[Saberwalk]

I have read most of the threads for this topic and am hoping some of the principles can be distilled and combined here. I have a new 330xi that I want to maintain in the best condition possible. So I plan on getting it professionally detailed on a bi-annual or even quarterly basis depending on recommendations here. (I live in Rockville, MD--D.C. area). The problem is that I live in a condo, so am restricted by the association rules from washing my car in the parking lot, beside which there is no hose access.

I am not aware of any area where I can go to do my own maintenace, except the local high pressure wash bay. I could use just the high pressure rinse cycle and just use my own soap, if that's warranted and with the wife's help, even use the wash mit, and hand dry with the appropriate MF cloth or the absorber. (Obviously, leaf blower is not an option here) Then what? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, will claying on bi-annual basis be sufficient?

[pander5]

A great question as it applies to lots of folks. There is a product made by Protectall called Quick and Easy Wash that might be just the thing for regular washes. I've never used it so I'll state that up front but I'm hoping others who have can chime in. According to the manufacturer, you use one ounce of this wash and 1 gallon of water and there is no need to rinse. Folks on this and other boards frequently make references to this product so there are lots of folks who are at least familiar with it. This product seems to cater to exactly what you are asking about.

I'd avoid the local wash bay if you can however you can use them and minimize the adverse affects with what you suggest above. If you plan to have a pro detail it do they offer a package service where they would maintain it 100% of the time i.e. take care of your frequent washings also?

Finally, claying is use specific in that it depends on the environment within which the car is kept. I personally only clay about once a year but admit I care for my car weekly and it's garaged both at work and at home. I'm at one end of the spectrum and those who don't/can't wash frequently, live close to industrial areas and leave the vehicle outside 24/7 will need it more often and are at the other end.

[Saberwalk]

Pander 5,

Thanks for your reply. I agree about avoiding the local wash bay, particularly with regard to the materials they use, but they are pretty good about letting us use buckets and our own stuff provided no one is waiting. After this morning's wash though, I am wondering if Jet Black was such a great color to get.

Regards,

[firstkill]

I have the same issue. but since i have a garage at my place, i wash my car in the garage at night. So there is no apartment/condo guys running around.

I just full up like a 40-50 gallon tub of water and bring a few buckets to rinse and wash the car in parts. Its very water efficent and you can clay in and put on a few layers of wax.

Or you can just go to a gas station that has those drive through TOUCHLESS car washes each time you get gas. YOu might have to wax more frequently 4times a year is enough with a good wax.

~fk

[pander5]

Don't ever regret Jet Black - it will be my next color! I currently have an Orient Blau 04 Coupe and love the darker colors when they are clean and shiny.

My problem with auto wash places is they use recycled water to cut operational costs and that water is just plain crap and prone to spotting. I also don't like high pressure water but you can deal with that by holding the nozzle far enough away to wet and rinse.

With that said and the fact you mentioned they're pretty good about letting you use your own equipment you can minimize the scratch factor by using good clean wash mitts, use the double bucket approach (one for soapy water and one to rinse your mitt) and then dry with good quality microfiber waffle weave towels. I like to blot dry instead of using friction strokes. I also use a Grit Guard in my wash bucket to keep the dirt and stuff as sediment on the bottom of the bucket. One the car is fully dry you may want to spritz on some QD spray to battle any water spots.

Unfortunately swirls and micromarring are inevitable (esp. with black) but you can minimize them given your situation.

[KL2DC]

I have the same situation here as well...I am sticking/trying to stick to a regimen of bi-weekly hand washes, wax job every 3 months and a buff job every 6 months for my SG.

Your Jet black is a hard color to keep though, plenty of wax might help keep the shine. Be warned that even hand washes won't spare you from some micro scratches/fine swirls...that is why you'd need the routine wax/buff job.

Prices for hand washes in the area is about $30, wax jobs are about $65-90 and a buff and wax starts at $100...

[picus]

Quick and Easy wash is a great recommendation. I've been using it or Optimum No Rinse (same kid of product) for years now on mine and customer cars with no complaints. It is a little weird using it at first since it doesn't sud at all, and washing your car with slick water is nerve wracking the first time, but I can assure you it works.

2 gallons of water and a cap and a half of optimum no rinse (I use ONR mostly now since it's slighty slicker imo), 3 mitts and 2 waffle weave towels and I can wash an entire car (even a really dirty one) in under 30 minutes.

There are plenty of threads on ONR and QEW on Autopia.org, you should check them out.

I personally try to avoid coin ops since the water is recycled.

[Saberwalk]

Thanks for the info on the no-rinse approach. I will try that instead of the coin-op. I agree that their water really stinks.

Picus, I am curious--why 3 mitts?

KL2DC, can you recommend any pros in the area? My work garage offers a $25 hand wash and I liked them because they did a pretty good job on my Silver Solara, but I am not sure about entrusting my baby to these guys. (Their window washing technique sucked).

[picus]

I always use 3 mitts whether conventional or rinseless wash. Two reasons; first, even with rinsing in a second bucket filled only with water sometimes the mitts are too dirty for me to put back on the paint; so I grab a new mitt. I use one mitt for the lower door panels, bumpers, and rockers only (so the dirtiest parts of the car). Second, since I do this for a living time is money, and I don't often have time to really rinse the heck out of mitts in between panels, so it's easier to toss a dirty one aside and grab a clean one then clean them all later.

Cheers.

[wvtlo]

Dri-Wash :rocks:

http://www.driwashsolutions.com/

[Saberwalk]

Wvtlo,

I assume you've used dri-wash yourself, how good is it at removing waterspots. and more coarse dirt. How often do you use it?

[wvtlo]

I've used Dri-Wash for quite a few years now. I still hand wash my car when I can, but, when I'm pressed for time or away on vacation I can do a quick dri wash. It's not meant to get off heavy caked on dirt, but, works on a car containing moderate level of dust, dirt, road grime or salt

It's excellent at removing everything. You'll be suprised how well this stuff works. A friend of mine introduced me to it and gave me a demo on his car. Needless to say, I was skeptical. What a difference!! I used it in college on my old Mazda mx6 because we didn't have a water source.

It doesn't scratch your car at all and you can clean almost everything with it. The surface is slick after using it and it shines pretty good. It's really good on the windows...beads like a mofo.

Another friend of mine has a Nissan Pathfinder which is pretty beat and he doesn't take care of it at all. I did the 'demo' on his truck and he went ahead and bought two bottles. One for the car and one for his boat.

Def look into it. Good luck.

[antidentite]

Thanks Picus - I'm definitely looking into this!