How often should you wash you car?

plokij · 08-03-2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Never-Enough

Seriously?

i find this hard to believe as well. must be his first car or something.

but to offer you something - bmw paint is pretty much crap, dude. it's not as bad as some of the japanese cars, but it's still mass-produced-vehicle-grade. if you wanna keep it looking nice over time, wash it at least every 2 weeks. even the newer drive-through ones will help in-between hand washes.

if it's a lease, who gives a shit!

Wky335i · 08-03-2011, 12:35 AM

Once a week

MartzMimic · 08-03-2011, 12:54 AM

Quote:

I don't give a crap what my neighbors think about me washing my car.

1,000,000

Their lawns may be pristine, but when was the last time a few blades of Bermuda turned any heads?

DC_Oldboy · 08-03-2011, 01:04 AM

If I have time, once a week in the summer. Once every 2 weeks or so during winter.

ctuna · 08-03-2011, 01:26 AM

Put a nice sealent on it like Klasse .

shockin330i · 08-03-2011, 01:26 AM

I hate having a dirty car.. Usually wash it once or twice a week.

Dr. G · 08-03-2011, 02:00 AM

I'm surprised at some of the responses on this thread....

OP: there's no need to have a set date on when to wash it... just wash it when it's dirty or when you have time... do your research using the information provided on this forum on proper exterior care and you should be fine. If you are concerned about washing too often, as long as you follow proper technique it shouldn't be a problem.

BMWsky · 08-03-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget64

you guys overdo this shit.. I wash mine like once a month (IF THAT) at a carwash.. and it gets dirty on the drive home..

don't be the guy that washes his car once a week on his driveway because you know the neighbours come out to get their sunday morning paper and shake their head at you in dissaproval every time for good reason

My neighbors can blow me, I don't care what they think.

To the OP, I usually wash my car once a week.

DPritchett · 08-03-2011, 10:21 AM

How often depends on your appearance goals. If you just want to keep it clean most of the time, then wash when its dirty. If you are more zealous (like most of us in the detailing forums), you are going to wash more frequently.

Like a doctor with a patient, remember to first do no harm ... search the forums or the web for "two-bucket method", and learn how to avoid things that will put all sorts of swirls on your surface.

And never use TIDE or other laundry soap. Go to the auto parts store and spend a few bucks on a soap intended for cars...

tibra1 · 08-03-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPritchett

And never use TIDE or other laundry soap. Go to the auto parts store and spend a few bucks on a soap intended for cars...

I have been using tide to wash my other cars for at least 20 yrs now; 5 years since i bought this car new.. and just look at the paint/finish..LOL

..its perfectly good to use..dont buy into the marketing hype of BS cars soaps that are ridculously overpriced..

x3man1994 · 08-03-2011, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibra1

I have been using tide to wash my other cars for at least 20 yrs now; 5 years since i bought this car new.. and just look at the paint/finish..LOL

..its perfectly good to use..dont buy into the marketing hype of BS cars soaps that are ridculously overpriced..

Great for stripping wax but not as maintenance soap I would recomend this for weekly washes Maxi Suds II 128 OZ

Bobble · 08-03-2011, 03:43 PM

Use a quality shampoo and if you want OTC gold class works fine and you can get it at any auto store. Quality car shampoos do not need to be expensive you just need to source them from the right places at the right times. Frequency is up to what you like appearance wise I do mine once a week and do not care what the neighbors say as the song goes.

Tazmn · 08-04-2011, 10:13 AM

I wash my car whenever it's dirty, who cares who how many times a week it is. Just don't use soap more than once a month. Once you build a wax coat on the paint water works sufficiently.

driverman · 08-04-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen11

I don't give a crap what my neighbors think about me washing my car.

+10,000,000

My black sapphire metallic E90 looks dirty after a few miles of driving. To keep it sharp, it needs washing every few days, but I only wash it every 1-2 weeks.

I don't think my next car will be black.

MisterSkiMask · 08-04-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driverman

+10,000,000

My black sapphire metallic E90 looks dirty after a few miles of driving. To keep it sharp, it needs washing every few days, but I only wash it every 1-2 weeks.

I don't think my next car will be black.

At one time I had 3 Black cars, now down to one. It will be a very long time (or a very beautiful black car

) before I buy another one.

driverman · 08-04-2011, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

At one time I had 3 Black cars, now down to one. It will be a very long time (or a very beautiful black car

) before I buy another one.

These dark colors are heaven or hell. When they are clean and detailed they look great but when they are dirty or in need of paint correction, they look terrible. The problem is they are dirty and flawed most of the time.

MisterSkiMask · 08-04-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driverman

These dark colors are heaven or hell. When they are clean and detailed they look great but when they are dirty or in need of paint correction, they look terrible. The problem is they are dirty and flawed most of the time.

Yes, it takes some of the fun out of it for me. There were times when I didn't drive my fun car because I had just detailed it.

driverman · 08-04-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterSkiMask

There were times when I didn't drive my fun car because I had just detailed it.

Me too. After looking at it dirty for days and finally getting it clean, I want to enjoy it for a while.

thkfast · 08-05-2011, 02:13 AM

If you wash your car a lot, consider using a leaf blower to dry the car. Reduces swirls caused by towel drying.

I recommend you wash your car whenever it gets dirty!

ZuerstBMW · 08-05-2011, 02:29 AM

I take mine to get them hand washed about every 2 weeks and waxed/detailed once a year or as needed.
I gave up doing it myself years ago. I spent way too much time doing it, so I just pay someone to do it now, which is less stress on me.

sjones0812 · 08-05-2011, 08:40 AM

I have an unlimited car wash plan at the place near me for $40 a month.

So, I at least do once a week...but I do wash it as needed. Sometimes I am there everyday if the car gets bird poop or junk on it.

When the inch worms where bad and covering my car I went twice a day on some days.

pjm · 08-05-2011, 09:10 AM

If I waited 2 weeks to wash my car, the wheels would be black.

This is after 1 day....

08-03-2011, 12:35 AM	#24
Wky335i New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Once a week
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08-03-2011, 01:04 AM	#26
DC_Oldboy Q(.)-D Q-(^.~Q) 214 Rep 5,378 Posts Drives: like an old person. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bothell, WA iTrader: (39) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.48]	If I have time, once a week in the summer. Once every 2 weeks or so during winter. __________________
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08-03-2011, 01:26 AM	#27
ctuna Lieutenant General 1909 Rep 13,100 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Don't polish the clear coat off Put a nice sealent on it like Klasse .
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08-03-2011, 01:26 AM	#28
shockin330i Brigadier General 798 Rep 4,784 Posts Drives: 2016 ZCP M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: f y'all, I'm from Texas (RGV) iTrader: (1)	I hate having a dirty car.. Usually wash it once or twice a week. __________________ ERnie 2016 BSM/f80/ZCP
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08-03-2011, 02:00 AM	#29
Dr. G Major General 278 Rep 5,062 Posts Drives: Black e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Brampton, Ontario iTrader: (32) Garage List e92 BMW 335i [8.84]	I'm surprised at some of the responses on this thread.... OP: there's no need to have a set date on when to wash it... just wash it when it's dirty or when you have time... do your research using the information provided on this forum on proper exterior care and you should be fine. If you are concerned about washing too often, as long as you follow proper technique it shouldn't be a problem. __________________ JB4 / OSS Angel Eyes / Downpipes / F1-Racewerks FMIC / Custom Meth Kit / BMS DCI / ER Chargepipe / HKS BOV / BMS Meth Elbow / BMW Performance Exhaust / Carbon Fiber Inlay Quad Tips / 19" Miro 111 / Front Aero Lip / M3 Sides / VRS CSL Trunk / Mtech Rear / DD CF Quad Finned Diffuser / LCI Tails / BBK / Smoked Reflectors / F1 Euphoria LED Interior / License LED's / GT 5000k Corners / 5000k HID Fogs / Air Scoops / LED Turn Signals / FK Silverline Coilovers / HPA endlinks / Vibrant Resonators / Osram CBI 5000k D1S
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08-03-2011, 10:21 AM	#31
DPritchett Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2011 F10 528i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Lynchburg, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 325xi [0.00]	How often depends on your appearance goals. If you just want to keep it clean most of the time, then wash when its dirty. If you are more zealous (like most of us in the detailing forums), you are going to wash more frequently. Like a doctor with a patient, remember to first do no harm ... search the forums or the web for "two-bucket method", and learn how to avoid things that will put all sorts of swirls on your surface. And never use TIDE or other laundry soap. Go to the auto parts store and spend a few bucks on a soap intended for cars... __________________ 2011 528i Space Gray - Black - Light Wood Trim 2006 325xi \|SG - Terra - Walnut \| Steptronic \| Premium Package - Nav \| Zenon Adaptive Headlights \| Blacklines; iPod Adapter
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08-03-2011, 03:43 PM	#34
Bobble Major 56 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Whatever POS the wife leaves Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Use a quality shampoo and if you want OTC gold class works fine and you can get it at any auto store. Quality car shampoos do not need to be expensive you just need to source them from the right places at the right times. Frequency is up to what you like appearance wise I do mine once a week and do not care what the neighbors say as the song goes.
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08-04-2011, 10:13 AM	#35
Tazmn New Member 1 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw 335i coupe auto Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Waldorf, Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i e92 [8.00]	I wash my car whenever it's dirty, who cares who how many times a week it is. Just don't use soap more than once a month. Once you build a wax coat on the paint water works sufficiently.
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08-05-2011, 02:13 AM	#41
thkfast Major 261 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: 2015 F82 M4 Sakhir Orange DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA iTrader: (1)	If you wash your car a lot, consider using a leaf blower to dry the car. Reduces swirls caused by towel drying. I recommend you wash your car whenever it gets dirty! __________________ "The likelihood of one individual being right increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others attempt to prove him wrong." 2015 F82 M4 - Sakhir Orange Metallic 2013 E92 M3 / 2013 E92 335is / 2010 E90 335i / 2007 E90 335i
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08-05-2011, 02:29 AM	#42
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 372 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Mineral White Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Apollo Beach, FL. iTrader: (68)	I take mine to get them hand washed about every 2 weeks and waxed/detailed once a year or as needed. I gave up doing it myself years ago. I spent way too much time doing it, so I just pay someone to do it now, which is less stress on me. __________________ 23 G42 230i Mineral White Cognac, Aluminum With Mesh Effect Interior Trim MODS Clear Guard, 15% Ceramic Tint, Floating Caps
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08-05-2011, 08:40 AM	#43
sjones0812 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2011 328ic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I have an unlimited car wash plan at the place near me for $40 a month. So, I at least do once a week...but I do wash it as needed. Sometimes I am there everyday if the car gets bird poop or junk on it. When the inch worms where bad and covering my car I went twice a day on some days. __________________ 1995 318ic retired 2011 328ic Le Mans Blue, Black leather, Bamboo trim, M Sport package
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08-05-2011, 09:10 AM	#44
pjm Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 230 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (0)	If I waited 2 weeks to wash my car, the wheels would be black. This is after 1 day.... Attached Images Last edited by pjm; 08-05-2011 at 09:50 AM..
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