How To Wash Your BMW – Guide
When giving your BMW a car wash, remember the wheels need a separate wash. Especially when you have upgraded rims and performance brakes such as the BMW M Carbon Ceramic Brakes or the M Compound Brakes, you will need to pay more attention to how the wheels are washed along with the brake discs and calipers.
Here is our complete guide on the best way to clean BMW wheels.
Option 2: You can use the traditional wash bucket method.
How to Wash Your BMW in 5 Steps
- Step 0: Wash the wheels and tires first – View our wheel wash guide here
- Step 1: Rinse the car well, making sure to use high pressure
- Step 2: Wipe down with car soap and rinse off
- Step 3: Dry the car from top to bottom (Left to right motion, no swirling motions)
- Step 4: Use window cleaner to finish off the windows
- Step 5: Apply sealant / wax / ceramic spray for gloss
Here are some car washing kits we can recommend from first hand experience:
Step 1: Rinse Car Well with High Pressure
You’ll want to start your car wash by rinsing down your BMW, try washing your car in the morning or in the evening. You’ll want to avoid washing your car in direct sunlight to minimize water spots.
You can use a pressure washer or garden hose with a high-volume nozzle to rinse down your BMW. You can focus the stream on any bird droppings, bugs, and other icky things your car may have picked up while driving.
Bonus: You can rinse off your BMW and apply car soap at the same time with foam guns! They attach to your garden hose and help speed things up 😀
Step 2: Wipe Down with a Wash Mitt and Rinse Off
Please do not use a brush to scrub your BMW down, those can be abrasive and ultimately scratch your premium paint. Use a wash mitt, bucket and soap to wipe your car down. Ensure that the bucket is clean and pour 1 – 2 ounces of your preferred car wash soap.
Fill the bucket up with water! The more foam the better! The foam helps lubricate the mitt and minimizes to chances of introducing swirls.
Note: Make sure to periodically dunk your wash mitt in your wash bucket after wiping down a panel.
Step 3: Dry Car From Top To Bottom
If you’re working in direct sunlight, it is important to quickly dry off your BMW to avoid getting water spots on your paint. Take your preferred microfiber towel and start by wiping down the roof and the top of the car.
Note: If you drop your microfiber on the ground DO NOT use it on the paint again. Save that towel for your wheels and tires now.
Here are a few microfiber towels we can recommend:
Step 4: Use Window Cleaner
Cleaning your windows is also a key part of completing a wash. Take your preferred glass cleaner and do 1-2 sprays per glass, fold your microfiber towel into a square, wipe left to right motion followed by an up and down motion. Don’t forget about the inside of the glass as well!
Please avoid using ammonia glass cleaners on your BMW, here are a few ammonia-free glass cleaners & glass cleaning kits we recommend:
Step 5: Apply Sealant / Wax / Ceramic Spray
After drying your BMW, you may have noticed a few streaks or water spots. This is where a final detailer, ceramic spray, and wax come into play. Do a quick walk around and take note of the blemishes, grab your preferred quick detailer/ceramic spray and microfiber towel and wipe those imperfections away!
Our Recommended Quick Detailers
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| Griot’s Garage 11146 Speed Shine (Quick Detailer) 35oz | Chemical Guys WAC_202_16 Speed Wipe Quick Detailer, Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles, RVs & More, 16 fl oz, Cherry Scent |
Our Recommended Ceramic Sprays
Our Recommended Car Wax
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| Chemical Guys WAC_201_16 Butter Wet Wax, Deep Wet Shine for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, RVs & More, 16 fl oz | Meguiar’s G210516 Ultimate Liquid Wax, 16 oz, Black |
Additional cleaning guides:
How To Wash BMW Wheels & Tires
Keeping your BMW in pristine condition is something essential to keep the value of your investment. When washing and detailing your BMW, there are a few steps you can take to thoroughly clean the car while protecting the paint, rims, tires, and brakes. Follow our step-by-step guide below on the best way to give your BMW a car wash.
Tip: Start the Car Wash from Bottom to Top
Many experts advise washing the car from the bottom to the top because cleaning the wheels before the car wash saves you more time by avoiding washing and drying the vehicle’s body twice. When you wash the body of the car first, wet spots can dry up while you are working on the wheels and can create unsightly watermarks. If you dry the car body before moving onto the wheels, you may need to wash or dry the body again due to the inevitable splashing while cleaning the wheels.
How to Choose a Good Car Wax
Make sure to choose a wax brand that is safe for your BMW’s paint. Always check with the vendor if you are not sure. A Hybrid wax sealant can be used interchangeably as car wax, although they are not entirely the same in their properties. Sealant usually requires less frequent application than wax and is described as more robust and has higher wear resistance. Most reputable brands of hybrid wax sealant with UV protection can effectively prevent harmful buildup and corrosion. Many of these wax sealant products can be used throughout the car body, including paint work and car wheels. If you are using a wax and a sealant product together, experts advise applying sealant first since it takes longer to break down than wax. Always check the product descriptions to make sure that the sealant and wax you are using can be safely used together.
How to Apply Car Wax
During application, park your BMW in the shade to avoid direct sun exposure, so the wax does not dry off quickly and make buffing difficult. Use a soft microfiber cloth to apply a thin coat of the car wax or sealant thoroughly onto the paint. Pick up another clean microfiber towel to buff away the residue and make your car shiny. Each wax or sealant works differently, so read the instructions carefully to check how long the product will last before re-applying.
Also, see our complete guide on How to Repair Paint Chip with BMW Touch-Up Paint.
Giving Your BMW a Stellar Bath: A Comprehensive Guide to BMW Car Wash
When it comes to maintaining the sleek, eye-catching appearance of your BMW, a proper car wash is as essential as regular oil changes. After all, who doesn’t love a clean, gleaming BMW? This article is a comprehensive, elbow-grease filled guide to giving your BMW a top-notch car wash. Brace yourself for some sudsy knowledge!
Part I: The Basics of BMW Car Wash
1. Understanding the Importance of a Regular BMW Car Wash
Cars aren’t just a means of transport – they’re a statement about who we are. And, what better way to make that statement than a spotless, gleaming BMW? Regular car washes maintain your car’s appearance and prevent damage from dirt, salt, and pollutants. But hey, we’re talking about a BMW, not just any car. So, don’t you think it deserves special care?
2. Frequency of a BMW Car Wash: How Much Is Just Right?
How often should you wash your BMW? Well, the golden rule is every two weeks. But if you live in an area with high pollution levels or often park under trees (watch out for that bird droppings), you might want to do it more frequently.
3. Quick Overview of the BMW Car Wash Process
Washing your BMW is not rocket science, but it’s more than just spraying water. It involves pre-rinse, washing, rinsing, drying, and detailing – all with suitable products and methods. Intrigued? Hang on; we’ll get into the nitty-gritty later.
Part II: Getting Your Hands (and Your BMW) Dirty
4. BMW Car Wash: Starting With Pre-Rinse
Before you dive into the soapy part, pre-rinse your BMW to remove loose dirt and grime. Think of it as a warm-up before the real workout begins!
5. Suds Up: The Proper Washing Technique for Your BMW
Here comes the fun part – creating a mountain of suds on your BMW. But remember, always use a car wash soap. Why, you ask? Regular detergents can strip off the protective wax, leaving your BMW as unprotected as a turtle without its shell.
6. The Rinsing Stage: Goodbye Suds, Hello Sparkle
Once your BMW is all soaped up, it’s time for a rinse. Use a gentle stream of water, working from top to bottom. And don’t forget those sneaky areas like under the fenders and behind the mirrors!
7. Drying Your BMW: No Water Marks Allowed
Drying is more than just an aesthetic step; it prevents water spots and mineral deposits. Microfiber drying towels or a car dryer are your best friends here.
8. Details, Details: It’s All About the Details
Done with drying? Great, but you’re not done yet! Time for detailing – waxing for protection, tire dressing for those killer looks, and a glass cleaner for clear, streak-free windows.
Part III: Extra Tips for a Stellar BMW Car Wash
9. BMW Car Wash: Choosing the Right Products
The right products can make a world of difference to your BMW car wash routine. Always use pH-neutral, wax-safe products. And remember, quality over quantity!
10. The Two-Bucket Washing Method: Because One Is Not Enough
One bucket for clean, soapy water and another for rinsing the dirty wash mitt – that’s the two-bucket method. It reduces the chances of scratching your BMW with the dirt you just washed off. Genius, isn’t it?
11. Let’s Talk about Pressure Washers
Pressure washers can be a great asset, but only if used correctly. The right pressure, distance, and nozzle – it’s a trio you don’t want to mess up.
12. Don’t Forget the Interior!
We’ve been talking so much about the exterior, we almost forgot the inside! A vacuum cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and an interior cleaner – that’s pretty much all you need for a clean, fresh-smelling interior.
FAQs
1. Can I take my BMW to an automatic car wash?
Yes, you can, but we’d recommend a hand wash. Automatic car washes can sometimes be too harsh and cause tiny scratches.
2. Should I wax my BMW after every wash?
Not necessarily. Waxing once every three months should suffice. But hey, if you like that extra gloss, who are we to stop you?
3. How can I clean my BMW’s wheels?
Use a pH-neutral wheel cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off. A brush can help remove stubborn grime.
4. What should I use to dry my BMW?
A microfiber drying towel or a car dryer works best. Avoid air drying, as it can cause water spots.
5. Can I use dish soap to wash my BMW?
No, dish soap can strip off the protective wax. Always use a car wash soap.
6. What should I do if my BMW has a matte finish?
Use products specifically designed for matte finishes. They will clean your car without adding unwanted shine.
Conclusion
Your BMW is more than just a vehicle; it’s a piece of art. And like all works of art, it deserves the best care. Regular, proper car washes ensure your BMW looks its best and keeps turning heads wherever it goes. So, roll up your sleeves and give your BMW the bath it deserves!
And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you wash your BMW, the better you’ll get at it, and the more your BMW will thank you.
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