either of the two would be great choices.

Menzerna Power Lock
Einszett Glanz

both are easy to use, both provide great looking durable finishes.

For the metal tips you can use Optimum Metal Polish, Adam's Metal Polish, P21S Metal Restorer

Getting started...
 

Hi guys.

I bought a 2011 X5 35i M-sport (carbon black) two months ago and want to know the best products/techniques for regular cleaning and occasional detailing... top to bottom.

I've been looking around this site and picking up some good information along the way, but getting a bit overwhelmed with all the products and details.

Is there a post for newbies where I can get organized? A Cleaning Guide 101?

Thanks.

congrats how do you like it!

do you want a basic kit that you can do by hand?
I'm going to guess that car is in great shape...

When I first bought it there were major headaches because of chipping on the sides (after I bought it I discovered this is a well known issue with M-sports and M's). The dealer had the fender flares, rockers, etc. repainted and then, after we waited a month for the paint to degas, had a company add PPF to the affected areas. I also had them PPF the hood and front, headlamps, and side mirrors. Which is probably my first mistake... don't PPF the car until it's had a professional detail! The dealer did a pretty good detail but I'm sure you'd spot a lot of problems. But I've had the machine for five weeks now and love it.

Yeah, a basic kit would be fine. Nothing too crazy...

car wash shampoo
wax
wheel cleaner
wheel protectant
tire cleaner
leather conditioner
something for the inside vinyls, etc.

Whatever else I'm not thinking about. :D

Yes, overall the car is in great shape. I guess the only issue is that there is PPF all over the front of the car so whatever products you recommend would have to work on the PPF.

EDIT: I should have mentioned the PPF is Avery Nano-Fusion which is supposed to be great for waxing vs. the 3M product.

I picked this up this polisher on the weekend... not sure if it would suffice...

Simoniz Orbital Car Polisher | Canadian Tire

Thanks so much Phil. Any advice appreciated!

sure thing.

Adam's Essentials Kit
PC Basic Kit

For wheels
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner

Adam's Glass Cleaner
Uber Glass Microfiber Towel

For interior
1Z einszett Cockpit

Sonax Leather Foam

I believe that should do it.

Phil

Thanks for the info Phil. Do you ship to Canada?

yes we do ship to CAD

Hey Phil, One more thing before I finalize my order. I would say the nappa leather in my 04 M3 is in good shape. Not excellent, but above average as the car only has 40,000 miles. Would you suggest what appears to be an all-in-one product like the Einszett Leather Care/Sonax Leather Foam or separate cleaners and conditioners?

I would say pick up the leather master kit.

Hey Phil. Just putting my order in now... everything you suggested. Thanks.