Engine Cleaning

[JCE]

I was wondering if there is anything that needs to be covered in the engine bay of the M3, to restrict water inflow?

I washed an engine of a truck several years ago, and thought I had everything covered, but it ran like crap afterwards until dry.

Any points on do's/don't does when washing this specific engine would be appreciated. Thanks.

[e90m3_6MT]

wait for the engine to be cold, spray water to rinse (not a strong jet), spray a degreaser of engine cleaner, brush and rinse, then I usually use my metro vac blower to dry the engine as much as possible.

[Z K]

Using wheel cleaner is easier on the underhood plastics and rubber than engine degreaser. Just spray, let it foam up and then hose it down. Close hood and let the car run for about 10-15 minutes and let the engine cook off the excess water.

Remember to cover the holes leading to the airbox so no water gets in.

[808MGuy]

Originally Posted by Z K

Using wheel cleaner is easier on the underhood plastics and rubber than engine degreaser. Just spray, let it foam up and then hose it down. Close hood and let the car run for about 10-15 minutes and let the engine cook off the excess water.

Remember to cover the holes leading to the airbox so no water gets in.

Shouldn't be an issue unless you're spraying water in from the front vents. The hood vent shouldn't be an issue as any residual water getting in should go right out of the drain hole on the bottom of the airbox. Its meant to drain out any rain that gets into the vent.