[SurferDude]

Hey guys!!

I just bought my first BMW and I'm loving everything about it. Its a 2011 323i Alpine White. I picked it up from the dealer last week and she was sparking, now on the other hand...shes disgustingly dirty from the Toronto winter. I want to wash her but I don't want to get swirls and muck up the paint.

Whats the best way I can wash it to get it sparkling clean again and not put any imperfections in the paint?

Thanks!!

[Joonsup]

Originally Posted by SurferDude

Hey guys!!

I just bought my first BMW and I'm loving everything about it. Its a 2011 323i Alpine White. I picked it up from the dealer last week and she was sparking, now on the other hand...shes disgustingly dirty from the Toronto winter. I want to wash her but I don't want to get swirls and muck up the paint.

Whats the best way I can wash it to get it sparkling clean again and not put any imperfections in the paint?

Thanks!!

The two bucket method with grit gaurd is the proper way. Make sure you use a quality wash mitt found at any of the vendor's site on here. There's a lot of articles on here that explains it but basically you have a bucket for wash and a bucket with the grit gaurd to rinse. Clean the wheels first and use a separate mitt. Once you get to the body wash from the top down and do the bumpers and side skirts last. Wash in small sections in between rinses. A foam gun to soap up the entire car is nice to have but not necessary.

When rinsing use streaming water to help the water spots from forming. Dry the windows first since the water stains on the windows seem to be the hardest to get off. Use a waffle weave drying towel which will prevent scratching of the paint but make sure you don't put too much pressure. One towel should be enough for the entire car but I like to use two.

This is the method I use when washing my car, and it helps prevent any swirl marks that may incur over many washes. This should help keep your car nice and shiny until we get some warmer weather. Then you should have your car detailed to protect it during the summer. I don't think I left anything out but I'm sure others will chime in with their own recommendations

[MuttGrunt]

^ What Nick said.

Research and research. Buy quality products. Make everyone jealous (jealously will increase over time. At first no one is amazed by a clean "new" car, but after a few years go by and your vehicle looks truly better than when you got it... it's a nice feeling )

[VWtoBMW]

Not sure if you ever get out that way, but there is an indoor heated wash place in Scarborough. I havent used it yet, but it is an option.

http://www.midlandcarwash.ca/carwash.html

I have used some coin op places before, but always go in hand with two buckets... One with soapy water, the other with plain water. Never did that in winter before, only summer when I lived in a condo.

I will probably try this Midland place at some point soon.

Originally Posted by SurferDude

Hey guys!!

I just bought my first BMW and I'm loving everything about it. Its a 2011 323i Alpine White. I picked it up from the dealer last week and she was sparking, now on the other hand...shes disgustingly dirty from the Toronto winter. I want to wash her but I don't want to get swirls and muck up the paint.

Whats the best way I can wash it to get it sparkling clean again and not put any imperfections in the paint?

Thanks!!

[SurferDude]

Originally Posted by VWtoBMW

Not sure if you ever get out that way, but there is an indoor heated wash place in Scarborough. I havent used it yet, but it is an option.

http://www.midlandcarwash.ca/carwash.html

I have used some coin op places before, but always go in hand with two buckets... One with soapy water, the other with plain water. Never did that in winter before, only summer when I lived in a condo.

I will probably try this Midland place at some point soon.

Thats awesome! Yeah, I think the first two member didn't fully understand what I meant. In the summer time I usually use two buckets and so forth. However, right now it is currently -6 degrees and I can't pull out my hose and wash the car. I hate driving around with a dirty car...especially when its my first new one. I know they have those touchless carwashes, however they use really highpower pressure washers and I'd be scared that it would damage the paint.

Any other suggestions from you guys that live up in the colder climates?

[VWtoBMW]

Ya, I just hate winter for that one reason! It will be +6 on Saturday so I plan to wash my car at home and pull it in the garage for a full detail. I am leaving to Florida at the end of the month (driving down) and want to get rid off all the little swirls and crap so have it looking perfect for the trip.

Originally Posted by SurferDude

Thats awesome! Yeah, I think the first two member didn't fully understand what I meant. In the summer time I usually use two buckets and so forth. However, right now it is currently -6 degrees and I can't pull out my hose and wash the car. I hate driving around with a dirty car...especially when its my first new one. I know they have those touchless carwashes, however they use really highpower pressure washers and I'd be scared that it would damage the paint.

Any other suggestions from you guys that live up in the colder climates?

[Detailed Image]

Here are two must read articles about how to wash safely in the winter. There are two articles with two different methods that work very well.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-no-rinse-onr/

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...in-the-winter/

[SurferDude]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Here are two must read articles about how to wash safely in the winter. There are two articles with two different methods that work very well.

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-no-rinse-onr/

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...in-the-winter/

Those articles are amazing!! And you guys have some really nice detailing products! Good to know.

[Gig103]

Originally Posted by SurferDude

Those articles are amazing!! And you guys have some really nice detailing products! Good to know.

Take notice that Optimum No Rinse (and other car shampoos) are on sale at the moment with DetailedImage, too. It's about 12-13% off the gallon, which is better than the normal 10% the "e90post" coupon gets us.