BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Wash, Wax, Detail, Cosmetic Maintenance & Repairs
 
European Auto Source (EAS)
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-01-2012, 07:54 AM   #1
M3Dreams
Private First Class
United_States
89
Rep
166
Posts

Drives: F83,F30340,E82135,E90M3,E46330
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Minneapolis, MN

iTrader: (4)

Wheel Cleaner recommendation

Hey guys, anybody have a good spray-on, hose-off type of wheel cleaner recommendation. I am getting tired of spending 20 minutes on washing wheels only every time I hand wash my car.

TIA
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2012, 09:40 AM   #2
flipm3
E46 + E90 + F80
192
Rep
2,894
Posts

Drives: E46 + E90 + F80
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Illinois

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2009 BMW M3  [0.00]
2002 BMW M3  [0.00]
You may want to look into a wheel wax if you haven't already. It should cut down wheel cleaning time substantially.

My favorite wheel cleaners are Auto Finesse Imperial and Sonax Wheel Cleaner.

Regardless, I find myself scrubbing a little every time I wash.
__________________
F80 M3 DCT|Alpine White . Black Leather | My Build Thread
E90 M3 DCT|Melbourne Red . Speed Cloth | My Build Thread
E46 M3 6MT|Jet Black . Black Nappa Leather | My Build Thread
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2012, 10:35 AM   #3
tibra1
Banned
No_Country
127
Rep
6,773
Posts

Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (4)

Soap, Water, Sponge
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2012, 11:33 AM   #4
rjd598
Banned
United_States
1770
Rep
6,696
Posts

Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
All the above is correct. Agitation is required regardless unless you want to use unnecessary amounts of product. I would buy some sonax, get the rims nice and clean, and finally seal them up with a good product. From there on out you will only need to use your carwash shampoo and water to get the rims clean again
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2012, 02:03 PM   #5
bvhbmw
Detailer
United_States
4
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: WA

iTrader: (0)

P21S wheel cleaner (liquid or gel). Wait 5 minutes (or longer, up to two hours). Lightly brush. Rinse. Apply Collinite 845 wax as sealer so cleaning is easier next time. A pressure washer makes all of this easier and faster too. The P21S will not remove the wax.

Sonax cleans well but smells like crap.

Collinite wins wheel wax competition: http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...to-express.htm

Even with all of this I spend about 5 minutes on each wheel (cleaning). I have the Competition wheels, and there are more nooks and crannies on these than the average wheel. Also try some wheel woolies - they're great tools and splatter less than some brushes: http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...lies-worth.htm

Last edited by bvhbmw; 09-01-2012 at 02:11 PM..
Appreciate 0
      09-01-2012, 08:25 PM   #6
rjd598
Banned
United_States
1770
Rep
6,696
Posts

Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
Any wheel cleaner will damage wheel protection. When you seal your rims you aren't supposed to be using wheel cleaners to clean them again but just simple shampoo and water
Appreciate 0
      09-03-2012, 04:13 PM   #7
MTROIS
Major
MTROIS's Avatar
France
188
Rep
1,153
Posts

Drives: on the wrong side of the Ocean
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey, USA

iTrader: (0)

Sonax wheel cleaner on a COOL wheel (best not to apply when wheel is hot or just after a long drive).
__________________
2019 M2C MT (ED + PCD) | 2008 M3 Coupé MT | 1995 M3 LTW MT | BMW CCA HPDE Instructor
Appreciate 0
      09-03-2012, 09:15 PM   #8
M3 Esq
Automobilist
M3 Esq's Avatar
United_States
395
Rep
2,632
Posts

Drives: E70 X5, 911 GT3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CT

iTrader: (12)

I use P21s gel with a Daytona wheel brush for the barrels and Mcguiers wheel brush for the spokes. It takes about 5 minutes or so per wheel. I seal with Klass sealant.
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 01:04 AM   #9
dirtyfreebooter
Captain
dirtyfreebooter's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
655
Posts

Drives: Vespa
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Boulder, CO

iTrader: (2)

As others stated before, Sonax, applied cool works great, but I find even rinsing with a pressure washer doesn't get everything. I found that the EZ detail brush, sold at a bunch of places like amazon or detailersdomain), makes ZCP wheels super easy to clean from front to back (all the way in the back). My pre-wash steps are usually.

1) cool down car.
2) spray sonax on wheels. wait 2 minutes.
3) use ez detail brush on all wheels
4) rinse with hose
5) dry (after wash) with electric leaf blower

They always come out crystal clear. FWIW, for a while I got off Sonax, and was just using regular soap, but I think I have convinced myself that the sonax really does break down the grime better and leave me with wheels I can eat off of.
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 08:07 AM   #10
Erie Von Otto
DT///M
Erie Von Otto's Avatar
United_States
149
Rep
1,370
Posts

Drives: 2014 F31 Touring
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Rocket City, AL

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Sonax. Life saver. Awesome stuff. I havent had the time to fully detail the wifes car yet, but the brake dust on it is incredible. I use some Sonax and hit it with a quick brush to aggitate and spray. It has yet to disappoint me...
__________________
"With great power comes great responsibility." -El-Superbeasto
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 09:09 AM   #11
lorinzo
Captain
United_States
84
Rep
953
Posts

Drives: e90 M3; i3 rex; e46 M3 vert
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

I have had good results with Diablo from Chemical Guys.
__________________
| 2011 M3 Sedan | Le Mans Blue | M-DCT | ZC2 | ZCP | ZP3 | Moonroof | Enhanced Premium Sound | Dinan exhaust | Dinan software | Dinan pulley | Dinan intake | Dinan pedals | Bimmian LED interior | Lux H8 V3 | WeissLicht PY24W LED | 20% tint | IND reflectors | IND front grills | IND key hole cover | IND hood vents | IND M5 mirror covers | Reus Systems audio | Verstraβe shifter paddles | BBS LM 20x9 et 15 and 20x10.5 et 15 | Hankook Ventus V12 255/30/20 and 295/25/20 | Red BBS Racing lug nut kit | H&R Sport springs |
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 09:20 AM   #12
6spdg37s
Captain
70
Rep
753
Posts

Drives: none
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: dirty jerz

iTrader: (3)

just ordered some sonax myself cant wait to try it out !
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 09:37 AM   #13
Templar
Lieutenant Colonel
Templar's Avatar
United_States
264
Rep
1,883
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: One of the coasts...

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2011 BMW M3  [10.00]
You'll never find a spray on, hose off wheel cleaner that doesn't require any sort of agitation.

If you use a good wheel wax, all you'll ever need is soap and water and a wash mitt or sponge. Until then, sonax and a wheel brush will probably be needed to get all of the dirt off.
__________________
'11 BMW E92 ///M3 - ZCP and DCT
'15 Ford F-250 - Lariat, 6.7 Powerstroke Turbo-diesel
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 02:43 PM   #14
eclipsisNA
Colonel
United_States
348
Rep
2,937
Posts

Drives: 2013 Estoril 328i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Beverly Hills, CA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
2014 BMW 428i  [7.76]
To prevent excessive brake dust, get PosiQuiet Ceramic pads. They'll reduce dusting drastically.

Also, get this and use with a wheel brush:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Diablo_G...htm?Click=5104

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Wheel_Wo...htm?Click=5104
Appreciate 0
      09-04-2012, 10:54 PM   #15
aray
New Member
aray's Avatar
6
Rep
14
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3 ZCP 6MT MG/AB
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M3Dreams View Post
I am getting tired of spending 20 minutes on washing wheels only every time I hand wash my car.

TIA
Me too.... But this what it takes in many cases. Alternative is matte gunmetal wheels.

As mentioned, sealing wheels makes it easier, as does the right tools like wheel wollies, or the Daytona speed master brushes.

I like Wolfs Chemicals Rim Shield for a sealant, nothing sticks to it, and it lasts a long time.
__________________
2005 ///M3 Estoril Blue/Gray SMG
2016 ///M3 Mineral Gray/Amaro Brown 6MT
2016 X5 Titanium Silver/Brown Dakota [wife's]
Appreciate 0
      09-09-2012, 12:55 PM   #16
6spdg37s
Captain
70
Rep
753
Posts

Drives: none
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: dirty jerz

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MTROIS View Post
Sonax wheel cleaner on a COOL wheel (best not to apply when wheel is hot or just after a long drive).
i used the sonax i ordered the first time today it works awesome my dads clk gets lots of brake dust on it and i sprayd it on a cool, dry wheel waiting 5 mins and a majority of the wheel came clean just hosing it off
Appreciate 0
      09-11-2012, 08:18 PM   #17
Detailers Domain
Major General
Detailers Domain's Avatar
United_States
1985
Rep
6,916
Posts

Drives: 20 M2C / 22 X3MC
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (24)

our shop prefers Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner plus either the Wheel Woolies or the EZ-Detail Brush for the inner wheels.

A good rim sealant will also help out with future cleanings.

Wolf's Rim Shield is the hot one right now.
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2012, 03:32 AM   #18
shuggy
Second Lieutenant
shuggy's Avatar
United_States
37
Rep
218
Posts

Drives: '11 E90M3, '20 X3M, '20 RRSSVR
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (2)

Have a detailer Opti-Coat your rims. You can follow-up with Sonax Full Effect for subsequent washes, but don't use a harsh brush such as the EZ brush after it is coated.
__________________
2011 E90 M3 | Space Gray | RKP CF Roof | MPerf Recaro | Full Interior CF & Alcantara | BMW MPE v2, MS Test Pipes | BPM Tune | MFactory CF DS | Bilstein B6 Damptronic | Full DINAN & Eventuri & DO88 | Modesta BC-04 | Potenza RE-71R
2020 X3M
2020 Range Rover Sport SVR
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2012, 08:11 AM   #19
dmk08
Gone Fishin’
dmk08's Avatar
United_States
7315
Rep
12,125
Posts

Drives: Walks
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (19)

Soap + water + elbow grease. I've gotten it down to about 2 minutes a wheel on my 220s now
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2012, 09:39 AM   #20
rjd598
Banned
United_States
1770
Rep
6,696
Posts

Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by shuggy View Post
Have a detailer Opti-Coat your rims. You can follow-up with Sonax Full Effect for subsequent washes, but don't use a harsh brush such as the EZ brush after it is coated.
Brush won't do anything to the coating. Sonax will though
Appreciate 0
      10-03-2012, 10:44 AM   #21
W///
Lieutenant General
W///'s Avatar
7436
Rep
12,293
Posts

Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SC

iTrader: (13)

I use Sonax wheel cleaner, but it only helps partially. Still gotta use elbow grease to get the wheel looking perfect.

P.S. 220M's are so annoying to clean.
__________________
Current:
16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT
08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT
07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT
99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
Appreciate 0
      10-04-2012, 01:40 AM   #22
fuzzybam
Second Lieutenant
United_States
3
Rep
215
Posts

Drives: MB GLE350
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Just did some Sonax + Wheel Woolies. I highly recommend it.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:51 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST