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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > which wheel cleaner do you guys recommend?



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      10-31-2012, 10:26 AM   #1
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which wheel cleaner do you guys recommend?

don't want to use any brand, afraid they might be bad for the wheel paint,
let me know your thought.
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      10-31-2012, 10:31 AM   #2
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IMO P21S us safest, Sonax works really well and safe, any acid based wheel cleaner works really really well IE Megs WB, but be careful you do not etch or compromise the clear coat. Also depends on what wheels are made of. Something like an uncoated magnesium or aluminum is very easy to damage I know this first hand.
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      10-31-2012, 01:00 PM   #3
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+1... often time those that cleans really well might be too strong for uncoated surfaces. We use our engine wheel cleaner for most cases and just soap water for those uncoated wheels with our detailing services. In general, make sure wheels are not super hot to prevent chemical from reacting to heat or simply dry up too fast.

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IMO P21S us safest, Sonax works really well and safe, any acid based wheel cleaner works really really well IE Megs WB, but be careful you do not etch or compromise the clear coat. Also depends on what wheels are made of. Something like an uncoated magnesium or aluminum is very easy to damage I know this first hand.
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      10-31-2012, 01:54 PM   #4
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use a pH neutral wheel cleaner (like sonax or autoglym) and use a wheel cleaning brush. you'll have to put in a little bit of manual work with the brush but it will yield better results and its much better for your wheels than using a harsh acidic chemical.
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      10-31-2012, 08:42 PM   #5
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I've used Sonax and Griot's Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner. Really like both but Griot's is less expensive.
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      10-31-2012, 09:00 PM   #6
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I spray Sonax, wait until its done it's job, hose off. Then P21S with a wheel brush and old wash mit to get the dirt off.
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      11-02-2012, 11:14 PM   #7
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I would suggest the Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner and some good brushes.

Wheel Woolies or EZ Detail Brush
Adam's Lug Nut Brush
Uber Boar's Hair Wheel Brush
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      11-03-2012, 12:35 AM   #8
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How safe is Sonax? Is it 100% safe on painted wheels? I normally just use soap and water on wheels to be on the safe side with no chemicals at all, considering Sonax however.
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      11-03-2012, 12:49 AM   #9
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If soap and water works stick with that... less is more.

I had to use some acid based stuff to clean my wheels and then put in two coats of wheel wax, now they clean up with a microfiber and cold water dunno how long it lasts tho only washed car 3x since
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      11-03-2012, 04:30 PM   #10
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if soap and water is working then stick with it.

I have had no issues with Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner on my painted wheels been using it for going on 3 years now.
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      11-03-2012, 04:38 PM   #11
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from what i have heard the BMW wheel cleaner gel is the same as sonax but is cheaper
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      11-03-2012, 04:41 PM   #12
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I believe this not to be true, from my sources.
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      11-04-2012, 05:02 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelalex17 View Post
from what i have heard the BMW wheel cleaner gel is the same as sonax but is cheaper
You can buy the Sonax 5L for $80 when it is on sale, which is when I buy it.
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      11-07-2012, 11:48 PM   #14
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Sonax is your answer *tu*
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      11-08-2012, 09:42 AM   #15
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I use P21S and Sonax, like everyone else on the forums. But I only use them once in a while; for maintenance washes a microfiber and soapy water gets the bulk off - especially if you seal the rims.
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