!?

Do they provide jerry cans of each liquid? Humongous rip off. Go aftermarket. Check the car care thread(s) by Rudra Sir.

They looked like normal Perfume or Deodrant Cans.

. I went through the thread by Rudra, pretty informative.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sahil

Pay 4-5000rs every 6 month and get a professional job. The dealership charges 7500

Thanks Sahil, yeah i guess that probably is the best option for lazy bugs like me

.

Yeldo · 9th January 2009, 09:25

White/ Terra combination looks good on a 3 series, and IMHO, only bettered by black, but that would be very difficult to maintain.

BTW, isn't the 3 series due for a face-lift soon? I happened to pass by the BMW Cochin showroom while going to get my CRV serviced, and stopped as I saw a 320d Highline in white. Was smitten by it, I must admit. With the model change coming, would it be wise to buy the car?

Insane Devil · 11th January 2009, 19:19

not much of a difference, just slight addition of beauty lines on the bonet, and a slightly different bumper matching the bonet, and inside u get the new iDrive with more buttons and smaller wheel.

Might be some more small differences, but its just a facelift. If you are able to get the current one at a very good deal, then worth it, else wait for the new one.

BeamerBoy · 14th January 2009, 06:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by diki24

They looked like normal Perfume or Deodrant Cans.

. I went through the thread by Rudra, pretty informative.

@ diki: The way to check out what's inside and all other relevant details is to pull off the lable on the bottle. It has the usage instructions and a lot more info. Also, you can look into the assortment that the dealer is quoting & I guess you can cherry pick what you like.

Also, do not risk the cleaning to people using unkown chemicals on your car. These chemicals are just too strong. They might end up giving an immediate glow but they simply pull the sheen away later.

diki24 · 14th January 2009, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeamerBoy

Also, do not risk the cleaning to people using unkown chemicals on your car. These chemicals are just too strong. They might end up giving an immediate glow but they simply pull the sheen away later.

Sure thanks, will remember that. Perhaps it might be a better idea to just let Dealer folks do the cleaning even if its tad expensive.

BeamerBoy · 14th January 2009, 21:55

@ diki24: One more piece of information that you'll love.

The cleaning charges are WT (Open Time) jobs. This means, you can pick up the job content a-la-carte. Therefore the car detailing job does not necessarily mean INR 7500.

You can do one thing, pick up the cleaning kit that your dealer quoted @ INR 10K. The next time you take your car in for service, ask the dealer to use stuff from that kit for detailing jobs. The labour part, you/your driver can clock the time & get the car cleaned in front of you. Then what you pay is only for the clocked time. I bet, they wont take more than 2 hours to clean & Vacuum. U end up paying just 1800 - 2400 for the full job. Whatever is fully consumed from the kit, buy a fresh pack from the dealer.

Insane Devil · 16th January 2009, 16:41

Guys, do look out for other very good options available in the market.

In hyderabad, there is a person who is authorised of 3M or Dupont. He does the whole car detailing inside out, for around Rs.3,500-4,000. Using all Original 3M or Dupont Stuff, which is also world class, and in many case oem to many big companies. BMW doesn't make their own polishing cream and stuff, and i think they will be taking it mostly from 3M or Dupont, the world leaders in these things.

I got a person here who does my whole car up for Rs.2,000, while i give him the material. The Dupont Detailing kit cost me around 4,000 but from that i was able to extract upto 9 cars. Me and my cousins took it and got all our cars done with that single kit. Superb outcome.

Check this link for more info on 3M's car Detaililng Service:
3M India: Car Detailing Service

Another which looks quiet good (in Mumbai only):
PLUSH CAR DETAILING SERVICES -Mumbai

BeamerBoy · 17th January 2009, 02:24

@ ID: 3M is good only at certain locations. Last time I was at the Auto Expo & happened get some feedback...Not that encouraging. At the retail end, the chaps are not as good as the website stating this. To cross check, ask your dealer.

Another aspect. Sujit got his car messed up. The dealer says that he stands by it to be corrected @ their cost. Wonder if 3M has that on their offer!

Insane Devil · 17th January 2009, 16:22

Beamer Boy, well, there are many many many out here who get their detailing work done outside, doesnt mean they have not had good experience. Sujith's case is a one off thing. the other way to look at it is they actually dont know how to do a minor detailling job, and they had to spoil his car! MAYBE if he had got it done outside - like at 3M, this wouldn't have happened at all. Outside guys do more detailling jobs than the showroom guys, especially of BMW and other such premium brands, because of lack of volume of their cars.

Don't know if you know this or not, Most of the car showrooms anyway do the detaillings @ their workshop or at the Showroom before delivery from outside guys/detailing contractors.

Remember mate, just because the technician is trained by BMW, doesn't mean he is smarted than a normal mechanic. In my case, i have got this proved many a times, in Skoda, BMW, and Hyundai too.
Wanted to change the Angel Eyes bulb, and BMW technician shows me one variety of it, and Spare Parts section shows me a different variety! and both of them were wrong!
When their technicians dont even know what kinda bulb fits the angel eyes, thats got to be the limits.
Another recent incident with the Famed BMW technicians, They are not sure of what grade oil to be used in the car! Spare Parts section says 5w50, and Works manager tells me its 5w30, while the service advisor told me 5w40! I am giving them the oil myself while my first oilchange comes up next month.

So yea, overall, imho... getting the detailing job done outside from someone u trust, or from a reputed place, would be quiet economical, giving out same results.

BeamerBoy · 17th January 2009, 22:21

That was a good read ID. Humorous or alarming...we all must decide for the sake of our BMW's/Merc's/Scoda's or whatever.

Your observation is correct...we need the cars to be handled in a way we like them to be because we pay what the service provider likes us to pay. Right? And when it comes to any rework, the service provider must have the credibility to stand for his job.

IMHO...right now, it is a sorry state of affairs for us ... as owners when it comes to maintenance. Here, we can only pick the best out of whatever is dished out to us.

Insane Devil · 18th January 2009, 01:19

Exactly mate, thats why i said, its good to go to someone you know, someone you trust, someone you have dealt with before, someone whose quality of workmanship you have seen before.

The person i am talking of, am very happy with the results of his work, and hence i stick to him for now! even my 5 i will get done from him in feb or march!

About the 3 series, so have any of you 3series owners considered going in for Spoilers and other mods? c'mon guys, be different!

morphin1 · 5th April 2009, 12:41

Hi guys,
Am planning to get some films for my car.
The dealer has quoted 60k for Vkool top end film.I think that's a bit much just for the film.Also Is it advisable to have the film installed on the front windscreen?
Any suggestions what film I should go for?I reside in Delhi so any details of guys who do films here would be helpful.
I called garware people and they told me 5k for their to line film.Now I am confused.

Sahil · 5th April 2009, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by morphin1

Hi guys,
Am planning to get some films for my car.
The dealer has quoted 60k for Vkool top end film.I think that's a bit much just for the film.Also Is it advisable to have the film installed on the front windscreen?
Any suggestions what film I should go for?I reside in Delhi so any details of guys who do films here would be helpful.
I called garware people and they told me 5k for their to line film.Now I am confused.

60k is too high. You can get vcool top end for half that price from official vcool dealer.
I have vcool on my car but honestly, I don't think it's worth all that money. The front windscreen film is defiantly needed as thats the largest glass area, the vcool front film is unbeatable, no other film comes close in clarity.

I am getting delivery of a new car tomo and need to get tints fitted too, might go for Lumar this time. Garware is decent. Check out the sunfilm thread in modifications section.

6th January 2009, 19:20	#31
Sahil Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 6,356 Thanked: 8,057 Times	Pay 4-5000rs every 6 month and get a professional job. The dealership charges 7500
	() Thanks

6th January 2009, 19:34	#32
kbk_75 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,230 Thanked: 389 Times	Just saw this thread. That terracotta interior looks almost like my Fox Red interior! I think that would look pretty good with a white car!
	() Thanks

9th January 2009, 09:25	#34
Yeldo BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Kochi Posts: 762 Thanked: 783 Times	White/ Terra combination looks good on a 3 series, and IMHO, only bettered by black, but that would be very difficult to maintain. BTW, isn't the 3 series due for a face-lift soon? I happened to pass by the BMW Cochin showroom while going to get my CRV serviced, and stopped as I saw a 320d Highline in white. Was smitten by it, I must admit. With the model change coming, would it be wise to buy the car?
	() Thanks

11th January 2009, 19:19	#35
Insane Devil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,001 Thanked: 186 Times View My Garage	not much of a difference, just slight addition of beauty lines on the bonet, and a slightly different bumper matching the bonet, and inside u get the new iDrive with more buttons and smaller wheel. Might be some more small differences, but its just a facelift. If you are able to get the current one at a very good deal, then worth it, else wait for the new one.
	() Thanks

14th January 2009, 21:55	#38
BeamerBoy BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Delhi Posts: 316 Thanked: 134 Times	@ diki24: One more piece of information that you'll love. The cleaning charges are WT (Open Time) jobs. This means, you can pick up the job content a-la-carte. Therefore the car detailing job does not necessarily mean INR 7500. You can do one thing, pick up the cleaning kit that your dealer quoted @ INR 10K. The next time you take your car in for service, ask the dealer to use stuff from that kit for detailing jobs. The labour part, you/your driver can clock the time & get the car cleaned in front of you. Then what you pay is only for the clocked time. I bet, they wont take more than 2 hours to clean & Vacuum. U end up paying just 1800 - 2400 for the full job. Whatever is fully consumed from the kit, buy a fresh pack from the dealer.
	() Thanks

16th January 2009, 16:41	#39
Insane Devil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,001 Thanked: 186 Times View My Garage	Guys, do look out for other very good options available in the market. In hyderabad, there is a person who is authorised of 3M or Dupont. He does the whole car detailing inside out, for around Rs.3,500-4,000. Using all Original 3M or Dupont Stuff, which is also world class, and in many case oem to many big companies. BMW doesn't make their own polishing cream and stuff, and i think they will be taking it mostly from 3M or Dupont, the world leaders in these things. I got a person here who does my whole car up for Rs.2,000, while i give him the material. The Dupont Detailing kit cost me around 4,000 but from that i was able to extract upto 9 cars. Me and my cousins took it and got all our cars done with that single kit. Superb outcome. Check this link for more info on 3M's car Detaililng Service: 3M India: Car Detailing Service Another which looks quiet good (in Mumbai only): PLUSH CAR DETAILING SERVICES -Mumbai Last edited by Insane Devil : 16th January 2009 at 16:57.
	() Thanks

17th January 2009, 02:24	#40
BeamerBoy BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Delhi Posts: 316 Thanked: 134 Times	@ ID: 3M is good only at certain locations. Last time I was at the Auto Expo & happened get some feedback...Not that encouraging. At the retail end, the chaps are not as good as the website stating this. To cross check, ask your dealer. Another aspect. Sujit got his car messed up. The dealer says that he stands by it to be corrected @ their cost. Wonder if 3M has that on their offer!
	() Thanks

17th January 2009, 16:22	#41
Insane Devil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,001 Thanked: 186 Times View My Garage	Beamer Boy, well, there are many many many out here who get their detailing work done outside, doesnt mean they have not had good experience. Sujith's case is a one off thing. the other way to look at it is they actually dont know how to do a minor detailling job, and they had to spoil his car! MAYBE if he had got it done outside - like at 3M, this wouldn't have happened at all. Outside guys do more detailling jobs than the showroom guys, especially of BMW and other such premium brands, because of lack of volume of their cars. Don't know if you know this or not, Most of the car showrooms anyway do the detaillings @ their workshop or at the Showroom before delivery from outside guys/detailing contractors. Remember mate, just because the technician is trained by BMW, doesn't mean he is smarted than a normal mechanic. In my case, i have got this proved many a times, in Skoda, BMW, and Hyundai too. Wanted to change the Angel Eyes bulb, and BMW technician shows me one variety of it, and Spare Parts section shows me a different variety! and both of them were wrong! When their technicians dont even know what kinda bulb fits the angel eyes, thats got to be the limits. Another recent incident with the Famed BMW technicians, They are not sure of what grade oil to be used in the car! Spare Parts section says 5w50, and Works manager tells me its 5w30, while the service advisor told me 5w40! I am giving them the oil myself while my first oilchange comes up next month. So yea, overall, imho... getting the detailing job done outside from someone u trust, or from a reputed place, would be quiet economical, giving out same results. Last edited by Insane Devil : 17th January 2009 at 16:24.
	() Thanks

17th January 2009, 22:21	#42
BeamerBoy BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Delhi Posts: 316 Thanked: 134 Times	That was a good read ID. Humorous or alarming...we all must decide for the sake of our BMW's/Merc's/Scoda's or whatever. Your observation is correct...we need the cars to be handled in a way we like them to be because we pay what the service provider likes us to pay. Right? And when it comes to any rework, the service provider must have the credibility to stand for his job. IMHO...right now, it is a sorry state of affairs for us ... as owners when it comes to maintenance. Here, we can only pick the best out of whatever is dished out to us.
	() Thanks

18th January 2009, 01:19	#43
Insane Devil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,001 Thanked: 186 Times View My Garage	Exactly mate, thats why i said, its good to go to someone you know, someone you trust, someone you have dealt with before, someone whose quality of workmanship you have seen before. The person i am talking of, am very happy with the results of his work, and hence i stick to him for now! even my 5 i will get done from him in feb or march! About the 3 series, so have any of you 3series owners considered going in for Spoilers and other mods? c'mon guys, be different!
	() Thanks

5th April 2009, 12:41	#44
morphin1 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 196 Thanked: 54 Times View My Garage	Hi guys, Am planning to get some films for my car. The dealer has quoted 60k for Vkool top end film.I think that's a bit much just for the film.Also Is it advisable to have the film installed on the front windscreen? Any suggestions what film I should go for?I reside in Delhi so any details of guys who do films here would be helpful. I called garware people and they told me 5k for their to line film.Now I am confused.
	() Thanks