[amd413]

I have a brand new X1 with less than a 1,000 miles on it. It’s been washed one time prior to the ceramic coating—at the same place that later did the coating. It was a hand wash place in NJ.

I paid 1200 and the car looks good, but I am seeing a ton of swirls in the right light on the hood and rest of the car. Is this something that I should raise with the detailer? I am not sure what the expectations should be, I did anticipate that if paint correction was done right, which I assume is the majority of what I’m paying for, I shouldn't have swirls at all.

[Jambo1]

Oh man, yeah that's not good. A good ceramic coat guy would do a stage 1 cut - which is the whole point of correcting first before doing a coat. Not knowing the history of the car, even though it has such low miles, the swirls could be dealer installed during PDI, or that hand wash you referenced, or even the ceramic coat place that did a lousy job in prepping.
I would definitely bring it up with them.

[stbm5]

you shouldn't have swirls. i bet they assumed that since it was basically new they could throw a coating on without paint correction. you should take it back and ask for it to be fixed.

[rmedina]

All cars need paint correction. Doesn't matter if they are new or not. Swirls, marks, etc. are put on at the processing centers or the dealerships during prep. BMW still uses the old fashion car washing systems.

[tcphoto]

Swirl marks on a newly ceramic coated car is unacceptable. I had the beginning of clear coat failure on my ‘09 E92 so I had the hood, roof and trunk lid repainted. After three or four months, I compounded the old paint, polished everything and then ceramic coat. It’s been eight months since applying the coating and it still looks great. I would have the shop look at it and give them a chance to make it right.

[Nettles]

Post pics because everyone’s definition of “a ton of swirls” will vary. $1200 is not a 100% paint correction process. You will have 20%-30% swirls after a one step depending on prior condition. Part of this story will definitely be your expectations are high. Having said that no harm in having an open conversation with your detailer. “Hey I still see swirls did you do a full paint correction or more of a one step to get the paint ready for ceramic”. Pay attention because I’ll also take a guess that his services were listed out in some shape or form on what the $1200 included.

[cooolone2]

Yeah, when I picked up my brand new 15 mile car, it had swirls from the prep... Dealers don't do correction, they just take out the obvious mistakes!

Prior to ANY paint protection, even sealing and polishing, some correction would be expected.

Agree with above, they just took a look and slapped the ceramics onto the paint absent any paint correction! Crazy!

But they now own it, and need to fix it! If they refuse, let them know you'll take it to someone else, record details including pictures or videos showing problem and then take them to court to recover the cost! Don't play, it doesn't pay!

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Yep unacceptable, at that price I'd consider myself scammed. Plenty of business do sahdy shit like this thinking no one will bat an eye. And then when you complain against them they will make you run in circles and claim you're the problem.

[tdott]

You really should be asking if they do paint correction before you get work done, not after.

There are some not so great detailers out there that just slap ceramic coating on top of paint defects without fixing it. (also without telling the customer they need to pay more to fix defects)

and that's where you need to make sure you are getting value for what you are paying, cheap prices usually mean cheap work. But also paying $1200 doesn't guarantee good work.

Always gotta do your research before hand.

A proper detailer will not quote you a price without seeing the car, and some will even do a test spot to confirm if a 1 stage paint correction will remove defects or if you need to pay extra for a 2 stage.

[1Mors]

This should of been polished out before the ceramic coating goes on. it will eventually need to be redone to get rid of the swirls and other blemishes.

[KevinC]

Sounds like the work of a flat brim vape bro at a combination tint/ceramic/car stereo/vape shop. Get a full refund via your cc and find a professional.