Washing Your Z!

[mrboon]

Hey guys, like most people here, I really enjoy my Z4 and I love taking care of it. I wash it twice a week at the local car wash place near my petrol station. Having a black car takes a little extra time keeping it clean



I always use the do-it-yourself jet wash, which is 60 degrees Celsius warm water (mixed with soap), under high pressure. With this method all the dirt comes flying off very easily, and I never actually touch the paint of my car with any sponge or brush, thus preventing it from getting scratched. IMO it is the best and also easiest way to clean your car.

Doing the whole wash takes me about 6 minutes. 2 minutes with warm water/soap, 2 minutes with cold water to rinse off the soap. After I dry the car for 2 minutes, and its done like in the picture above.

My question now, how often do you clean your Z, and HOW exactly do you do it? I'm always looking for better, maybe even more fun ways, of doing it.

[riccis]

Looks good.

Except here in the UK weather is pretty rubbish at the moment and car get's so dirty so quickly that I really have no other alternative but to was with a bucket also. That's if it stopped raining long enough!

Washed the car last week and it took me hours. Spent most of the time on the wheels!

[Memphis1]

it's called rain... j/k

sheepskin washmit, bmw soap, dry it with chamois, for the wheels simple green and wheel brush, then just a little tire shine. and that's it.

[mrboon]

lol at your signature I believe that is Mr. J Clarkson who said that.

[Memphis1]

yup, clarkson is funny! BTW I wash my car every weekend.

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

yup, clarkson is funny!

You should also include the part of Clarkson's Z4 review when he said

"that long priapic bonnet":

priapic = phallus

Twin Turbos = "it feels like a pair of testis! Big meaty ones!"

So just what was Clarkson saying about the Z4

[JohnT]

Hi memphis2012
I've same wheels as yours, good choice, and would like to know if you clean right to the back of the alloys or just the face?
As riccis said, I also most of my time on the alloys, they look good, just a pain to clean, although poorboys wax works well.
John

[Memphis1]

hi john, i use these... the little one for in between the spokes and emblem and air valve and the big one for the face of the rim. and your favorite wheel cleaner

[ChuckB]

I was every car I have ever owned each April and August, even it if doesn't need it

[Memphis1]

Originally Posted by ChuckB

I was every car I have ever owned each April and August, even it if doesn't need it

[riccis]

Originally Posted by JohnT

Hi memphis2012
I've same wheels as yours, good choice, and would like to know if you clean right to the back of the alloys or just the face?
As riccis said, I also most of my time on the alloys, they look good, just a pain to clean, although poorboys wax works well.
John

Yep....I have the same alloys too. 18" multispoke! Nice but what a pain!

Don't know about memphis but I can't reach the back. I use Autoglym's Hi-Tech Wheel Brush and Autoglym's Custom Wheel Cleaner (it's non acidic). Perhaps it's because it's non acidic that it takes more work to get the alloys clean.

I'll probably take the wheels off and clean the back of the wheels in spring. I'll also wax them before putting them back on. Only picked the car up 2 weeks ago and it's done little else but rain so haven't had the chance to do a proper detailing job on the car.

[Memphis1]

i don't know if you guys have simple green in the uk, it's biodegradable and really strong, i use the brushes lightly, nothing to it. some people swear by P21 but use whatever you like best.

http://www.p21s.com/

http://www.simplegreen.com/

[msimon18]

Is the ph of Simple Green ok ??? Doesn't it take all the wax off ??

[Memphis1]

that's why i posted the website, to avoid having to do homework for others, but whatever...

"Simple Green® Pro HD is a non-toxic, non-corrosive, professional grade product developed for multi-purpose contractor applications including use on floors, walls, industrial equipment, appliances; automotive or recreational vehicle cleaning and degreasing; commercial kitchens and baths; and for pressure washing, parts washing, ultrasonic cleaning, and more. It quickly eliminates tough grease and grime, removes stains, and is safe on metal surfaces. Simple Green Pro HD is your one-stop cleaner and degreaser!
Use Simple Green Pro HD in a general cleaning dilution on floors, painted surfaces, aluminum, stainless or polished steel, chrome, plastics, vinyl, canvas, cabinets, counters, stove tops, refrigerators, sinks, showers, tile, and more. Use Simple Green Pro HD in a heavier cleaning dilution for engines, wheels, tools, heavy equipment, landscaping equipment, bumpers, grease & oil stains, exteriors of cars, trucks, vans, RVs, and boats; on BBQs, ovens, grills, range hoods and vents, machinery and more. See product label for specific dilution instructions."

[mrboon]

guys get a HOT jetwash, and the dirt will fly off your alloys. it will take 15 seconds per wheels, and they look like new!!

[Roadstergal]

Originally Posted by riccis

Yep....I have the same alloys too. 18" multispoke! Nice but what a pain!

Don't know about memphis but I can't reach the back. I use Autoglym's Hi-Tech Wheel Brush and Autoglym's Custom Wheel Cleaner (it's non acidic). Perhaps it's because it's non acidic that it takes more work to get the alloys clean.

I'll probably take the wheels off and clean the back of the wheels in spring. I'll also wax them before putting them back on. Only picked the car up 2 weeks ago and it's done little else but rain so haven't had the chance to do a proper detailing job on the car.

I have the 18" multi spoke as well. I use wheel wax to alleviate the brake dust build up and it makes it a lot easier and quicker to clean the wheels. Also, buy the Daytona Speed Master Wheel brush, it goes all the way to the back and then some. Works great.

[BlueZ4AZ]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

hi john, i use these... the little one for in between the spokes and emblem and air valve and the big one for the face of the rim. and your favorite wheel cleaner

Where did you buy these brushes? Thanks,

[Memphis1]

The brushes from BMW and the big one from oxo good grip

[dcs2k]

where can i get a hot jet wash?

im looking at Karcher website. http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=301

just not sure which one is the most suitable applicance for car wash.

I will also be interested to know where I can get those air gun where I can have the water be blast away from the car

[ChuckB]

Originally Posted by sg-e89

where can i get a hot jet wash?

im looking at Karcher website. http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=301

just not sure which one is the most suitable applicance for car wash.

I will also be interested to know where I can get those air gun where I can have the water be blast away from the car

I think the only option in a Karcher is the K8.55 HS, all the other washers which heat water are commercial models which run way about the 750quid this one set you back

[mrboon]

Or just find a local car wash station, and pay 1 euro per wash

[Tamman69]

I can also recommend an electric toothbrush for the really tricky places on the alloys! Use the worn heads that are no good for your teeth anymore but are nicely softened up for your Z4. Painless, and worth the stares from the neighbours : )