Dirty Bimmers

WillSkill · 12-13-2016, 03:51 AM

So I'm from upstate New York and the weather gets pretty rough during this time of year with all the snow, mud and salt. I haven't had time to wash the car and she's filthy. I'm wondering how you guys keep your cars clean for those of you who drive your bimmer as a daily driver. It's way too cold outside to hand wash the car during winter

Share some of your dirty car pics and tips to keep it clean during this season!

ErkanTR16 · 12-13-2016, 05:06 AM

As a hobby in Auto Detailing this hurts me.. lol

WillSkill · 12-13-2016, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erkan_340i

As a hobby in Auto Detailing this hurts me.. lol

It hurts me too... giving her a wash today. But it's 28 degree out there, may have to settle with automated car wash. But they're pretty bad for the car aren't they?

Billfitz · 12-13-2016, 08:10 AM

I wash mine with Optimum No Rinse, filling my gallon bucket with warm water. So long as the temperature is above 35 degrees it's no biggy. If it's colder do it in the garage.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works so well that even in warm weather I use it exclusively.

Blubaron79 · 12-13-2016, 08:54 AM

I washed mine outside yesterday when it was 36F. Warm bucket of water, and you just dress warm. Fun and easy!

MuffinMan910 · 12-13-2016, 09:25 AM

I wash mine by hand whenever I can, but I also have a 90 day touchleas car wash pass. 1 wash a day for 90 days. I usually use it once every 2-3 days. I know touchless uses harsh chemicals but it's better than salt buildup and brushes scratching my paint all winter

lo_xyooj · 12-13-2016, 09:31 AM

sub'd...I'm curious myself...it's freakin cold this week and need a wash bad..today is 10*

HotTea69 · 12-13-2016, 09:42 AM

Monthly car wash pass for me.

X2 Monstah · 12-13-2016, 10:38 AM

Here's my previous F30. Got caught in a storm returning from Erie, PA a couple of years ago. For winter washing, I usually just wait for a halfway decent day and hand wash it, but occasionally I'll go to a self-serve car wash or a "touchless" wash.

WillSkill · 12-13-2016, 10:58 AM

What about the salt build up under the car? how do you guys usually wash that yourself?

CalCarNut · 12-13-2016, 11:22 AM

I'm screaming on the inside with all these dirty Bimmers.......the horror! I guess there are advantages to living on the West Coast..plus my car is a garage queen. Finally clicked 11,000 miles after 20 mos of ownership

. Probably a great candidate for a CPO car if I ever trade it in lol.

KGB_123_99 · 12-13-2016, 11:31 AM

Use touch-less car washes, they are fine. They may still leave a grimy film on your ride but at least all the salt washes off.

thatg20guy · 12-13-2016, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I wash mine with Optimum No Rinse, filling my gallon bucket with warm water. So long as the temperature is above 35 degrees it's no biggy. If it's colder do it in the garage.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works so well that even in warm weather I use it exclusively.

I use ONR as well, but I don't think the temperature in Chicago is going to go higher than 25 Fahrenheit for a while... My apartment has covered parking but it's not enclosed on the sides so it's just as cold outside as it is in the garage

touch-less car wash it is...

Billfitz · 12-13-2016, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillSkill

What about the salt build up under the car? how do you guys usually wash that yourself?

Come spring put a lawn sprinkler at the end of your driveway, running the hose up the drive way. Pull the car up to where the sprinkler is under the rear bumper. Turn on the sprinkler, slowly pull the hose to move the sprinkler the length of the car.

Insane435 · 12-13-2016, 01:44 PM

I use a no rinse in the garage. I spray down the car with hose in drive way and do the wheels as well. If its well below freezing you are pretty much sol if theres heavy dirt caked. Your best bet is going to a diy car wash and spraying it with soap and then rinsing it. I also dry it in the booth so it doesn't freeze.

Winter really sucks.

ErkanTR16 · 12-13-2016, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillSkill

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erkan_340i

As a hobby in Auto Detailing this hurts me.. lol

It hurts me too... giving her a wash today. But it's 28 degree out there, may have to settle with automated car wash. But they're pretty bad for the car aren't they?

During this time of year i usually take it to coin operated car wash and use the high pressure rinse only. Soap and rinse. I don't and will never use the brushes there. This seems to be the best solution during winter.

ErkanTR16 · 12-13-2016, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillSkill

What about the salt build up under the car? how do you guys usually wash that yourself?

Take it to coin operated car wash and use the high pressure rinse gun handle thingy. Bend over and rinse It works really well.

jcordier · 12-13-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillSkill

So I'm from upstate New York and the weather gets pretty rough during this time of year with all the snow, mud and salt. I haven't had time to wash the car and she's filthy. I'm wondering how you guys keep your cars clean for those of you who drive your bimmer as a daily driver. It's way too cold outside to hand wash the car during winter

Share some of your dirty car pics and tips to keep it clean during this season!

When I'm in a rush and don't have time to do a thorough job or to an actual car wash. I just go to a spray down car wash that I do myself. Idk what the weather is like out there so If it's to cold and the water turns to ice. Then idk lol

WillSkill · 12-13-2016, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Come spring put a lawn sprinkler at the end of your driveway, running the hose up the drive way. Pull the car up to where the sprinkler is under the rear bumper. Turn on the sprinkler, slowly pull the hose to move the sprinkler the length of the car.

Ahh yeah that would work. going to try it for sure

WillSkill · 12-13-2016, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCarNut

I'm screaming on the inside with all these dirty Bimmers.......the horror! I guess there are advantages to living on the West Coast..plus my car is a garage queen. Finally clicked 11,000 miles after 20 mos of ownership

. Probably a great candidate for a CPO car if I ever trade it in lol.

East coast weather sucks during the winter. Willing to trade with West coast weather lol

Frankrizzz · 12-13-2016, 10:26 PM

I can't look anymore!

taru · 12-13-2016, 11:27 PM

The winter is brutal where I'm at. We're not seeing above freezing for ten days or so and my street has not been plowed for two days with about ten inches of snow (turned into an ugly mixture of mud, salt, snow, ice). I looked at my car today and felt chest pain because of how dirty it was (can't post a picture of it, it's heart breaking). I failed to keep my promise of keeping it pretty. So I immediately thought of posting here and asking about what to do, but someone beat me to it.

But I'm still confused. I'm seriously clueless when it comes to cars including using a car wash (we didn't have them when I was growing up, my dad wasn't giving me the car either; and I didn't wash my previous car in the winter since I didn't care about its looks --not a BMW). So I hope you can excuse the silly questions. I don't think I'm willing to go for a DIY (my nail polish will be damaged!), but how do I know if a non-self-wash place is touchless or not? I don't want to damage the car.

A follow-up question: how often should I wash the car? There is no way I'll be able to keep it clean for more than ten minutes after the wash, so is it really beneficial to wash it often?

Finally, should I worry about knocking the snow build up under the car every night when I get home? My garage is detached if that makes a difference.

12-13-2016, 03:51 AM	#1
WillSkill First Lieutenant 172 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 2013 AW 335i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW F30 335I [0.00]	Dirty Bimmers So I'm from upstate New York and the weather gets pretty rough during this time of year with all the snow, mud and salt. I haven't had time to wash the car and she's filthy. I'm wondering how you guys keep your cars clean for those of you who drive your bimmer as a daily driver. It's way too cold outside to hand wash the car during winter Share some of your dirty car pics and tips to keep it clean during this season! Attached Images __________________ 2013 Alpine White 335i -M Sport/// Akrapovic Catback Exhaust/// KW Street Comfort Coilovers/// BMS intake/// JB4/// ER front mount intercooler/// ER Charge pipe/// ER catless downpipe/// 18" Apex Arc-8 in Anthracite/// Michelin Pilot Super Sports
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-13-2016, 05:06 AM	#2
ErkanTR16 64-bit 598 Rep 814 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW 340i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 340i xDrive [0.00]	As a hobby in Auto Detailing this hurts me.. lol
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 08:10 AM	#4
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I wash mine with Optimum No Rinse, filling my gallon bucket with warm water. So long as the temperature is above 35 degrees it's no biggy. If it's colder do it in the garage. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It works so well that even in warm weather I use it exclusively.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 08:54 AM	#5
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1433 Rep 4,724 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	I washed mine outside yesterday when it was 36F. Warm bucket of water, and you just dress warm. Fun and easy! __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 09:25 AM	#6
MuffinMan910 Lieutenant 135 Rep 524 Posts Drives: 2013 f30 335i xDrive mSport Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I wash mine by hand whenever I can, but I also have a 90 day touchleas car wash pass. 1 wash a day for 90 days. I usually use it once every 2-3 days. I know touchless uses harsh chemicals but it's better than salt buildup and brushes scratching my paint all winter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 09:31 AM	#7
lo_xyooj Second Lieutenant 57 Rep 216 Posts Drives: Alpine 335i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: MKE iTrader: (0)	sub'd...I'm curious myself...it's freakin cold this week and need a wash bad..today is 10* __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 09:42 AM	#8
HotTea69 First Lieutenant 137 Rep 310 Posts Drives: 2014 F32 AW M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Queens, NYC iTrader: (0)	Monthly car wash pass for me. __________________ AWE Cat Back \| BBS - LM \| CF M Mirror Caps \| CF M Trunk Spoiler \| CF R-Style Rear Diffuser \| ER Charge Pipe \| ER Down Pipe \| ER Front Mount Intercooler \| Enzo Tuned \| Injen SR Intake \| M Front Grill
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 10:38 AM	#9
X2 Monstah Captain 301 Rep 718 Posts Drives: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Fairfax, VA iTrader: (1)	Here's my previous F30. Got caught in a storm returning from Erie, PA a couple of years ago. For winter washing, I usually just wait for a halfway decent day and hand wash it, but occasionally I'll go to a self-serve car wash or a "touchless" wash. Attached Images __________________ Mine: 2019 Mini Cooper S / Moonwalk Grey / Black Interior Wife's: 2018 X2 XDrive 28i / MSport X / Mediterrean Blue / Mocha Dakota Leather Previous: 2008 E92; 2014 F30; 2016 F30 M Sport; 2011 E82 (Man I miss the 1er!)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 10:58 AM	#10
WillSkill First Lieutenant 172 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 2013 AW 335i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW F30 335I [0.00]	What about the salt build up under the car? how do you guys usually wash that yourself? __________________ 2013 Alpine White 335i -M Sport/// Akrapovic Catback Exhaust/// KW Street Comfort Coilovers/// BMS intake/// JB4/// ER front mount intercooler/// ER Charge pipe/// ER catless downpipe/// 18" Apex Arc-8 in Anthracite/// Michelin Pilot Super Sports
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 11:22 AM	#11
CalCarNut Brigadier General 1061 Rep 3,258 Posts Drives: 2015 F36 Jet Black Sport Line Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Blue Skies iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW X3 [0.00] 2015 BMW 428i Gran ... [10.00] 1996 Chevrolet Impa ... [8.00]	I'm screaming on the inside with all these dirty Bimmers.......the horror! I guess there are advantages to living on the West Coast..plus my car is a garage queen. Finally clicked 11,000 miles after 20 mos of ownership . Probably a great candidate for a CPO car if I ever trade it in lol. __________________ 2015 BMW F36 428i JetBlack. Sport Line Edition 25% 3M Tint\|
	Appreciate 1 donkey464.00 Quote

12-13-2016, 11:31 AM	#12
KGB_123_99 Captain 404 Rep 962 Posts Drives: '17 330ix M-Sport, '09 528ix Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Montreal, QC iTrader: (0)	Use touch-less car washes, they are fine. They may still leave a grimy film on your ride but at least all the salt washes off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 01:44 PM	#15
Insane435 Major 477 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: 435ix M Sport EWG Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Michigan iTrader: (1)	I use a no rinse in the garage. I spray down the car with hose in drive way and do the wheels as well. If its well below freezing you are pretty much sol if theres heavy dirt caked. Your best bet is going to a diy car wash and spraying it with soap and then rinsing it. I also dry it in the booth so it doesn't freeze. Winter really sucks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 10:26 PM	#21
Frankrizzz Private 47 Rep 83 Posts Drives: F25 X3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I can't look anymore!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-13-2016, 11:27 PM	#22
taru New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: BMW 328xd Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	The winter is brutal where I'm at. We're not seeing above freezing for ten days or so and my street has not been plowed for two days with about ten inches of snow (turned into an ugly mixture of mud, salt, snow, ice). I looked at my car today and felt chest pain because of how dirty it was (can't post a picture of it, it's heart breaking). I failed to keep my promise of keeping it pretty. So I immediately thought of posting here and asking about what to do, but someone beat me to it. But I'm still confused. I'm seriously clueless when it comes to cars including using a car wash (we didn't have them when I was growing up, my dad wasn't giving me the car either; and I didn't wash my previous car in the winter since I didn't care about its looks --not a BMW). So I hope you can excuse the silly questions. I don't think I'm willing to go for a DIY (my nail polish will be damaged!), but how do I know if a non-self-wash place is touchless or not? I don't want to damage the car. A follow-up question: how often should I wash the car? There is no way I'll be able to keep it clean for more than ten minutes after the wash, so is it really beneficial to wash it often? Finally, should I worry about knocking the snow build up under the car every night when I get home? My garage is detached if that makes a difference. Last edited by taru; 12-13-2016 at 11:38 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote