How much time spent washing your car?

328 driver · 07-03-2007, 09:18 PM

It's been many years since I've washed my own car. I just don't have the free time that I had in my 20's. With that said, I just got an Alpine White 328 10 days ago and would like to give the new car more personal attention. So my question is, how much time do you spend doing a basic car wash? I will probably still rely on a pro for a full detail, which I know is very time consuming.

Thanks

TiAg335i · 07-03-2007, 09:36 PM

I can do it in an hour if I rushed, but usually 1hr 30, 1hr 45min..I'm really trying to cut down my time. I shave about 5 minutes off each wash.

Bimmer335i · 07-03-2007, 09:44 PM

I did 3 washes on my car already, took about 2- 2.5 hrs, but i'm anal about thorough washes so i guess that's a bit excessive. i also take my time though, taking breaks between the wash and the dry and the wheels portions...

Neema · 07-03-2007, 09:50 PM

A standard wash and dry takes 3 hours for me. The reason? I start with the wheels and a separate wash cloth for them, each one takes about 10 mins to do. Then was the car seciton by section, dry it, take it out for a high speed drive to get all the water out of every where, come back home a re-dry, then detailer spray it. A full Zaino'ing though...........well, that took me 12 hours +

ejazbmw · 07-03-2007, 10:45 PM

well just a wash takes me about 2hours......i don't even want to talk about a full detailing job...

Booboo12 · 07-03-2007, 10:48 PM

Instead of going to the gym over the weekend, do a thorough washing... It's good exercise... And if you use a leaf blower, it dries really quick

It's the wheels that'll slow you down.... lots of nooks and crannies...

pigbat · 07-03-2007, 11:31 PM

I can do a quick wash in 30-45 mins when the car is properly maintained. I usually work in a longer session once a month. When you compare the 30-45 min wash with the amount of time involved in driving to a quality touchless and making sure it doesn't screw up your paint you'll find you're better off.

speedgod · 07-03-2007, 11:43 PM

I spend about two hours of light detailing during the week and on the weekends about two hours for complete.
If I am polishing than it can go to four hours.

SG

LACA335i · 07-03-2007, 11:57 PM

I wash my car once a week by professional

CALIF65GM · 07-04-2007, 12:47 AM

Basically wash for me is the wheels, wash, rinse and dry takes about 60 -75 mins. If I wax and do additional interior items then it gets close to 2-hours.

karliejai · 07-04-2007, 01:02 AM

i JUST washed, clayed, and waxed my car dis afternoon and it took me 3 - 4 hours?

BK · 07-04-2007, 01:03 AM

~2 hours doing the exterior only.

Luckily, it's a labor of love, but I don't have a whole lot of time, either. When I try to go fast, it still takes me over an hour.

Johnny Lin · 07-04-2007, 01:07 AM

Twice a week and around 2~3 hrs each time.

!Xoible · 07-04-2007, 01:09 AM

2-4 hours for my G35

OhhaiAlex · 07-04-2007, 01:44 AM

Quick wash is about 1-2 hrs

Detail is 2-4 hrs

evoi19 · 07-04-2007, 06:40 AM

Wash once a week and it takes me about 1 - 2 hours depending.

I look at it as personal time with my car. Making sure she's nice and clean.

ibd12nv · 07-04-2007, 08:24 AM

2-4 hours and thats just a good wash. If I get started inside it could take all afternoon. My wife does not like it, but I just remind her what it cost.
Cleaning the car relaxes me for some reason. I look forward to it weekly.

ArmyBimmerDude · 07-04-2007, 08:49 AM

3-4 hours for wash, wax, interior, engine. I'm with ibd12nv, it just relaxes me too. Just me and the car. Of course its raining here, so I wont be washing for a while.

JOYRIIDE1113 · 07-05-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LACA335i

I wash my car once a week by professional

You must be a Tier 1 BMW owner then huh?

328 driver · 07-06-2007, 09:06 PM

thanks for all the responses. looks like the average time to wash is somewhere between an hour and 2 hours. for those of you who can do a wash in an hour, would you share your techniques with me? my car will get it's first bath this weekend.

thanks again,

Allen

Booboo12 · 07-07-2007, 12:06 AM

soft sweet and gentle while washing...
hard and rough when driving...

sapperelite · 07-07-2007, 01:14 AM

It looks like some of you do the wheels first, do you use a second wash bucket? I am always worried about brake dust transfer from the water to the paint if I do the wheels first. I wash my car three to four times a week, takes about two solid hours for the total deal. The actual wash is quick for me, it is drying the takes the time. No matter what I do, I keep finding little drops of water from the door frame/pillar, trunk and side view mirrors. I like the leaf vlower option but it is not practical here in Europe, maybe when I get back to DC.

07-03-2007, 09:18 PM	#1
328 driver New Member 8 Rep 29 Posts Drives: Alpine White 328i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	How much time spent washing your car? It's been many years since I've washed my own car. I just don't have the free time that I had in my 20's. With that said, I just got an Alpine White 328 10 days ago and would like to give the new car more personal attention. So my question is, how much time do you spend doing a basic car wash? I will probably still rely on a pro for a full detail, which I know is very time consuming. Thanks
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07-03-2007, 09:36 PM	#2
TiAg335i Trance Life 315 Rep 4,706 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (4)	I can do it in an hour if I rushed, but usually 1hr 30, 1hr 45min..I'm really trying to cut down my time. I shave about 5 minutes off each wash.
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07-03-2007, 09:44 PM	#3
Bimmer335i Major 49 Rep 1,353 Posts Drives: 07 Sparkling Graphite 335i Sed Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Diego, CA US iTrader: (0)	I did 3 washes on my car already, took about 2- 2.5 hrs, but i'm anal about thorough washes so i guess that's a bit excessive. i also take my time though, taking breaks between the wash and the dry and the wheels portions...
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07-03-2007, 09:50 PM	#4
Neema Major General 788 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	A standard wash and dry takes 3 hours for me. The reason? I start with the wheels and a separate wash cloth for them, each one takes about 10 mins to do. Then was the car seciton by section, dry it, take it out for a high speed drive to get all the water out of every where, come back home a re-dry, then detailer spray it. A full Zaino'ing though...........well, that took me 12 hours + __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
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07-03-2007, 10:45 PM	#5
ejazbmw blahhh 302 Rep 6,355 Posts Drives: 2014 M235I Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (7)	well just a wash takes me about 2hours......i don't even want to talk about a full detailing job...
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07-03-2007, 10:48 PM	#6
Booboo12 Private First Class 57 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 328i Sedan 2007 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Austin Texas iTrader: (0)	Instead of going to the gym over the weekend, do a thorough washing... It's good exercise... And if you use a leaf blower, it dries really quick It's the wheels that'll slow you down.... lots of nooks and crannies...
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07-03-2007, 11:31 PM	#7
pigbat Private First Class 1 Rep 133 Posts Drives: 330i Electric Red Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Nebraska iTrader: (1)	I can do a quick wash in 30-45 mins when the car is properly maintained. I usually work in a longer session once a month. When you compare the 30-45 min wash with the amount of time involved in driving to a quality touchless and making sure it doesn't screw up your paint you'll find you're better off.
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07-03-2007, 11:43 PM	#8
speedgod First Lieutenant 14 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Salt Lake City iTrader: (1)	I spend about two hours of light detailing during the week and on the weekends about two hours for complete. If I am polishing than it can go to four hours. SG __________________ The will to do - The soul to dare -Taylor Knox
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07-03-2007, 11:57 PM	#9
LACA335i Lieutenant Colonel 175 Rep 1,517 Posts Drives: E92 335i coupe Black AUTO Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alhambra, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335I SEDAN [0.00]	I wash my car once a week by professional __________________
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07-04-2007, 12:47 AM	#10
CALIF65GM Colonel 97 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: e93-35 May08 ED Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 - Oct. 05 build ... [0.00]	Basically wash for me is the wheels, wash, rinse and dry takes about 60 -75 mins. If I wax and do additional interior items then it gets close to 2-hours. __________________ 5-2-08 e93-35 ED Montego w/Jade Grey, Step w/Paddles, PP, SP, CA, hot seats and iPod.Awaing re-delivery soon. Debadged 330xi ED 11/14/05 Auto/Mystic Blue/Gray leather with Alum/PP/SP/CA/Fold-down rear seats/Alarm. Sold to Carmax on 6/7/08 with 50,624 miles on clock
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07-04-2007, 01:02 AM	#11
karliejai Da Kid 121 Rep 4,576 Posts Drives: JetBlack e90 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (4)	i JUST washed, clayed, and waxed my car dis afternoon and it took me 3 - 4 hours? __________________ MODS: OEM Front Splitter \| ACS Roof Spoiler \| OEM Trunk Spoiler \| Matt Black Front Grill \| Black Shadowline Window Trim \| Painted Front Lower Rod \| Blacklines \| JDM Yellow Fogs \| Custom Silver CF Headlights with LUX 4.0 \| Eisenhaus Sports Exhaust
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07-04-2007, 01:03 AM	#12
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	~2 hours doing the exterior only. Luckily, it's a labor of love, but I don't have a whole lot of time, either. When I try to go fast, it still takes me over an hour. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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07-04-2007, 01:07 AM	#13
Johnny Lin Lieutenant General 832 Rep 11,307 Posts Drives: AW E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (42)	Twice a week and around 2~3 hrs each time.
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07-04-2007, 01:09 AM	#14
!Xoible Banned 832 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	2-4 hours for my G35
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07-04-2007, 01:44 AM	#15
OhhaiAlex Oh hai :) 50 Rep 3,880 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (0)	Quick wash is about 1-2 hrs Detail is 2-4 hrs __________________
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07-04-2007, 06:40 AM	#16
evoi19 Lieutenant General 1522 Rep 17,384 Posts Drives: 2022 G80C Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (18)	Wash once a week and it takes me about 1 - 2 hours depending. I look at it as personal time with my car. Making sure she's nice and clean.
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07-04-2007, 08:24 AM	#17
ibd12nv Chief Warrant Officer 4 53 Rep 726 Posts Drives: 335I, E46 M3, X5M Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Back in the US iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [10.00]	2-4 hours and thats just a good wash. If I get started inside it could take all afternoon. My wife does not like it, but I just remind her what it cost. Cleaning the car relaxes me for some reason. I look forward to it weekly. __________________
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07-04-2007, 08:49 AM	#18
ArmyBimmerDude Major General 152 Rep 5,501 Posts Drives: Lola Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Georgia iTrader: (3) Garage List 02/2007 E92 335i [0.00]	3-4 hours for wash, wax, interior, engine. I'm with ibd12nv, it just relaxes me too. Just me and the car. Of course its raining here, so I wont be washing for a while. __________________ 2007 E92 Montego Blue 335i
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07-06-2007, 09:06 PM	#20
328 driver New Member 8 Rep 29 Posts Drives: Alpine White 328i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	thanks for all the responses. looks like the average time to wash is somewhere between an hour and 2 hours. for those of you who can do a wash in an hour, would you share your techniques with me? my car will get it's first bath this weekend. thanks again, Allen
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07-07-2007, 12:06 AM	#21
Booboo12 Private First Class 57 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 328i Sedan 2007 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Austin Texas iTrader: (0)	soft sweet and gentle while washing... hard and rough when driving...
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07-07-2007, 01:14 AM	#22
sapperelite Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 07 335XI, 03 Wrangler Sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Springfield, VA iTrader: (0)	It looks like some of you do the wheels first, do you use a second wash bucket? I am always worried about brake dust transfer from the water to the paint if I do the wheels first. I wash my car three to four times a week, takes about two solid hours for the total deal. The actual wash is quick for me, it is drying the takes the time. No matter what I do, I keep finding little drops of water from the door frame/pillar, trunk and side view mirrors. I like the leaf vlower option but it is not practical here in Europe, maybe when I get back to DC.
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