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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > BMW Car Shampoo and Towel



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      08-10-2005, 03:44 PM   #1
drednik
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BMW Car Shampoo and Towel

Does anyone know whether the car shampoo sold by BMW is safe to use on the E90? I'm planning to get the Zaino premium kit eventually, but I'm still doing some research. For an example, I don't know if my E90 has a clear coat or not -- for Z1 application. Anyway, I just wanted to know whether the BMW shampoo is safe to use for a simple car wash. Also, I know there're specialized online dealers for nice towels to dry off the car, but I just don't feel like ordering and waiting for them to arrive. So, could someone recommend a BMW towel or product that'd be safe to use on my E90? That is, to avoid swirl marks. Thanks everyone.
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      08-10-2005, 06:18 PM   #2
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I'm probably going to get shot for asking this... Is there a special type of sponge I should buy to lather the car with shampoo? Thanks.
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      08-10-2005, 06:21 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drednik
I'm probably going to get shot for asking this... Is there a special type of sponge I should buy to lather the car with shampoo? Thanks.
I recommend a sheepskin wash mitt, or maybe a very soft microfiber wash mitt. I used to have good results with a very soft and thick terry cloth towel (like you would use for buffing wax) but have switched to a wash mitt.

The main thing is to rinse the car very well first, then use one bucket to soap up the mitt, then a different bucket to rinse it. Re-dunk in the soapy bucket and continue washing. (Point is, you don't want to rub all the removed grit over the rest of the paint).
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      08-10-2005, 06:49 PM   #4
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Do a search about Zanio
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      08-10-2005, 06:53 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drednik
Does anyone know whether the car shampoo sold by BMW is safe to use on the E90? I'm planning to get the Zaino premium kit eventually, but I'm still doing some research. For an example, I don't know if my E90 has a clear coat or not -- for Z1 application. Anyway, I just wanted to know whether the BMW shampoo is safe to use for a simple car wash. Also, I know there're specialized online dealers for nice towels to dry off the car, but I just don't feel like ordering and waiting for them to arrive. So, could someone recommend a BMW towel or product that'd be safe to use on my E90? That is, to avoid swirl marks. Thanks everyone.
All new cars have clear coat on the paint. Go with the Z2 w/ZFX and your set. For the towels, go to your auto store and buy terry towels and/or micro fiber ones. They also have mirco fiber sponges. They are all available at your local stores.

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      08-10-2005, 08:58 PM   #6
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Zaino recommends using a very high quality WHITE bath towel 100% cotton made in USA. So thats what I will use. Get a good one from like bed bath and beyond or linens and things. They use it cause it has enough give to it that with the loops of the towel it will hold the dirt in closer unlike a sponge that will hold the dirt near the surface increasing the chance of gettin scratches.
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      08-11-2005, 09:46 AM   #7
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I just got my E90 Monaco Blue; I bought the microfiber wash mitts and microfiber rags (at Target). Can I use the Microfiber rags to dry the car? What is the best material to dry the car with?
Would you use the Mcguire shampoos to wash?
I used to use "Turtle Wax Wasn n Wax" on my Honda CRV; Is this a product suitable for the E90?
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      08-11-2005, 10:38 AM   #8
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As for drying your car, don't use a towel. After washing the car spray gentle mist on the car and surface the car is parked on. Then use a leaf blower to dry the car off. Works great no contact with the paint surface whatsoever. Never need to worry about buying towels, or making sure you have the right towel, that the towel is clean, etc. However, you must make sure you wet down the surface the car is parked on to avoid blowing any dirt on to the car. This, however, is not a big concern as long as you aim down on the car but better to be safe than sorry.

Try it, you'll like it. It's quick and easy and eliminates all the worry about damaging the paint.

This post of course assumes that everyone is just like me and has a leaf blower!!
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      08-11-2005, 11:07 AM   #9
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I use the absorber in a tube to dry my cars.

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      08-11-2005, 01:05 PM   #10
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I have the ABSORBER; will it scatch or leave any swirl marks on my monaco blue finish?
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      08-11-2005, 01:14 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer4Life
I have the ABSORBER; will it scatch or leave any swirl marks on my monaco blue finish?
No, as long as your absorber is clean.

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      08-12-2005, 11:13 PM   #12
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Quote:
I'm probably going to get shot for asking this... Is there a special type of sponge I should buy to lather the car with shampoo? Thanks.
Another alternative for washing is the boar's hair brush from Griot's. I've used one across three different bimmers. Loads up great with wash water, is super soft - softer than a towel - and cannot trap dirt between it and the car's surface. I think its ideal for washing. Kinda pricey, but they last for years.
.
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      08-28-2005, 07:03 PM   #13
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Thanks guys. I have used the Absorber to dry the car after washing with original BMW Shampoo and I have no complaints.
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