BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
M2 Technical Topics > Cosmetic Maintenance (Wash/Wax/Detailing/Exterior Restoration & Repairs) > First Wash - What products?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-21-2017, 06:49 PM   #1
mokrunka
Second Lieutenant
140
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M2, 2011 BMW 335i
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

First Wash - What products?

So, to all you guys that have just done your first wash, what products are you using? Yeah yeah, I realize that there is a giant forum post about detailing, but I'm more curious to see what the 'regular' people are using

Where are my week 7's at?
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2017, 06:57 PM   #2
jayg80
Lieutenant
jayg80's Avatar
United_States
217
Rep
435
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

Check out sonax. Solid products. Besides products the method w 2 buckets and a grit guard are key.
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2017, 09:16 PM   #3
akkando
Major General
akkando's Avatar
5860
Rep
6,631
Posts

Drives: 17 M2 DCT LBB,11 e90 M3 ZCP IB
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jayg80 View Post
Check out sonax. Solid products. Besides products the method w 2 buckets and a grit guard are key.
I been using a third bucket that just touches the wheels because those have the most dirt.

I also bought some Optimum No Rinse Wash that I use if I want to do a quick cleaning without running water. I also keep a spray bottle of ONR in the trunk with some microfiber towels in case I need to wipe off some bird shit or something.

I also bought this Chemical Guys package of products from Costco which seems really good for the price. https://www.costco.com/Chemical-Guys...100291210.html

There are better products if you were to buy each thing individually but it's still a good value.
Appreciate 3
D CHOI580.00
MMMBRAP975.50
      04-22-2017, 12:21 PM   #4
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

I go to a wash bay. And use soap. Then water. Then spot free rinse. And then pat dry the car with "the Absorber".

Realistically this is what normally people do.

OCD people and detailers will need a two to three bucket system with grit guards in each. Use two wash mits after pressure washing the entire vehicle to remove large particles. Pat dry. Use a mix of baby shampoo and water with a clay bar thereafter. Rinse and pat try. If it's been a while this is when you polish. Otherwise just slap some chemical bros butter wax on there and you're good to go.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      04-22-2017, 07:18 PM   #5
mokrunka
Second Lieutenant
140
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M2, 2011 BMW 335i
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Not sure if you guys are BMWCCA members or not, but this month's magazine had a pretty cool detailing article. They used some Griots garage BOSS polish that I'm going to pick up and try out when I polish. I'm going to hold off another week on washing, I just wiped her off with a microfiber towel to knock some of this socal dust off, heh.
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2017, 01:17 PM   #6
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

It is really not that difficult. Here is what I do...
1. Get the auto soap that is at CostCo (it will change of course, I think today I have Meguiars.
2. Get this
https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-NR201.../dp/B00D8DR0AO
3. Add some soap and the No Rinse and Shine (from #2 above) to a bucket and fill.
yes, a single bucket for God's sake
4. Get yourself two sponges
5. Water down the car, use the first sponge to wash everything except the lower parts of both bumpers and the bottom 1/4th of the car.
6. Rinse (do repeatedly if hot)
7. Remove 1st sponge, use second sponge, wash bottom part of car, finish by doing the wheels.
8. Rinse
9. Dry with one of these if you are picky
https://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Synt...s=drying+towel
otherwise, use a nice towel or two.
10. Use another towel to dry the insides of the door, trunk, and gas cap (that holds a lot of water!)
11. Drive the car around the block, braking to dry the brakes
12. Wipe down the car one last time.

Once a year, I do this (maybe twice) - always on Father's day however
1. Claybar entire car (drop the claybar and you need to throw it out, so don't drop the claybar - think of it like soap in a prison, hold on to it like your life depends on it)
2. Zaino AIO
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...Category_Code=
3. Zaino Z5 Pro
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...Category_Code=
4. Protect the wheels with this https://www.amazon.com/CorrosionX-61...keywords=rejex

You can always call Zaino and they will give you advice for your particular area and how you drive the car. I think the dude answers the phone 24x7



Rules of the road
1. If you drop a sponge, wash the crap out of it with the hose
2. Dump the water after, do not be tempted to wash the wife's 7 year old mini with the remaining water
3. Do not use cleaner on the wheels - do see #4 however (Rejex will allow you to clean the wheels very easily)
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 2
filet.M2c782.50
mokrunka140.00
      04-23-2017, 02:16 PM   #7
DETRoadster
Space Force - 4 Star General
DETRoadster's Avatar
11446
Rep
3,264
Posts

Drives: M2 MG 6MT / Moto Guzzi V7
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
...drop the claybar and you need to throw it out, so don't drop the claybar - think of it like soap in a prison, hold on to it like your life depends on it)
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2017, 02:38 PM   #8
mokrunka
Second Lieutenant
140
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M2, 2011 BMW 335i
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
It is really not that difficult. Here is what I do...
1. Get the auto soap that is at CostCo (it will change of course, I think today I have Meguiars.
2. Get this
https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-NR201.../dp/B00D8DR0AO
3. Add some soap and the No Rinse and Shine (from #2 above) to a bucket and fill.
yes, a single bucket for God's sake
4. Get yourself two sponges
5. Water down the car, use the first sponge to wash everything except the lower parts of both bumpers and the bottom 1/4th of the car.
6. Rinse (do repeatedly if hot)
7. Remove 1st sponge, use second sponge, wash bottom part of car, finish by doing the wheels.
8. Rinse
9. Dry with one of these if you are picky
https://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Synt...s=drying+towel
otherwise, use a nice towel or two.
10. Use another towel to dry the insides of the door, trunk, and gas cap (that holds a lot of water!)
11. Drive the car around the block, braking to dry the brakes
12. Wipe down the car one last time.

Once a year, I do this (maybe twice) - always on Father's day however
1. Claybar entire car (drop the claybar and you need to throw it out, so don't drop the claybar - think of it like soap in a prison, hold on to it like your life depends on it)
2. Zaino AIO
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...Category_Code=
3. Zaino Z5 Pro
http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...Category_Code=
4. Protect the wheels with this https://www.amazon.com/CorrosionX-61...keywords=rejex

You can always call Zaino and they will give you advice for your particular area and how you drive the car. I think the dude answers the phone 24x7



Rules of the road
1. If you drop a sponge, wash the crap out of it with the hose
2. Dump the water after, do not be tempted to wash the wife's 7 year old mini with the remaining water
3. Do not use cleaner on the wheels - do see #4 however (Rejex will allow you to clean the wheels very easily)
Great post! Jesus I was laughing at the part about not using the old water to wash the wifes mini. My wife has a mini and I am guilty of this hahaha
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2017, 03:02 PM   #9
akkando
Major General
akkando's Avatar
5860
Rep
6,631
Posts

Drives: 17 M2 DCT LBB,11 e90 M3 ZCP IB
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
3. Do not use cleaner on the wheels - do see #4 however (Rejex will allow you to clean the wheels very easily)
Why not use cleaner on the wheels?
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2017, 07:20 PM   #10
Em-Two
Private
63
Rep
67
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Use whichever gas station gives the biggest fuel discount with a car wash.
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2017, 09:46 PM   #11
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mokrunka View Post
Great post! Jesus I was laughing at the part about not using the old water to wash the wifes mini. My wife has a mini and I am guilty of this hahaha
I so do it all the time. Christ, it takes 4 minutes to wash that thing, I just have to do it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
Why not use cleaner on the wheels?
It is very caustic to the finish. I do it once a year on the winters just to get all the bad stuff out - but at the end of the day, it is like using sandpaper to clean them.

PS, I forgot #4 on the rules of the road...
4. Use Joy or some other detergent when washing the car prior to using the claybar - it helps get rid of the wax.
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 0
      04-23-2017, 10:13 PM   #12
D CHOI
Captain
D CHOI's Avatar
580
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW M2
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
I been using a third bucket that just touches the wheels because those have the most dirt.

I also bought some Optimum No Rinse Wash that I use if I want to do a quick cleaning without running water. I also keep a spray bottle of ONR in the trunk with some microfiber towels in case I need to wipe off some bird shit or something.

I also bought this Chemical Guys package of products from Costco which seems really good for the price. https://www.costco.com/Chemical-Guys...100291210.html

There are better products if you were to buy each thing individually but it's still a good value.
My detailer recommended me to get the ONR too and make a spray bottle for quick clean ups here and there.
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 02:38 AM   #13
reenu
New Member
0
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: Mercedes benz
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UAE

iTrader: (0)

Sonax is a good solid product, i really liked it!!
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 10:52 AM   #14
bk_g80_m3
Second Lieutenant
190
Rep
285
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

I second the recommendation for the chemical guys honeydew stuff with the foam gun for the water hose. Works great. I think a 2 bucket system with grit guard is good for anal people.

I use this stuff on wheels: DUB U1422 Wheel Cleaner - 22 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G49NYT0..._V2H.ybY30XPP4

A professional detailed told me about that product. 8 bucks a bottle and works great on the extreme brake dust build up.

Lastly if you live in a place with hard water I have to recommend one of these: https://crspotless.com/product/di-12...anding-system/

I don't have shade in my drive way so the awful hard water in my area used to quickly make white calcium deposits as the water evaporates. It looked terrible and it's a pain to get off the windows. The CG foam gun also runs at the proper flow rate for the bucket when the foam head is attached.
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 03:07 PM   #15
DKX4///M
Lieutenant Colonel
DKX4///M's Avatar
United_States
756
Rep
1,835
Posts

Drives: 2020 X4M CS
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (17)

Garage List
2020 BMW X4M CS  [0.00]
2016 BMW M2  [0.00]
2011 BMW M3  [0.00]
My boss thats been doing shows for 40 years turned me on to a product thats so good I keep it a secret around me....

I ALWAYS have black, I never touch it w a brush and I only use these little known products by wwwdot croftgateUSA dotcom...

Waterless wash just b4 I high pressure spray....

Quick and Slick Paint Sealant, brings the black out to a new level AND I DONT SPEND AN HR GETTING OUT STREAKS...

Their "Last Detail"

Chemical Brothers Tire Shine...


The products are super expensive, only use them before shows but almost everyone asks how I get the black so glossy, and all my buddies switched when they saw my car.
__________________
2020 BSM X4///M-2016 BSM ///M2- 2011 668 ///M3
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 03:10 PM   #16
MMMBRAP
Captain
United_States
976
Rep
843
Posts

Drives: A Car
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by akkando View Post
I been using a third bucket that just touches the wheels because those have the most dirt.

I also bought some Optimum No Rinse Wash that I use if I want to do a quick cleaning without running water. I also keep a spray bottle of ONR in the trunk with some microfiber towels in case I need to wipe off some bird shit or something.

I also bought this Chemical Guys package of products from Costco which seems really good for the price. https://www.costco.com/Chemical-Guys...100291210.html

There are better products if you were to buy each thing individually but it's still a good value.
Love Chemical Guys packages/products! That's what I use as well.
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 05:46 PM   #17
nomade30
Private First Class
123
Rep
168
Posts

Drives: 18 M2, 91 325, 05 DMAX
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: UT

iTrader: (0)

I just created an account (well and I have an m2 on order) to tell people to not use "the absorber", please for the love of god, get a good drying towel and a California blade. I've seen many nice cars with lots of swirls because people use those stupid absorbers.
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 06:04 PM   #18
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nomade30
I just created an account (well and I have an m2 on order) to tell people to not use "the absorber", please for the love of god, get a good drying towel and a California blade. I've seen many nice cars with lots of swirls because people use those stupid absorbers.
Couldn't disagree more and in fact that blade looks horrific. Swirls are caused by... Swirling. Any motion at all is what causes swirls and surficial scratches in clear coat.

Pat dry. With the absorber. Just lay it down and pull it off again.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      04-24-2017, 09:26 PM   #19
miiipilot
Lieutenant Colonel
miiipilot's Avatar
United_States
519
Rep
1,501
Posts

Drives: 2024 M2 Brooklyn Grey 6mt
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cleveland, OH

iTrader: (0)

I use Sonax on my wheels. I got my wheels Opti-coated (off the car) when she was brand new. Even after some heavy use, it barely turns green on the wheels...only the rotors usually

I absolutely LOVE chemical guys car wash. I bought a foam cannon and electric pressure washer...CHANGED MY LIFE washing my cars. I've got 7 different kinds of car washes from them. Mr Pink is incredible. Haven't washed it this season yet to try the others.

Bought their sample V32,V34,V36,V38 polishing packs. Worked great on my Celica

Bought their clay bars, clay lube, and clay mitt. My 18 year old Celica's paint is smooth as glass.

I recommend them
__________________
miiipilot
'24 M2 Brooklyn Grey, 6mt, Bi-Color, Black M-Color seats,
'16 MG M2, DCT, Exec. Took Delivery 4/30/16 (Sold)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:13 PM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST