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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Touchless or regular wash?



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      04-05-2013, 02:21 AM   #1
amtex
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Touchless or regular wash?

Brand new car... What would you choose and why?

I am personally favoring a touchless wash but I am a little bit concerned if those chemicals (possibly aggressive) they use in there could damage the paint. I don't trust regular wash very much either as it could scratch the car if the dirt is not properly washed out of the cleaning tools.

What would be your thoughts?
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      04-05-2013, 07:54 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by amtex View Post
Brand new car... What would you choose and why?

I am personally favoring a touchless wash but I am a little bit concerned if those chemicals (possibly aggressive) they use in there could damage the paint. I don't trust regular wash very much either as it could scratch the car if the dirt is not properly washed out of the cleaning tools.

What would be your thoughts?
Amtex,

Greetings. I too have recently acquired a new 335is. I typically wash my own cars and have found Griot's Garage products to work as advertise. I don't have any interest in the company whatsoever, just use their products and have been extremely satisfied.

I agree with you and your concerns about (dirt not properly washed out). I'm sure there are a few quality car wash owners in your area. If you pull up and there are nothing but 1974 Vega's in line...be cautious. However, if there are other high end cars, e.g., Lexus, BMW, Porsche, MB, etc. I would think it's a pretty reputable shop.

You may consider a very close inspection after each wash. Check for towel marks, swirl marks, etc. If disappointed, move on.

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      04-05-2013, 08:01 AM   #3
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Personally, I only use touchless during the cold winter months where it's not realistic for me to hand wash it. Clearly, handwashing is preferable and that's what I do when it's warm enough. But I have no concerns, nor have had any issues, when using the touchless wash near my house.
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      04-05-2013, 10:49 AM   #4
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Touchless washes (even with harsh chemicals) won't remove everything off the car, and regular washes only induce TONS of swirls. Do yourself a favor and learn a proper two bucket wash method at home or look into the "Gary Dean Method" if hose access is an issue for you. The automated washes are not a good option IMO. Also I would say that the fact that there are a bunch of high end cars going to a wash does not make it more reputable, there are TONS of trashed porsche, audi, etc in the world....
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      04-05-2013, 06:10 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aarwilli View Post
Touchless washes (even with harsh chemicals) won't remove everything off the car, and regular washes only induce TONS of swirls. Do yourself a favor and learn a proper two bucket wash method at home or look into the "Gary Dean Method" if hose access is an issue for you. The automated washes are not a good option IMO. Also I would say that the fact that there are a bunch of high end cars going to a wash does not make it more reputable, there are TONS of trashed porsche, audi, etc in the world....


Over 90% of swirl-out cars on the road are from improper washing.
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      04-05-2013, 07:55 PM   #6
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Neither. Hand wash only.
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      04-06-2013, 08:10 PM   #7
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Neither. Hand wash only.
Handhwash and use foam gun to wash and leaf blower to dry the car
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      04-08-2013, 05:06 PM   #8
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Touchless.
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      04-08-2013, 05:50 PM   #9
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Touchless, BASIC wash in the winter without the added wax and fillers that can discolor the exterior rubber and plastics. Proper hand wash in good weather.
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      04-09-2013, 02:42 PM   #10
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Guess I'm lazy, but I'd rather spend $10 on wash then 30min or more washing myself. My time is worth more. Oh and I live by salt water and what comes out of my hose sucks.

I go to a full service shop every other month for my wax and once a week for the $8 wash. It's not touch less and newer car washes shouldn't have the type that will scratch or knick your car
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      04-09-2013, 03:47 PM   #11
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I take it to the dealer, or get it touchless washed. The dealer's washer isn't touchless, but they dry it and finish it really well leaving no more swirl marks than were on the car when I bring it in.

Washing yourself is a pain when you park outside and your car is covered in pollen and dirt within less than two days.

Not to mention the wheels turning dark gray from dust after driving 5 miles.
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      04-11-2013, 10:34 PM   #12
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I used to NEVER go to an automated wash...would only hand wash. Fast forward a few years and dozens of soft cloth washes later, now I hardley ever hand wash. Do I have more swirls? I'm sure I have TONS more swirls, but doesn't show too bad on AW. I just decided that for me, my time is worth more and I don't want to spend hours and hours washing my vehicle anymore. Plus, I feel like my car looks just as good as it did when I spent all that time and energy washing by hand.
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