[Lester]

Originally Posted by reo5001

So my AW 135i is my first car and my family has not really hand washed their vehicles. I don't want to send my car to a car wash either. Anyone have any tips on how to finish the car after cleaning (waxing), like what type of wax and proper ways to apply it? Any help would be appreciated. :smile: I want to do a before and after picture with her! (She is really dirty at the moment )

I ordered the Zaino Bros ZKIT-1 Zaino Total Protection Show Car Kit and Z-CS Z-CS Clear Seal. You can't go wrong, you might as well do it right.

For general washing - get a nice microfiber car wash mitt and some good quality car wash cleaner with carnuba wax like Mothers or Simoniz. Start off by rinsing the car with cool freash water (out of the sun - never wash a car that is hot or sitting in the sun). In fact, a great time to wash your car is after it's beenr raining.

Use the mcrofiber wash mitt - in a fresh bucket of warm water and some of the aforementioned car wash product. (Never EVER use dishwashing soap)!

Start at the top of the car, and use long passes over the car, don't swirl the mitt. Wash the roof and windows, and rinse off. Then wash the hood and trunk, then rinse off - again - use long passes of the mitt, no swirling! Then do the fenders and doors. Make sure to rinse the mitt out often, and don't let it drop or rest on the ground as it might pick up a piece of gravel or dirt. After that - repeat the whole cycle in case you missed a spot. The second pass will be quicker than the first as the car is now nicely lubricated from the first washing.

Then using a sponge with a coarse backing and some wheel cleaner (I like the Simoniz product) and clean the wheels. Rinse with some of the car wash liquid on the sponge to get some of the residual wax on the wheels. Rinse everything well, and inspect for any small spots that somehow were missed. Now you are ready to take it for a spin to air dry the car. Alternatively, you can wipe it down gently with microfiber or soft cotton towels.

After the car is dry, or perhaps the next day - use some tire detailer to make them nice and black!

Then take it for a cruise down main street, as you are ready for prime time!