Cleaning my new car?

[saru]

Hi All,

I just bought my 2005 BMW 325 Ci two weeks ago. Wanted to know if there are any recommended ways of keeping the exteriors and the interiors (leather) clean and dust free? I looked in the market for some cleaning liquids but there are way too many out there and wanted to know if any particular brand and way of cleaning and maintaining is suggested and recomended by BMW users!

Thanks in advance!

 

[William330]

I tried the hyper-expensive Zymol stuff ($100), and wasn't impressed
with the results and the work involved was unbearable.

Meguiar's Gold does an excellent job ($12 at WalMart).

http://www.autobarn.net/megoclclcoca.html

Wax on, wax off.

They also have leather products:

http://www.autobarn.net/megcarcarpro.html

Enjoy the new ride!

 

[epj3]

I have recently discovered that meguiars sucks.

-P21s car soap is awesome, very gentle but works amazingly well
-Poorboys natty paste wax, easy on, easy off, protects and looks 1000000x better than any meguiars, turtle wax, or mothers product. Also try collinite transistor wax for great protection, or P21s/S100 wax for protection and shine. I prefer the poorboys since it doesn't stain plastic parts as much.
-Use a 10:1 solution of water:woolite to clean the leather.
-Use some kind of conditioner on the leather after cleaning, I like lexol leather conditioner (the 2nd stage in their cleaner/conditioners)
-Use Lexol vinylx on the dash - it protects it against UV rays and gives it a new-car-look without being shiny like armor-all.

 

[Kirby]

Congrats and welcome!

I suggest you read this Detailing Guide written by one of the BMW Board members. It has great information and will keep your bimmer in BETTER than showroom condition. The two biggest "secrets" are proper handwashing techniques to prevent swirls and scratches (auto car washes are BAD for your paint) and proper waxing. Yes, it's more work, but it's the way to go if you want a great looking car.

Vlad's Detailing Guide

 

[MReedBMWM3]

P21S Pre Wax & Wax, you can buy the kit for $60.00 comes with wash, wax, pre-wax, and wheel cleaner. I ran out of the car wash and bought Meguires at Target, works great. I use Meguires leather cleaner too!

Congrats on the purchase.

 

[Abdoman]

Vlad's guide is great and has helped keep my car swirl free.

 

[epj3]

Biggest thing is sheeting water straight out of the hose over the car after washing, then drying. We have some of the hardest water in the region where I live, and I never get water marks!!!!!