'04 330CI 18" Rims - Cleaning tips?

[hosagod]

Hi guys,

I have the car noted in the title and the optional rims that are 18" that you can upgrade to.

My question is...are there any products out there that one can use to clean/polish these type of rims (like they have chrome rim cleaners). As of right now, I take a towel and dampen it and then just wipe the brake dust off the rims. Makes them pretty clean but that shine that they had when I first bought the car seems to have faded away.

Is there any product I can use to get that shine back?

Thanks in advance!

 

[codex57]

I use spray on rim cleaners. With a rim brush. Seems to work well.

 

[hosagod]

Can you give the name of the product or possibly a good store where these products are sold at? thanks

 

[membim]

If they are dirty enough to use a wheel cleaner, use something gentle like P21S's wheel cleaner. You can get it from Autogeek.net or Premiumautocare.com.

The best way to keep your 18's looking good is to wax them with a sealant like Klasse, Poorboy's EXP, Blackfire, Zaino, Wolfgang, or 4star. Then use gentle car wash soap to clean them. Sealing your wheels makes future cleanings much easier.

Just remember, your wheels have a clear coat on them just like your paint. Treat them like your paint and they will keep their great look!

 

[mscoins]

To clean my Style 71 18" wheels I:

- make sure the wheels and discs are cool
- spray P21S on all wheel surfaces (inner and outer)
- clean around all rim bolts with a BMW wheel cleaning brush
- gently scrub all surfaces with a soft sponge
- hose off thoroughly with water
- dry with a quality microfiber towel

If using P21S, make sure you don't let it dry because it may leave stains on the wheel. Each wheel takes less than 5 minutes to clean. I apply Klasse AIO about every two or three wash cycles, which seems to help lower the amount of brake dust that adheres to the wheels.

 

[hosagod]

Thanks for the input everyone!

With regard to the above post about putting wax on my rims, would this be the same wax you would apply to the car?

If so, would you just apply it then clean with some soapy water and then dry?

Sorry for the ignorance but I've never really looked into wheel cleaning as much as I do now that I have a BMW because my past cars never had such a brake dust problem. I always just did the rudimentary wet towel wipe, hehe.

 

[membim]

Sure you can use the same wax that you put on your car. I just recommend using a sealant as opposed to a wax because the sealant can withstand higher temperatures. Therefore it will last longer.

Just remember, after you wax/seal the wheels, only use car wash soap for cleaning. Any wheel cleaner will strip the protection. If your wheels get dirty enough to use a wheel cleaner, just remember to reapply your wax/sealant.

Welcome to the wonderful world of BMW wheel cleaning. It's just part of the price we pay to have OUTSTANDING brakes. I highly recommend cleaning your wheels AT LEAST once per week.

Have fun!!!

 

[Susie520]

I also use P21S wheel cleaner SPRAY (not the gel). It works really well, but I use a soft towel and soft brush to get them super clean. I do not believe in the "spritz on - spray off" method of cleaning wheels. I recently purchased Wheel Wax from CMA. I can vouch for the fact that it will clean stubborn black marks off the wheel, but it is quite a labor intensive process. I only use it to spot clean and not on the entire wheel - although it is supposed to help repel some brake dust. Hope this helps!

 

[bikie]

I use P21s spray and a 2" foam paint brush to clean the spoke slots and a "Dish Daisy" foam dish washing gadget to clean behind the brakes and back side of the wheel. ($1.50 or so at Walmart or your local hardware store or supermart. Foam paint brushes are also great for applying 303 protectorant to the tires. Spray on brush, paint on tires.