You didn't read the manual. Page 271, Car washes. Yes, you can use automatic car washes. You switch to neutral and then switch the engine off. But don't switch off the ignition. You have 15 minutes to stay in neutral then with engine off.
I take mine through an automatic all the time. At first I only took it to a hand wash, but it was getting swirl marks even with them using fairly decent technique, so I said screw it - it's going through the machine. I'd prefer to wash it myself but there's no realistic way to do it when you're in a condo building. Still looks about the same as it did when I was taking it to a hand wash and it doesn't take as much time. With BMW Jet Black trying to keep it swirl-free is a commitment I'm not willing to put the time or money into. I just keep it waxed and it looks fine, even with the swirls.
Adam you are spot on about hand washing. I spent the first 12 months having my car hand washed by numbskulls in NJ, eventually found it less stressful going through the auto car wash because it does a better job and I don't have a numb skull promising me to hose the car down with plenty of water and then saying he doesn't understand.
Thanks for clarify the automatic car wash question, but should I concern about my rims? The individual rims are 20' and tires are pretty thin, will the rail from the car wash damage them by clapping?
I haven't had any problems with the rail on the car wash I go to, but I once saw a 335i owner have his wheels damaged at the same car wash. They looked like factory 19's with fairly low profile tires - much lower in profile than my own. Not sure if that had anything to do with it, as I have 19's and never had any damage.
Overall, you are taking on a fair amount of risk with automatic car washes. Both of my residences are condos so I don't have too much of a choice, unfortunately.
!. No one ever washes, waxes or details my car but ME!! I MAKE the time. I do a better job than any detailer (and certainly better than a blasphemous car wash) because I CARE!!)
2. Try ordinary chrome polish for your exhausdt tips- I've used it on real chrome and on chromed plastic with great results.
I just take my mine to a touchless car wash. Once it's washed, I wax it at home and use a QD every so often just to wipe off the dust and give it that shine. I notice with black cars it's best not to wipe it down too much because you end up getting swirls.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
BimmerFest BMW Forum
11.4M posts
753.1K members
Since 2001
A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Bringing the BMW community together.