[bmwexecutive]

What do you guys recommend I use to clean the black dashboard and poplar wood trim on my 330i? I tried a really small amount of Zaino Z6 on the wood trim and what it did actually amazed me. It didn't really clean what I wanted it to (well it sort of did), but it did something to the wood (sealant?) that made it harder to get fingerprints on. I find that awesome because I try to stay away from touching my wood trim because of all the fingerprints it leaves. I know Z6 is only meant for the exterior but I like the result it had on the wood trim.

Anyway, is there any products you'd recommend for cleaning the wood trim and dashboard? Thanks in advance.

[pander5]

I've had phenomenal results with 3M Imperial Hand Glaze and a MF towel. That stuff is amazing on wood trim - really makes it shine. There are mild oils in the 3M IHG that work well on trim. Plus it has NO abrasives in it so you don't need to worry about scratching anything. That fact plus MF towels almost guarantees no scratches and you'd be amazed at how it shines. I've found plenty of 3M products at Autozones, Pep Boys, Discount Auto Parts etc in the Tampa Bay area.

I've also used Einszett Metallic Polish for the same thing in the past and that recommendation came from Nick Martinez over at Detailers Paradise. Sure enough, same affect - brilliant shine, no abrasives plus the 1Z stuff has a small amount of carnauba in the formulation.

Generally, any good exterior finishing glaze or finer polish should do the trick.

[bmwexecutive]

Originally Posted by pander5

I've had phenomenal results with 3M Imperial Hand Glaze and a MF towel. That stuff is amazing on wood trim - really makes it shine. There are mild oils in the 3M IHG that work well on trim. Plus it has NO abrasives in it so you don't need to worry about scratching anything. That fact plus MF towels almost guarantees no scratches and you'd be amazed at how it shines. I've found plenty of 3M products at Autozones, Pep Boys, Discount Auto Parts etc in the Tampa Bay area.

I've also used Einszett Metallic Polish for the same thing in the past and that recommendation came from Nick Martinez over at Detailers Paradise. Sure enough, same affect - brilliant shine, no abrasives plus the 1Z stuff has a small amount of carnauba in the formulation.

Generally, any good exterior finishing glaze or finer polish should do the trick.

Thanks pander5!

BTW: You do detailing on the side right? How much would you charge to detail just the exterior of my 330i? And would you come to me (Clearwater) or would I have to drive up to your place?

[pander5]

I just PM'ed you.

[xeta]

I'de be interested in hearing what people use on their dash's.

[dejav0o]

Ditto this... I was cleaning my leather with Zaino conditioner, and just decided to wipe the dust off my dash with the same towell, but it left it a little slick. It basically no longer feels like it has that sticky rubber consistency. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad...

My friend mentioned using Plexis (not sure how it's spelled) to run onto plastic parts, but I'm not sure if our dashs are considered plastic like most cars out there..

[hammyoni]

any news on this for dash cleaning, and maintaining the factory matte look?

[Ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by hammyoni

any news on this for dash cleaning, and maintaining the factory matte look?

Read this: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37929

I just ordered some 303 products (aerospace protectant, fabric cleaner / guard for the carpets), hope to get them before next weekend's FL meet I got 303 mainly cos I was looking for carpet stuff, and figured I might as well get the aerospace protectant too, otherwise I would've went for PB's or Meguairs.

http://topoftheline.com/ had the best prices I could find on the 303 stuff (currently on sale).

[picus]

303 = rockin'. It's a little finicky the first time you use it (have to really buff it dry), but the matte look is very "factory prep", and the protection is second to none.

[Biemdreamer]

For dust off of my dash I just wipe with a MF cloth. I spot tested various products and found that the BMW Vinyl Care left the matte look. I have no experience with 303 though.

[picus]

BMW Vinyl Care is re-labelled Sonax interior detailer - it's good stuff, and BMW sells it way below the Sonax price!

[meruyailir]

I use 303 Aerospace protectant to clean and protect the black rubber dash and the beige vinyl. For the wood trim, I wax it and use poorboys spray to clean.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by bmwexecutive

What do you guys recommend I use to clean the black dashboard and poplar wood trim on my 330i? I tried a really small amount of Zaino Z6 on the wood trim and what it did actually amazed me. It didn't really clean what I wanted it to (well it sort of did), but it did something to the wood (sealant?) that made it harder to get fingerprints on. I find that awesome because I try to stay away from touching my wood trim because of all the fingerprints it leaves. I know Z6 is only meant for the exterior but I like the result it had on the wood trim.

Anyway, is there any products you'd recommend for cleaning the wood trim and dashboard? Thanks in advance.

The very nature of wood trim will prevent it from absorbing anything you put on it, so you will forever have finger prints. Infact the more product you apply to the trim the more visible the finger prints will be.

I use misted water and MF cloth to wipe off dust and remove prints. Works great, leaving no residual film.

[Ninjaneer]

Is 303 strictly for the dash/vinyl ? Or can I use it on the wood trim too? I'm guessing I can since it seems to be acceptable on a variety of surfaces... plastic, rubber etc.

[picus]

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Is 303 strictly for the dash/vinyl ? Or can I use it on the wood trim too? I'm guessing I can since it seems to be acceptable on a variety of surfaces... plastic, rubber etc.

Wood, plastic, glass, leather, leatherette; just make sure to buff it dry.

[Ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by picus

Wood, plastic, glass, leather, leatherette; just make sure to buff it dry.

Cool, thx picus

[335I talian Stallion NJ]

Picus, can I get away with Z10 on the dash/vinyl or should I buy another product? Thanks! :rocks:

[Kablemodem]

I use a damp cotton towel to wipe off the dust. If it actually gets dirty somehow I use a little Simple Green.

[picus]

Originally Posted by 335I talian Stallion NJ

Picus, can I get away with Z10 on the dash/vinyl or should I buy another product? Thanks! :rocks:

It works great; it doesn't have much in the way of UV protection, but it cleans and dresses very well, and a little goes a long way. If you want something locally available that provides a similar look, smells good, and is super easy to use (and cheap), and gives you some UV protection, Meguiars Quick Interior Detailer is