Wheel Cleaner recommendation

M3Dreams · 09-01-2012, 07:54 AM

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

flipm3 · 09-01-2012, 09:40 AM

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.

tibra1 · 09-01-2012, 10:35 AM

Soap, Water, Sponge

rjd598 · 09-01-2012, 11:33 AM

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

bvhbmw · 09-01-2012, 02:03 PM

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

rjd598 · 09-01-2012, 08:25 PM

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

MTROIS · 09-03-2012, 04:13 PM

Sonax wheel cleaner on a COOL wheel (best not to apply when wheel is hot or just after a long drive).

M3 Esq. · 09-03-2012, 09:15 PM

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.

robackja · 09-04-2012, 01:04 AM

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.

ottoblotto · 09-04-2012, 08:07 AM

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...

lorinzo · 09-04-2012, 09:09 AM

I have had good results with Diablo from Chemical Guys.

6spdg37s · 09-04-2012, 09:20 AM

just ordered some sonax myself cant wait to try it out !

Templar · 09-04-2012, 09:37 AM

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.

eclipsisNA · 09-04-2012, 02:43 PM

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

aray · 09-04-2012, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Dreams

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.

6spdg37s · 09-09-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTROIS

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

DetailersDomain · 09-11-2012, 08:18 PM

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.

shuggy · 10-03-2012, 03:32 AM

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.

dmk08 · 10-03-2012, 08:11 AM

Soap + water + elbow grease. I've gotten it down to about 2 minutes a wheel on my 220s now

rjd598 · 10-03-2012, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuggy

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

W/// · 10-03-2012, 10:44 AM

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.

fuzzybam · 10-04-2012, 01:40 AM

Just did some Sonax + Wheel Woolies. I highly recommend it.

09-01-2012, 07:54 AM	#1
M3Dreams Private Drives: 2009 E90 LeMans Blue M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 70 iTrader: (1)	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
	Tweet

09-01-2012, 09:40 AM	#2
flipm3 E46 + E90 Drives: E46 M3 + E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,486 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. __________________ 2002 E46 M3 6MT \| Jet Black . Black Nappa \| My Build Thread 2009 E90 M3 DCT \| Melbourne Red . Speed Cloth

09-01-2012, 11:33 AM	#4
rjd598 Brigadier General Drives: 10' M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 3,188 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [4.50] 2000 Nissan Maxima SE [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 __________________ 10 E90 M3/dct/ztp/zpp/heated seats/eps/19'/iPod retired- 08 535i/nav/prem./L7/ipod retired- 06 325i/nav/prem./sat/xenons/style 128

09-01-2012, 02:03 PM	#5
bvhbmw Detailer Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: WA Posts: 51 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.

09-01-2012, 08:25 PM	#6
rjd598 Brigadier General Drives: 10' M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 3,188 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [4.50] 2000 Nissan Maxima SE [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 __________________ 10 E90 M3/dct/ztp/zpp/heated seats/eps/19'/iPod retired- 08 535i/nav/prem./L7/ipod retired- 06 325i/nav/prem./sat/xenons/style 128

09-01-2012, 10:35 AM	#3
tibra1 Banned Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 6,779 iTrader: (4)	Soap, Water, Sponge

09-03-2012, 04:13 PM	#7
MTROIS Major Drives: on the wrong side of the Ocean Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,069 iTrader: (0)	Sonax wheel cleaner on a COOL wheel (best not to apply when wheel is hot or just after a long drive). __________________ 2008 M3 Coupé \| BMW CCA Member

09-03-2012, 09:15 PM	#8
M3 Esq. Mind of an effing scientist. Drives: Safely Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CT Posts: 1,048 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [0.00]	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. __________________ 2013 M3 Coupe/DCT/ZCP/Speed Cloth/BMW Performance Exhaust/Dinan Goodies/CF Bits/Volk TE37 SL

09-04-2012, 01:04 AM	#9
robackja First Lieutenant Drives: 2011.5 SG/FR&BK e92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 398 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 [0.00]	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. __________________ 2011.5 E92 ///M3 Space Gray; Fox Red & Blk; 6MT; ZCP; ZCV; ZP2; ///M Performance Exhaust (sold) 2012 VW Jetta TDI Silver (sold; no longer commuting) 2002 Subaru WRX (sold) The World in 35mm

09-04-2012, 08:07 AM	#10
ottoblotto Suddenly, Drives: A Wild M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Appears! Posts: 981 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 BMW X5 [0.00] 2011.75 BMW M3 E90 [5.00]	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

09-04-2012, 09:09 AM	#11
lorinzo Captain Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 630 iTrader: (0)	I have had good results with Diablo from Chemical Guys. __________________ \| 2011.75 M3 Sedan \| Le Mans Blue \| M-DCT \| ZC2 \| ZCP \| ZP3 \| Moonroof \| Enhanced Premium Sound \| Dinan free flow exhaust \| Dinan performance engine software \| Dinan underdrive pulley \| Dinan intake \| Dinan pedals \| Bimmian Ultimate 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 upgrade \| Verstraβe shifter paddles \|

09-04-2012, 09:20 AM	#12
6spdg37s Captain Drives: none Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: dirty jerz Posts: 738 iTrader: (2)	just ordered some sonax myself cant wait to try it out !

09-04-2012, 09:37 AM	#13
Templar Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,702 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [5.00]	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 '11 Ford F-150 XLT - Supercrew, 4x4, Ecoboost V6, Chrome/Convenience Package, Tow Package

09-04-2012, 02:43 PM	#14
eclipsisNA Precision Detailing Boutique Drives: 2013 Estoril 328i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,891 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011.5 BMW M3 [3.88]	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 __________________

09-11-2012, 08:18 PM	#17
DetailersDomain BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: FJ Cruiser Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,851 iTrader: (22)	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. __________________ Phil Detailer's Domain Use BMW for 10% off at checkout. Tips/How To's/Videos, Deals, and More Click here to subscribe to the current promotions offered out to all members here. Like Us on Facebook

10-03-2012, 03:32 AM	#18
shuggy Private First Class Drives: 2011 E90 M3, Space Grey Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles / Tokyo Posts: 107 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ '11 E90 M3 \| Space Gray, Black Novillo - Extended Leather (Console only) \| Carbon Leather \| DCT \| Sport & Tech Package \| BMW M Performance Exhaust / EU Front Bumper / EU Visor / EU Rear Fog Switch / Full BMW Exterior CF / Front Grilles / Side Gills \| BMW Aluminum Pedals / M Floor & Trunk Mats \| DINAN Underdrive Pulley / DINAN Front Sway \| Huper Optik Tint \| Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 \| LUX H8 v3

10-03-2012, 08:11 AM	#19
dmk08 ///Maniac Drives: e90 m3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta Posts: 536 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 E90 [0.00]	Soap + water + elbow grease. I've gotten it down to about 2 minutes a wheel on my 220s now

10-03-2012, 10:44 AM	#21
W/// Major Drives: E30 Vert & E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC Posts: 1,297 iTrader: (2)	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. __________________ 2008 E92 M3: Sparkling Graphite \| Bamboo Beige \| 6MT \| CF Roof \| OEM ZCP Wheels \| Fully Catless Borla S-Type \| BPM Stage II Tune & Coding \| RS Technik Spacers (12F/12R)

10-04-2012, 01:40 AM	#22
fuzzybam Private First Class Drives: One with wheels Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: USA Posts: 166 iTrader: (0)	Just did some Sonax + Wheel Woolies. I highly recommend it.

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