Its cold and my car is filthy...

[MKE_M3]

My car just travelled >2000 miles on an open carrier. It is new and has never been waxed. I want to get it clean (took it through brushless car wash and still dirty), but I don't know how...

You're probably thinking "He's an idiot, just hand wash it!"

Well, its 20 degrees F where I live. Any suggestions on getting it cleaned properly? Should I consider a brush car wash

Should I try another trip or two through the brushless?

[Erie Von Otto]

Just out of curiosity, you dont have indoor type car washes? In Germany, we have pressure washing stations that have roller doors and such. There is a good one that has a lift on it also. Its not 75 degrees or anything, but it does keep the cold out and you can get the salt out from under the car. Figured a lot of northern states would have something similar.

EDIT: Brushless is good when you have a nice coat of wax and rain-x on the windows. But for your issues, I wouldnt waste the money...

[gthal]

Optimum No Rinse is your friend. But, if it is that cold, I don't know if you have any real options unless you can get inside. I use No Rinse in my garage in the winter and it works well.

[JulieDriving]

Have it professionally detailed for its first, post-transport truck wash. My 335i was filthy, after traveling more than halfway across the country. Dealership phoned me say, car delivery will be a little delayed - they sent it to be professionally detailed.

[MKE_M3]

Thanks for the advice all!

I think I need to look into gettng it professionaly done and waxed for its first time, then I'll take care of it from there.

[Darth One]

ouch...if your car is filthy with bugs, salt and road grime, don't put it through a brushless...that's kind of like sandblasting the paint :O

and the ones with those big automated brushes are kinda like cleaning your car with a brillo pad...i'm exaggerating, but not by that much

[CalgaryX3]

Agreed with the previous posts: Find yourself a heated wand wash car wash, and take it there very early in the morning or late at night when it's not busy. Take the time to do a good two bucket wash job, including door jambs etc, and then dry it off with some high quality MF cloths. As for the wax/sealant; you'll either need a heated garage, or get it professionally done until you can lay hands on it yourself in the spring.

Asif

[BMW Fanatic]

Why the fuck did they/you transport the car in an open carrier firstly? If that was your part to save a couple $$ then this is your own fault. If it was the dealership or something then I'd have them pay for a full detail. Regardless, even if it was the dealership you should have been like hey I'll give you a little extra to get it sent in a closed carrier. I wouldn't transport any car in an open carrier, 99 Camry or 2012 GT3. Car is a car.

[MKE_M3]

they actually told me it was covered and were pissed when they found out it wasn't. I worked out a deal with them that I am happy with given that the car was delivered over a week later than I expected and uncovered.

Thanks for the advice, I still think I may go the professional detailer route.

[BMW Fanatic]

Good luck man, remember the dealership needs YOU not the other way around. It's much easier to screw their rep than it is for them to hold on to customers. So if they fucked up make sure they make it right, and don't believe em when they say it was a mistake, they know what they're doing every step of the way ESPECIALLY when it comes to $$.

Didn't mean to sound abrupt in my last post, just HATE stealerships.

[jimib]

I washed my car when it was 10ºF once! I just came back from a ski trip.

It can be done. Just run the hot water into a bucket and keep throwing it on the car. The first couple will freeze but eventually you will warm up the car and then you can wash it.

[Ivan Rajic]

Definitely consult a quality detailer for an initial cleanup if you have one near you. Otherwise, if you can heat up your garage (if you have on that is) to 50ish+ degrees, you can check out my article here for winter washing using ONR in the winter... http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-no-rinse-onr/

[lopealle]

Just like i do....dress like an Eskimo throw on some long rubber gloves and fishing boots and you will be fine.