BMW M5 Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-06-2022, 07:30 AM   #1
MaybeanM5
Private
125
Rep
95
Posts

Drives: bmw m3
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: so cal

iTrader: (0)

So are drive through car washes totally off limits for frozen colors ?

Sorry I couldn't find an exact match on this . I have a drive through car wash near my house ,
I've used it regularly on my other cars but I'm a little hesitant on my new ride as I've never had frozen paint before . When I did a search all I could find was do it yourself detailing tips , to be clear I don't have the time to wash my own car . ( better stated I won't make time lol ) . The car wash i mentioned does have a touch less option , which I always opt for . As the name would suggest , this means zero brushes ect… I'm assuming this would be a decent option for a quick wash ? The only other alternative would be to use the hand wash option at the local car
Wash , or a mobile detailer .
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2022, 09:29 AM   #2
Gfit
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
3316
Rep
1,897
Posts

Drives: 2025 M8 GC & 24 Audi Etron GT RS. SOLD: 24 X5M, 2022 M3 2021 & 2023 X3M
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Westchester, NY

iTrader: (0)

I could be wrong, but even thought the brushes don't touch the car, don't those spinning rags touch? I've never had frozen paint but it's been 20 years since I've used an automatic wash. Just don't trust them.
Appreciate 1
      07-06-2022, 09:31 AM   #3
MaybeanM5
Private
125
Rep
95
Posts

Drives: bmw m3
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: so cal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gfit View Post
I could be wrong, but even thought the brushes don't touch the car, don't those spinning rags touch? I've never had frozen paint but it's been 20 years since I've used an automatic wash. Just don't trust them.
No nothing touches the paint , it's completely touchless . I guess the only thing that could hurt is if they used a wax based soap
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2022, 12:39 PM   #4
FISH22
Colonel
FISH22's Avatar
United_States
5505
Rep
2,034
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 Competition
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Chesapeake, VA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2021 BMW M3C  [10.00]
2011 BMW M3  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaybeanM5 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gfit View Post
I could be wrong, but even thought the brushes don't touch the car, don't those spinning rags touch? I've never had frozen paint but it's been 20 years since I've used an automatic wash. Just don't trust them.
No nothing touches the paint , it's completely touchless . I guess the only thing that could hurt is if they used a wax based soap
I think that's the primary reason for not going through automated touch less washes.. any type of wax additives or gloss enhancers. It wouldn't necessarily damage the paint, it would just add patchy gloss. I doubt these washes accommodate any matte paints.
Appreciate 0
      07-13-2022, 07:09 PM   #5
Seanhfx
Second Lieutenant
217
Rep
275
Posts

Drives: 718 Porsche BGTS
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Halifax, NS

iTrader: (0)

Banished for ALL cars.
__________________
2023 M3 Competition xDrive Edition 50 Jahre (Techno Violet Metallic) August 11, 2022 Production Date - SOLD
Delivery Date - October 24, 2022
2021 M340i xDrive M Performance Edition - Sold
2017 340i xDrive - Sold
Appreciate 4
FISH225504.50
xander_g1077.00
      07-13-2022, 07:17 PM   #6
Davem4
Private
76
Rep
51
Posts

Drives: Bmw g82 m4 comp
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

You need a ph balanced soap and car washes don’t use that kind of quality product not to mention the calcium in the lines and hoses buildup blasting the car. I have seen a lot of etched and stained paint from the car washes. Just my opinion
Appreciate 1
      07-13-2022, 08:00 PM   #7
G80indy
Save the Manuals
G80indy's Avatar
United_States
1762
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: Z3, E46, G80
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Indy

iTrader: (0)

Off limits for all M cars!
__________________
2023 G80 6MT, CCBs
2002 330i Dinan, 5MT
2000 Z3 Conforti, 5MT
Appreciate 2
TboneS541206.50
cooolone2701.50
      07-15-2022, 06:21 PM   #8
GregM4
Captain
GregM4's Avatar
Australia
1358
Rep
827
Posts

Drives: VERDE ERMES G82 M4 Xdrive
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Queensland, Australia

iTrader: (0)



I don't trust any drive through car washing systems.

Especially with frozen paint. As pointed out earlier, gloss enhancers like wax are normally always added to the water.
__________________
Current - G82 X-Drive in Verde Ermes
SOLD - F82 Sakhir Orange
SOLD - G01 X3 White
SOLD - E93 Burgundy
Appreciate 1
      07-15-2022, 06:31 PM   #9
colo3Kid
Private First Class
155
Rep
127
Posts

Drives: BMW 2022 M4 Comp Xdrive
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Corpus Christi, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GregM4 View Post


I don't trust any drive through car washing systems.

Especially with frozen paint. As pointed out earlier, gloss enhancers like wax are normally always added to the water.
Agreed. Especially frozen paints, hand wash DIY or hire a detailer... why screw it up?
Appreciate 1
GregM41358.00
      07-20-2022, 12:07 AM   #10
Forzanerazzurri
Banned
6991
Rep
3,275
Posts

Drives: E46 M3 Coupe/G80 M3CX
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Alberta

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I always wondered about the soap argument with frozen paint even if you did a full PPF wouldn't you still be getting soap on the door, hood, trunk jambs, sills etc?
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2023, 03:45 PM   #11
Fixinbones
Enlisted Member
7
Rep
30
Posts

Drives: ‘22 911 TT
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

My son had a GLA45 with mango matte paint as we regularly brought it to a non-touch less car was without any problems. I wonder if the
MB magno is more durable then bmw frozen paint

I’d like to get a frozen colored M4 but I wouldn’t be up to having it hand washed.
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2023, 04:39 PM   #12
allinon72
Brigadier General
allinon72's Avatar
United_States
5067
Rep
3,859
Posts

Drives: 20' M2C, 23' X1
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (3)

At the end of the day, an automatic car wash has to use either friction or a higher concentration of chemicals to get the car clean (or a combination of both). Many like to lionize touchless carwashes, not knowing that without friction, something has to actually clean the dirt off the car, and often times that means harsh chemicals. So you're trading one problem for another.
Appreciate 3
      03-22-2023, 08:39 PM   #13
snakes1021
Private First Class
83
Rep
193
Posts

Drives: M4 CS/ 440I gran coupe
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, TX area

iTrader: (0)

Not to mention the NEVER get all the dirt off.

I wash my car once a week with a ceramic wash and quick detailer drying takes the longest. All in all takes 1hr or less. and Im pretty anal, about getting in all the cracks and crevices. my step daughter has a subscription for unlimited washes always has to go through 2x and still doesnt get everything off. They do have some nice vacuums though and air to blow everything out.
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2023, 03:49 AM   #14
Mkj0811
Private
72
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: BMW 430i gc
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Orange County, ca

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by snakes1021 View Post
Not to mention the NEVER get all the dirt off.

I wash my car once a week with a ceramic wash and quick detailer drying takes the longest. All in all takes 1hr or less. and Im pretty anal, about getting in all the cracks and crevices. my step daughter has a subscription for unlimited washes always has to go through 2x and still doesnt get everything off. They do have some nice vacuums though and air to blow everything out.

What ceramic wash do you use?
Appreciate 0
      03-25-2023, 07:54 AM   #15
snakes1021
Private First Class
83
Rep
193
Posts

Drives: M4 CS/ 440I gran coupe
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, TX area

iTrader: (0)

https://www.chemicalguys.com/hydrosu...EaAqSYEALw_wcB
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2024, 06:21 PM   #16
Flyer87
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: Z4
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Hello all

I absoultly love the frozen grey, I would if I could hand clean it (honestly) but I have to park in a multi-storey story with no drainage

What would be the best way to get it cleaned?

The guys on the side of the road with the jet washers and ask them just to use water and maybe a 4/6 monthly specialist ?
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2024, 10:31 AM   #17
G80indy
Save the Manuals
G80indy's Avatar
United_States
1762
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: Z3, E46, G80
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Indy

iTrader: (0)

Holy cannoli if I spent that much money on a matte finish, I would stay half a mile away from all automatic car washes
__________________
2023 G80 6MT, CCBs
2002 330i Dinan, 5MT
2000 Z3 Conforti, 5MT
Appreciate 3
alex23643476.50
xander_g1077.00
      02-14-2024, 01:24 PM   #18
Nettles
Lieutenant
Nettles's Avatar
827
Rep
484
Posts

Drives: M340i
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (1)

Blows my mind you buy a car like this and don't just pay a detailer to keep your car clean
Appreciate 1
      02-17-2024, 03:12 PM   #19
xivex
New Member
11
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: BMW X7 m60i
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: Midwest USA

iTrader: (0)

what about the old style stall car washes with the touchless spray gun? Safe?
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2024, 03:22 PM   #20
Condorll
Second Lieutenant
266
Rep
207
Posts

Drives: 2023 BMW X5 xDrive 40i
Join Date: Apr 2023
Location: Pittsburgh

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nettles View Post
Blows my mind you buy a car like this and don't just pay a detailer to keep your car clean
Some of us flip our cars every 3 to 4 years and get a new one so Auto car washes are not the end of the world. In my area EVERY dealer, BMW, Acura, Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguar, Maserati, etc runs your car through an auto car wash when they finish servicing your car, or delivering a new vehicle for that matter. Just keep up with ceramic spray wax every 5 or 6 months and you will be fine.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2024, 04:19 PM   #21
alex2364
Brigadier General
alex2364's Avatar
3477
Rep
3,016
Posts

Drives: 2020 M4 ZCP / 2023 X3 M40i
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northern VA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2020 BMW M4  [10.00]
2023 BMW X3 M40i  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Weather Man View Post
Most people don't live in CA.
You need to live in CA to hire a detailer? News to me.
Appreciate 1
Nettles827.00
      02-17-2024, 04:48 PM   #22
SYT_Shadow
///M Powered for Life
SYT_Shadow's Avatar
11959
Rep
10,551
Posts

Drives: E90M/E92M/M4GTS/M4GT4/X5M
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Greenwich, CT

iTrader: (2)

I have ppf on my gts2, oem frozen, and it requires exactly zero additional maintenance of any kind.
Touchless car washes are perfectly ok if you have a ppf wrapped frozen color

There's a lot of snobism with this car wash topic. My brother and I do all our car work, and I think that's how everyone should do it, but I don't go lecturing people for doing an oil change at the dealer/indy.

Last edited by SYT_Shadow; 02-17-2024 at 06:02 PM..
Appreciate 1
xander_g1077.00
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 09:49 PM.




m5:
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