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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs > Best Wheel Cleaners?
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      09-08-2021, 10:04 AM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greenkei View Post
wow!!!
I ordered the Sonax off Amazon due to this thread, and it's hands down by quite a large margin the best wheel cleaner I've ever used.
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      09-22-2021, 07:16 AM   #24
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Hi guys

Firstly, thanks for all the advice. Work has been crazy so haven't been on in a while, but here is the outcome...

Through a combo of impatience and laziness (it was there ready to go in the store), I have used the Wonder Wheels Colour Active Super Wheel Cleaner. Main points IMO:

1. To do a proper job, you need to take the wheels off (I have 19" M403's on mine with a lot of hard to reach bits)
2. It went from purple to black, but not a proper colour change
3. Will probably order the Sonax next time and do a proper wheels off job
4. It stinks!

Anyway, picture time!

So I started off with this stuff and a home made wheel brush (standard paint brush with masking tape and then duct tape wrapped around the middle bit to avoid chipping the rim)
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      09-22-2021, 07:18 AM   #25
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this is the before (looked worse in real life)
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      09-22-2021, 07:19 AM   #26
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After first go over with a little agitation from the brush. Most dirt gone, still some remaining
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      09-22-2021, 07:20 AM   #27
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then how they finally turned out - I pulled forward about 3 feet to get a fresh angle on them
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      09-22-2021, 07:24 AM   #28
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I used about two thirds of the bottle in the end, but they were pretty bad. overall, alright value for £9/$12 for a 600ml bottle
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      09-22-2021, 11:35 PM   #29
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Boiling hot water
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      09-23-2021, 09:04 PM   #30
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I use simple green. Best stuff I’ve ever seen for brake dust.
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      10-03-2021, 07:43 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Onizukachan View Post
I use simple green. Best stuff I’ve ever seen for brake dust.
Simple Green can be harsh on aluminum, dulling it. I use it on many things around the house & garage, but find dedicated wheel cleaners or diluted all-purpose cleaners do a better job. Sonax & Griot's work well.
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      10-03-2021, 11:21 PM   #32
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Good thing all BMW wheels aren’t aluminum then… they’re all painted. And 10:1 dilution works a ok and is very gentle. Even on raw aluminum parts like valve covers.
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      10-04-2021, 01:39 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oli_e90 View Post
Hi all!

I'm in the process of tidying my wheels up at the moment now I'm starting to travel again as lockdown has ended here in the UK.

I am going to wax them with the Poor Boys wheel wax once clean, but any recommendations on what to use to get the clean first?

I've had a look, and shortlisted the following 3 fallout removers (looking for something pH neutral):

Autoglym Magma https://www.autoglym.com/magma
Auto Finesse Iron Out https://www.autofinesse.com/en/iron-...lout-remover-2
Duel Autocare Toxin https://www.duelautocare.co.uk/produ...c949&_ss=r

Any advice gratefully received!

Cheers

Oli
Sonar Wheel Cleaner Plus (see photo) is excellent. Caution to avoid Sonax new wheel cleaner product called "The Beast". See video

Avoid Sonax "The Beast" wheel cleaner
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      10-05-2021, 09:03 AM   #34
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I know I posted about liking the Griots wheel cleaner earlier in the thread, but I just cleaned up a set of wheels I bought second hand and wanted to share some visible results. Even for being the milder version of their two wheel cleaning products it cleaned up the wheels quite nicely.









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Last edited by Desertnate; 10-05-2021 at 11:11 AM..
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      10-16-2021, 03:38 PM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Flash Brown Royal. Use it 50/50 for wheels and brakes, 20/80 for the engine. It stinks like hell, but works great. https://www.flashautodetailproducts....-tire-cleaner/
Thanks for this, will try it
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      10-29-2021, 03:49 AM   #36
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Hi guys, AutoFinesse product, works perfect 😉

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      10-29-2021, 06:49 AM   #37
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Brake Buster is definitely worth a try. Surprises me every time how much brake dust hides behind the alloys that just slides off after a 3:1 dilution of water to brake buster. Would highly recommend
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      11-14-2021, 05:04 PM   #38
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Ive used a few ( Griots , Chemical Guys, and Meguiars ) and hands down Sonax is the best. Ive converted a few of friends who are as obsessive as me to using it ! Best of luck, Happy Cleaning !!
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      11-22-2021, 03:56 PM   #39
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I can also vouch for the Sonax wheel cleaner products. Works great!
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      12-17-2021, 11:44 AM   #40
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Thanks for the Sonax recommendation. I've used their products but never the wheel cleaner. I'll have to kill off the Adams cleaner I have.
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      12-24-2021, 05:42 PM   #41
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Honestly the meguiars ultimate wheel cleaner has been pretty damn good for me and it's ten bucks at Walmart.

It's an iron remover too
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      12-24-2021, 06:25 PM   #42
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I use Adams iron off or sonax til they bleed, then I have a 3rd wash bucket and med stiff brush to use with my soap if choice or Adams/sonax, claybar, ceramic topper of choice.
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      12-25-2021, 10:51 AM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ATL_Nak-Muay View Post
I use Adams iron off or sonax til they bleed, then I have a 3rd wash bucket and med stiff brush to use with my soap if choice or Adams/sonax, claybar, ceramic topper of choice.
Never thought about using its own bucket to clean wheels I'll need to get one.
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      01-17-2022, 06:51 AM   #44
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Thanks guys - recently been using Demon Wheels but ordering some Sonax now...
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