Right way of cleaning 335i engine.... - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

LCIr · 04-12-2010, 05:46 PM

Any thoughts and help???

Thanks!

Weaselboy · 04-12-2010, 05:52 PM

Here is what I do. Squirt some Simple Green or one of the citrus based cleaners all over the engine bay with a cool engine. Scrub lightly on any particularly gubby spots. Rinse off with water from the hose without a nozzle (no high pressure). Then blow off excess water with a leaf blower. Apply some 303 Aerospace Protectant to plastic bits then wipe it down.

jeffvb9 · 04-14-2010, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weaselboy

Here is what I do. Squirt some Simple Green or one of the citrus based cleaners all over the engine bay with a cool engine. Scrub lightly on any particularly gubby spots. Rinse off with water from the hose without a nozzle (no high pressure). Then blow off excess water with a leaf blower. Apply some 303 Aerospace Protectant to plastic bits then wipe it down.

Yep. I just did that the other day. Works great.

Makushr1 · 12-09-2010, 03:57 PM

This still what everyone would suggest?

I have the cone intake in my car, so rather than the stock intake filtering all the crap, it's being blown everywhere, so it's really dirty. i'm going to put the stock intake back in, any other suggestions on how to clean it? Could I take it somewhere that knows what they're doing?

Krells · 12-09-2010, 04:25 PM

That above method works fine for me. As long as you don't hose down electrical connections with a 3000psi pressure washer it is hard to do any damage.

This might help:
http://guidetodetailing.com/detailin...g-your-engine/

Makushr1 · 12-10-2010, 12:13 PM

Thanks Krells

Bobble · 12-10-2010, 03:54 PM

I use the same basic method. I use CG Grime Reaper but any multi purpose APC will work, read the instructions for the dilution level. I use disposal paint brushes to clean the cracks and crevices as they are cheap at Lowes/HD and work as well as detail brushes for the engine. I toss them out once I'm done. Cover the cone with a grocery bag, thats what I do. Never clean a hot engine. Oh and I dress with CG Bare bones(metal and hoses) and 303 for the plastic bits that show(shroud, engine cover, air box).

cb1111 · 12-11-2010, 01:34 PM

Be careful with Simple Green. While it works great it may damage the finish on anything aluminum if not rinsed well right away.

NiVeDh · 12-11-2010, 01:59 PM

Make sure you get rid of all the water somehow. I cleaned my engine one day and figured the heat would evaporate the water but I got a bunch of misfires when I accelerated until the engine warmed up.

Weaselboy · 12-12-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

Make sure you get rid of all the water somehow. I cleaned my engine one day and figured the heat would evaporate the water but I got a bunch of misfires when I accelerated until the engine warmed up.

I use a leaf blower to blow all the water off. Works well.

new2the3 · 12-13-2010, 10:55 PM

What about the under body plastic tray? Does all the water collect there under the engine or does it drain out?

corb · 12-14-2010, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weaselboy

Here is what I do. Squirt some Simple Green or one of the citrus based cleaners all over the engine bay with a cool engine. Scrub lightly on any particularly gubby spots. Rinse off with water from the hose without a nozzle (no high pressure). Then blow off excess water with a leaf blower. Apply some 303 Aerospace Protectant to plastic bits then wipe it down.

Everyone says what you are, so I'm not contesting it...but, I always feel a physical aversion from putting water in the engine bay. I always feel like the electronics--or some other item like a fuel injector, blah blah etc--will get messed up. Therefore, I've never actually done it. Is this not really a problem?

Weaselboy · 12-14-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2the3

What about the under body plastic tray? Does all the water collect there under the engine or does it drain out?

It just runs out. No problem.

Express · 12-15-2010, 01:55 AM

p21s, detail brush, 303, fade 2 black.

MatchesMalone · 12-15-2010, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corb

Everyone says what you are, so I'm not contesting it...but, I always feel a physical aversion from putting water in the engine bay. I always feel like the electronics--or some other item like a fuel injector, blah blah etc--will get messed up. Therefore, I've never actually done it. Is this not really a problem?

I feel the same way. How do you know you're not going to get water on the ECU or that it won't seep into all kinds of nasty places? I'd be paranoid about water collecting in the spark plugs or shorting one of the coils or something. Lots of people seem to be comfortable with it, provided that you're not shooting it with 500 psi water, but I'm still too scared to spray water in the engine bay.

I have always just done a spot clean, using a microfiber towel along with some 303/P21S and what not. Of course, I can't get it nearly as clean as hosing it down.

Express · 12-15-2010, 02:20 AM

as long as you arent spraying excessive water and directing it in places that you shouldn't be and cover intake, etc. you have NOTHING to worry about.

04-12-2010, 05:46 PM	#1
LCIr Second Lieutenant Drives: AW LCI 335i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Valencia CA Posts: 275 iTrader: (3)	Right way of cleaning 335i engine.... Any thoughts and help??? Thanks! __________________ Eurorev.com
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12-09-2010, 03:57 PM	#4
Makushr1 Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335i Sedan Auto Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 480 iTrader: (2)	This still what everyone would suggest? I have the cone intake in my car, so rather than the stock intake filtering all the crap, it's being blown everywhere, so it's really dirty. i'm going to put the stock intake back in, any other suggestions on how to clean it? Could I take it somewhere that knows what they're doing? __________________ 2008 Montego Blue E90 ll Custom K&N Dual Cone Intake ll Aluminum OEM Pedals ll 25% Tint ll M3 Spoiler To Do (Cosmetic): Black Line lights, Lux 4.0 Angel Eyes, 19" CSL HyperBlack To Do (Performance): Exhaust (still undecided which brand), SSTT, FMIC (unsure what type)

12-10-2010, 12:13 PM	#6
Makushr1 Lieutenant Drives: 2008 335i Sedan Auto Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 480 iTrader: (2)	Thanks Krells __________________ 2008 Montego Blue E90 ll Custom K&N Dual Cone Intake ll Aluminum OEM Pedals ll 25% Tint ll M3 Spoiler To Do (Cosmetic): Black Line lights, Lux 4.0 Angel Eyes, 19" CSL HyperBlack To Do (Performance): Exhaust (still undecided which brand), SSTT, FMIC (unsure what type)

12-10-2010, 03:54 PM	#7
Bobble Major Drives: E90 335i/RIP E46 323Ci Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,178 iTrader: (1)	I use the same basic method. I use CG Grime Reaper but any multi purpose APC will work, read the instructions for the dilution level. I use disposal paint brushes to clean the cracks and crevices as they are cheap at Lowes/HD and work as well as detail brushes for the engine. I toss them out once I'm done. Cover the cone with a grocery bag, thats what I do. Never clean a hot engine. Oh and I dress with CG Bare bones(metal and hoses) and 303 for the plastic bits that show(shroud, engine cover, air box). __________________ 08 E90 335i Monaco Blue Gray Dakota ZPP ZSP Heated Seats CA Step w/Paddles iPod

12-13-2010, 10:55 PM	#11
new2the3 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,632 iTrader: (0)	What about the under body plastic tray? Does all the water collect there under the engine or does it drain out? __________________ 2009 135i: AW/CR Aluminum Trim, 6 speed, M-Sport, Premium, Heated Seats, Ipod, BMW Performance Pedals, BMW Performance SSK, BMW Performance Exhaust, BMW Performance Grills E93 M3 FSB

04-12-2010, 05:52 PM	#2
Weaselboy Captain Drives: 2012 335i F30 Sedan Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SoCal USA Posts: 993 iTrader: (0)	Here is what I do. Squirt some Simple Green or one of the citrus based cleaners all over the engine bay with a cool engine. Scrub lightly on any particularly gubby spots. Rinse off with water from the hose without a nozzle (no high pressure). Then blow off excess water with a leaf blower. Apply some 303 Aerospace Protectant to plastic bits then wipe it down.

12-09-2010, 04:25 PM	#5
Krells Private First Class Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Atlanta Posts: 165 iTrader: (0)	That above method works fine for me. As long as you don't hose down electrical connections with a 3000psi pressure washer it is hard to do any damage. This might help: http://guidetodetailing.com/detailin...g-your-engine/

12-11-2010, 01:34 PM	#8
cb1111 I ask the questions you're afraid to ask. Drives: 335xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DC Posts: 2,494 iTrader: (2)	Be careful with Simple Green. While it works great it may damage the finish on anything aluminum if not rinsed well right away.

12-11-2010, 01:59 PM	#9
NiVeDh Major General Drives: '08 E90 335i 6MT BSM Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Atlanta / Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 8,020 iTrader: (131) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Sedan [4.46]	Make sure you get rid of all the water somehow. I cleaned my engine one day and figured the heat would evaporate the water but I got a bunch of misfires when I accelerated until the engine warmed up.

12-15-2010, 01:55 AM	#14
Express Major General Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Promise Land Posts: 8,711 iTrader: (17) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [4.15]	p21s, detail brush, 303, fade 2 black.

12-15-2010, 02:20 AM	#16
Express Major General Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Promise Land Posts: 8,711 iTrader: (17) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [4.15]	as long as you arent spraying excessive water and directing it in places that you shouldn't be and cover intake, etc. you have NOTHING to worry about.

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