Hi folks.

[peterw]

So I bought a 1999 318ti Sport last week, in Sienna Red (69K on the clock, £6450).

What a lovely vehicle! What a nice drive! What a SOUND it makes! (I had a 1995 Renault Laguna before this, and it's like I've just discovered what cars are SUPPOSED to be like)

It's nice to find a site dedicated to this wonderful car, and from having a snoop around, it seems like you folks know your stuff.

One question: what's the best way of cleaning up minor surface scratches on the paintwork and mirrors?

[ZeroG]

Originally Posted by peterw

So I bought a 1999 318ti Sport last week, in Sienna Red (69K on the clock, £6450).

What a lovely vehicle! What a nice drive! What a SOUND it makes! (I had a 1995 Renault Laguna before this, and it's like I've just discovered what cars are SUPPOSED to be like)

It's nice to find a site dedicated to this wonderful car, and from having a snoop around, it seems like you folks know your stuff.

One question: what's the best way of cleaning up minor surface scratches on the paintwork and mirrors?

That is really the best your can do. If you can see primer through the scratch it is not going anywhere. You will need to use touch up paint.

I would Clay Bar the car, use a good wax and then some kind of finishing polish. When waxing I would use an orbatal polishing wheel.

[peterw]

I found this rather useful page whilst googling on the issue of touching up chips in paintwork:

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/paint.html

I'm sure the detailing aficionados will be familiar with this guide; is it a useful resource?