which wheel cleaner do you guys recommend? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

e90sexion · 10-31-2012, 10:26 AM

don't want to use any brand, afraid they might be bad for the wheel paint,
let me know your thought.

Bobble · 10-31-2012, 10:31 AM

IMO P21S us safest, Sonax works really well and safe, any acid based wheel cleaner works really really well IE Megs WB, but be careful you do not etch or compromise the clear coat. Also depends on what wheels are made of. Something like an uncoated magnesium or aluminum is very easy to damage I know this first hand.

DetailAddict · 10-31-2012, 01:00 PM

+1... often time those that cleans really well might be too strong for uncoated surfaces. We use our engine wheel cleaner for most cases and just soap water for those uncoated wheels with our detailing services. In general, make sure wheels are not super hot to prevent chemical from reacting to heat or simply dry up too fast.

Leo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobble

IMO P21S us safest, Sonax works really well and safe, any acid based wheel cleaner works really really well IE Megs WB, but be careful you do not etch or compromise the clear coat. Also depends on what wheels are made of. Something like an uncoated magnesium or aluminum is very easy to damage I know this first hand.

abhishriv · 10-31-2012, 01:54 PM

use a pH neutral wheel cleaner (like sonax or autoglym) and use a wheel cleaning brush. you'll have to put in a little bit of manual work with the brush but it will yield better results and its much better for your wheels than using a harsh acidic chemical.

Brent13 · 10-31-2012, 08:42 PM

I've used Sonax and Griot's Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner. Really like both but Griot's is less expensive.

divisionbell77 · 10-31-2012, 09:00 PM

I spray Sonax, wait until its done it's job, hose off. Then P21S with a wheel brush and old wash mit to get the dirt off.

DetailersDomain · 11-02-2012, 11:14 PM

I would suggest the Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner and some good brushes.

Wheel Woolies or EZ Detail Brush
Adam's Lug Nut Brush
Uber Boar's Hair Wheel Brush

RicheyBMW · 11-03-2012, 12:35 AM

How safe is Sonax? Is it 100% safe on painted wheels? I normally just use soap and water on wheels to be on the safe side with no chemicals at all, considering Sonax however.

N8N · 11-03-2012, 12:49 AM

If soap and water works stick with that... less is more.

I had to use some acid based stuff to clean my wheels and then put in two coats of wheel wax, now they clean up with a microfiber and cold water

dunno how long it lasts tho only washed car 3x since

DetailersDomain · 11-03-2012, 04:30 PM

if soap and water is working then stick with it.

I have had no issues with Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner on my painted wheels been using it for going on 3 years now.

michaelalex17 · 11-03-2012, 04:38 PM

from what i have heard the BMW wheel cleaner gel is the same as sonax but is cheaper

DetailersDomain · 11-03-2012, 04:41 PM

I believe this not to be true, from my sources.

divisionbell77 · 11-04-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelalex17

from what i have heard the BMW wheel cleaner gel is the same as sonax but is cheaper

You can buy the Sonax 5L for $80 when it is on sale, which is when I buy it.

moosiehm · 11-08-2012, 12:48 AM

Sonax is your answer *tu*

Gig103 · 11-08-2012, 10:42 AM

I use P21S and Sonax, like everyone else on the forums. But I only use them once in a while; for maintenance washes a microfiber and soapy water gets the bulk off - especially if you seal the rims.

10-31-2012, 10:26 AM	#1
e90sexion E 9 0 S E X I O N Drives: like old times Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver/WA Posts: 5,255 iTrader: (16)	which wheel cleaner do you guys recommend? don't want to use any brand, afraid they might be bad for the wheel paint, let me know your thought. __________________ KW \| VOLK TE37SL \| RECARO \| BMW PE
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10-31-2012, 10:31 AM	#2
Bobble Major Drives: E90 335i/RIP E46 323Ci Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (1)	IMO P21S us safest, Sonax works really well and safe, any acid based wheel cleaner works really really well IE Megs WB, but be careful you do not etch or compromise the clear coat. Also depends on what wheels are made of. Something like an uncoated magnesium or aluminum is very easy to damage I know this first hand. __________________ 08 E90 335i Monaco Blue Gray Dakota ZPP ZSP Heated Seats CA Step w/Paddles iPod

11-02-2012, 11:14 PM	#7
DetailersDomain BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: FJ Cruiser Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,844 iTrader: (22)	I would suggest the Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner and some good brushes. Wheel Woolies or EZ Detail Brush Adam's Lug Nut Brush Uber Boar's Hair Wheel Brush __________________ 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

11-03-2012, 04:30 PM	#10
DetailersDomain BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: FJ Cruiser Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,844 iTrader: (22)	if soap and water is working then stick with it. I have had no issues with Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner on my painted wheels been using it for going on 3 years 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

11-03-2012, 04:41 PM	#12
DetailersDomain BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: FJ Cruiser Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,844 iTrader: (22)	I believe this not to be true, from my sources. __________________ 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

10-31-2012, 01:54 PM	#4
abhishriv Major Drives: 2007 335i Coupe (Space grey) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,095 iTrader: (0)	use a pH neutral wheel cleaner (like sonax or autoglym) and use a wheel cleaning brush. you'll have to put in a little bit of manual work with the brush but it will yield better results and its much better for your wheels than using a harsh acidic chemical.

10-31-2012, 08:42 PM	#5
Brent13 New Member Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Oregon Posts: 23 iTrader: (0)	I've used Sonax and Griot's Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner. Really like both but Griot's is less expensive.

10-31-2012, 09:00 PM	#6
divisionbell77 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 335i XDrive Coupe Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 284 iTrader: (0)	I spray Sonax, wait until its done it's job, hose off. Then P21S with a wheel brush and old wash mit to get the dirt off.

11-03-2012, 12:35 AM	#8
RicheyBMW Lieutenant Drives: '11 E92 328i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Philly Posts: 520 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [4.25]	How safe is Sonax? Is it 100% safe on painted wheels? I normally just use soap and water on wheels to be on the safe side with no chemicals at all, considering Sonax however.

11-03-2012, 12:49 AM	#9
N8N Captain Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Sterling, VA Posts: 845 iTrader: (1)	If soap and water works stick with that... less is more. I had to use some acid based stuff to clean my wheels and then put in two coats of wheel wax, now they clean up with a microfiber and cold water dunno how long it lasts tho only washed car 3x since

11-03-2012, 04:38 PM	#11
michaelalex17 Colonel Drives: 335xi E92 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NY Posts: 2,137 iTrader: (3)	from what i have heard the BMW wheel cleaner gel is the same as sonax but is cheaper

11-08-2012, 12:48 AM	#14
moosiehm New Member Drives: 335Xi Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 29 iTrader: (0)	Sonax is your answer tu

11-08-2012, 10:42 AM	#15
Gig103 Major Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,248 iTrader: (1)	I use P21S and Sonax, like everyone else on the forums. But I only use them once in a while; for maintenance washes a microfiber and soapy water gets the bulk off - especially if you seal the rims. __________________ 335xi sedan 6MT, Premium, Cold Weather, iDrive, CA, iPod Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim European Delivery: April 28 - May 7, 2008 Performance Center Redelivery: July 11, 2008

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