Hand wash or Car wash??

[M Pulse]

Curious how fellow board members keep their M3's looking brand spanking new? Do you hand wash or use a car wash? If you use a car wash do you go touch-less or soft cloth?

I found out that my ZCP E92 M3 doesn't clear the rails at my local car wash so I'm resorted to the self-drive through touch-less washes where they don't have any rails. I’ve tried the touch-less wash at Shell a couple of times now but find it unsatisfactory!!

Can anyone recommend a good car wash in the Burlington/Oakville area (soft cloth or touch-less) ?

[THE TECH]

DIY for the best results.

[VP M3]

Is there any other way?

Touchless washes typically do a piss poor job and "soft cloth" will scratch your finish if the wash doesnt use enough water (which many don't).

The nice thing about my Frozen Black is that it is very easy to hand wash and I never get any water spots!

[Evolved M3]

I haven't brought any of my past 3 cars to car washes. Always do it myself. Takes a while, but feels good when your done and you see how shiny it is! Nothing will beat the outcome of a hand wash and wax/sealant etc.

I personally get most of my car washing supplies from Detailed Image. They usually got lots of stuff and a lot of review on the site which helps with picking if your new to that stuff.

[Taunto]

I Perfer hand washing like as everyone has stated. My biggest part of using a drive in car wash with using the pressure washer my self and all the options is I personally dont own a pressure washer and after a long weekend cruise or sometimes a night time cruise the front bumper and windscreen get packed with lots bugs. If I have time I take it to a car was just to at least pressure wash the bugs off as I find pressure wash does a much better job on that part than my garden hose.

[VP M3]

Originally Posted by Taunto

I Perfer hand washing like as everyone has stated. My biggest part of using a drive in car wash with using the pressure washer my self and all the options is I personally dont own a pressure washer and after a long weekend cruise or sometimes a night time cruise the front bumper and windscreen get packed with lots bugs. If I have time I take it to a car was just to at least pressure wash the bugs off as I find pressure wash does a much better job on that part than my garden hose.

Although we all love to whine about Canadian ("Crappy") Tire and the generally average to second grade products that they sell, the great thing is that when they have a sale, it is really a sale (i.e., 25 to 50 % off and sometimes mores).

Therefore I suggest that your keep eye your local Canadian Tire weekly flyer, as you will not have to wait long for a well priced pressure washer so you can do it at home!

[airwave808]

Hand wash by Kevin every 4-5 weeks and ESSO touchless wash in between if needed. Soft or even some hand wash can leave swirl marks so you have to be careful where you go.

[ailikesiliu]

Hand wash from day one

[M3 vert]

Use to hand wash since day one by Fine Details.

Still continue using hand washing garages here in Europe, because there's no space here to DIY

[lorinzo]

Originally Posted by aelahi

Curious how fellow board members keep their M3's looking brand spanking new? Do you hand wash or use a car wash? If you use a car wash do you go touch-less or soft cloth?

I found out that my ZCP E92 M3 doesn't clear the rails at my local car wash so I'm resorted to the self-drive through touch-less washes where they don't have any rails. I’ve tried the touch-less wash at Shell a couple of times now but find it unsatisfactory!!

Can anyone recommend a good car wash in the Burlington/Oakville area (soft cloth or touch-less) ?

NEVER a car wash.
DIY or pro detail.

[M Pulse]

I don't mind hand washing during warmer months but need to find a good car wash for those cold winter days.

There is actually something peaceful with hand washing your crown jewel!!!

[info@trinityautosport]

hand wash, hands down =)

[Gkap]

hand wash all the way.

[kchu221]

no one touchs my car except me! or unless i get it professionally detailed!

[Chriskm3]

Iist got the foam cannonbwith inline water deionizer. What a combo.
Specialty soap lifts the dirt. Water rinses it away. Very rarely will u have to touch the car. Keep in mind. Everytime u touch the finish u will cause some level or swirls.

[Wescuddles]

Originally Posted by Taunto

I Perfer hand washing like as everyone has stated. My biggest part of using a drive in car wash with using the pressure washer my self and all the options is I personally dont own a pressure washer and after a long weekend cruise or sometimes a night time cruise the front bumper and windscreen get packed with lots bugs. If I have time I take it to a car was just to at least pressure wash the bugs off as I find pressure wash does a much better job on that part than my garden hose.

This. I always keep a mitt in my trunk and I'll soak the car with the soap from the wash then use the mitt. Costs me $2-$4. I find with the pressure washer it keeps your car cleaner for longer - winter I'll hit it up every other day and summer maybe twice weekly.