[bluescoupe]

Yes, hand wash, usually once a week.
Zaino, Duragloss, good towels. Also I use a blower to get the big water off...then dry.

[mtpdave]

I wash mine in the shower with lots of soap...every other day .... no towels though!

[TiAg335i]

I hand wash mine like once every 3-4 weeks...I started not caring so much about swirls since I have TiAg it will never show anyway.

[CV335]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Dealer wash? Only with a light colored car. I wouldn't risk it with a black or other dark color.

+1. Hand wash only for me. I rather have the car dirty an extra week than let the dealer wash it.

[mikeokimster]

handwash ONR weekly

[vindicator]

Good convo guys. Could we get some more input about the scratches for the trim finish? I've noticed mine getting scratches after using a micro cloth.

[gtmotor]

Originally Posted by srcstc

What's the special solution?

http://www.autogeek.net/mr32.html

They make special detergents for microfiber

I don't trust my dealer to wash even my light colored BMW. I always request that they don't wash it and they are cool with that. They give me a coupon for a free wash at a local place. My girlfriend uses those for her Rav4 since it's neglected anyway...

[rjd598]

i always hand wash my car and i use the bmw chamois.works great and keeps the car scratch free.you can never be too sure with the carwash no matter what kind they are.

[BK]

Originally Posted by gtmotor

WTF? Cheap towels are WAY more likely to scratch then using a proper microfiber towel.

I have close to 100 microfiber towels in all different sizes/thread counts... I keep them in special bins in the garage and only use them once before washing with a special solution. You should never mix microfiber with other fabric in the washing machine BTW.

Works pretty well for me

Hey! I recognize your car! I remember your thread over on Lotus Talk when you got that 335i.

I spend a bit of time over at LT but don't own a Lotus. Thinking of picking up a toy car, and it's one of the possibilities.

To the OP - spend more time here in the detailing forum, and you'll find plenty of tips on keeping your car swirl free. Using proper technique when washing and -- especially -- when drying will save you lot of aggravation down the road. Read the Detailing 101 sticky for this forum: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9145

[twinturboa51]

+1 for handwash. if you must during the winter time i use a touchless car wash. touchless car washes should not scratch. also when you dry use a good qulity microfiber towel. if you dont have a buffer and can only hand polish i would recommend Chemical Guys Glaze. A glaze will fill in minor scratches in the paints surface and cover them up so you cant see them. you can then either apply a sealant to prevent scratches i would again reccomend a Chemical Guys Product m seal especially if you dont have a buffer. this stuff is really easy to use. then you can wax for more shine. as for the inside trim try the same thing if its really bothering you. you can wax it just the same.