[GeorgeR]

Not much detailing in the X5/X6 forum but the same N55 engine in an xDrive 35i.

I have the general detailing procedure down but not sure what if any things I should cover before spraying with water.

Same with my 335i N54 if different.

Thanks.

[Billfitz]

Everything under the hood is pretty well sealed, because plenty of water gets in there when driving in the rain. Avoid the electrical connectors, fuse box and alternator, because they're designed to deal with casual water, not a high pressure spray. Don't drench the serpentine belt either, until after you're done. Then use this on it:
https://www.crcindustries.com/produc...-oz-05350.html

[sspade]

The first step of properly cleaning under your hood is to dry vacuum as much dust and debris as possible before using any liquid/sprays.

Anyone that know's anything... knows that.

I've never taken a hose or pressure washer to my engine bay and I'm sure it's in the top percentile of cleanliness compared to other cars on the road. Positive actually.

A vacuum, spray cleaner and rag will go a long way.

[GeorgeR]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Everything under the hood is pretty well sealed, because plenty of water gets in there when driving in the rain. Avoid the electrical connectors, fuse box and alternator, because they're designed to deal with casual water, not a high pressure spray. Don't drench the serpentine belt either, until after you're done. Then use this on it:
https://www.crcindustries.com/produc...-oz-05350.html

Thanks. Can't say I see a lot of electrical connections, alternator seems pretty protected already and most fuses are in the car, not the engine bay. I'll look closer.

[GeorgeR]

Originally Posted by sspade

The first step of properly cleaning under your hood is to dry vacuum as much dust and debris as possible before using any liquid/sprays.

Anyone that know's anything... knows that.

I've never taken a hose or pressure washer to my engine bay and I'm sure it's in the top percentile of cleanliness compared to other cars on the road. Positive actually.

A vacuum, spray cleaner and rag will go a long way.

As I said I have the general detailing down and my engine bay looks good. I have never sprayed either engine with water and would like to give it a try after 4 years with the X6 and over 10 years with the 335i E92.

I'm not asking whether to do it or not but how to do it safely since my research has me thinking it can be beneficial. Happy to discuss whether to do it or not in a different thread.

Thanks.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by GeorgeR

most fuses are in the car, not the engine bay. I'll look closer.

There's a box full of fuses under the hood. It's sealed pretty well, but I'd still avoid it. Quite a few electrical connectors too, as every sensor is connected to the FEM or iDrive.

[ECTO1]

+1 on the vacuum first get the heavy junk out . Then Pressure wash it quick just get it more wet than anything else. Diluted APC and a soft brush go over all the plastics then pressure wash it all again fallowed up with mequires hyper dressing to finish done and dusted.

[Billfitz]

I don't pressure wash, that can lead to problems. I don't vacuum either. I use a leaf blower to get rid of the loose stuff and dust, spray the compartment with watered down Flash Brown Royal, rinse with my garden hose.
https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Brown-N...WE8M25EKZGEX26

[vanbmw]

I don't cover any areas on my engine. I spray my engine at end but try to use as little water as possible plus a very light spray.

I start with a good spray all over engine bay with cleaner...currently I am using chemical guys all clean APC. Then I give it a gentle brush with my ez-detailing brush. Lots of areas I wipe down with a microfibre cloth (using water-APC mix on cloth). Then at the end I rinse with water. I have a good hose nozzle that allows me to get a very light spray. I don't use full blast water. I use the minimal amount of water possible to rinse off soap and dirt. Then leaf blow off the standing water. Drive car to get engine warm up. Last I spray with chemical guys black on black spray.