[sfax]

Originally Posted by 509trooper

I just ordered $180 worth of crap from auto geek.

- I also had a recent large expenditure at a UK equivalent (www.cleanyoucar.co.uk for any interested UK based members)

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by flash3

Are our rims aluminum?

No, they are painted alloy wheels. The BMW wheel paint is pretty good and durable, but I highly recommend waxing/sealing them regularly. Also, avoid using harsh cleaning products on them, and don't use abraisive cleaning tools. If you keep a coat or two of wax on the wheels, they are easily cleaned with the car wash soap and a dedicated wash mitt (the "old mitt" get rotated into this purpose).

[flash3]

^What wax/seal would you recommend, LEDZEP?

[LEDZEP]

First rule: Anything is better than nothing.

Some folks use "wheel wax" but I have not seen any real benefit over a good quality wax or sealant. I use the same product I wax the paint with. I like Griot's Garage Paint Sealant a lot. It is good protection, and very durable. You can also use something easy like Turtle Wax Ice - it is a clear liquid that goes on easy, buffs off easy, and gives good protection. Not as durable, so applications have to be more frequent. What I DO like about Ice is that you can use it on nearly any surface with no wax residue.

[Nahoa]

I like rule #1.

[DJ Daddy-O]

Originally Posted by sfax

- I also had a recent large expenditure at a UK equivalent (www.cleanyoucar.co.uk for any interested UK based members)

I have used this website and they are very good.

I ordered finish kare 1000p sealant and this is excellent. A couple of coats of this and the water just runs off. Used on the wheel too and brake dust very easily wipes off with a damp cloth.

I also went for the BMW seal and protect but I have noticed a massive improvement to the protection using this stuff. Highly recommended.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by DJ Daddy-O

I have used this website and they are very good.

I ordered finish kare 1000p sealant and this is excellent. A couple of coats of this and the water just runs off. Used on the wheel too and brake dust very easily wipes off with a damp cloth.

I also went for the BMW seal and protect but I have noticed a massive improvement to the protection using this stuff. Highly recommended.

Was it you who originally posted this site? Meant to say thanks but couldn't find the post.

Might try this 1000p on the wheels. Mine are a nightmare and I'm not sure poorboys has helped much but difficult to know how bad they would get without (no control!)

[DJ Daddy-O]

[QUOTE=sfax;9961834]

Originally Posted by DJ Daddy-O

Was it you who originally posted this site? Meant to say thanks but couldn't find the post.

Might try this 1000p on the wheels. Mine are a nightmare and I'm not sure poorboys has helped much but difficult to know how bad they would get without (no control!)

Yes it was. No problems.

I would definitely use it on the wheels. It produced a good result after one coat but an excellent result after two. Makes me wonder whether seal and protect is worthwhile (although I suppose that does give some protection to the interior too).

[flash3]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

First rule: Anything is better than nothing.

Some folks use "wheel wax" but I have not seen any real benefit over a good quality wax or sealant. I use the same product I wax the paint with. I like Griot's Garage Paint Sealant a lot. It is good protection, and very durable. You can also use something easy like Turtle Wax Ice - it is a clear liquid that goes on easy, buffs off easy, and gives good protection. Not as durable, so applications have to be more frequent. What I DO like about Ice is that you can use it on nearly any surface with no wax residue.

Would you recommend using something like a dedicated sealant as such:

http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-ext...m-sealant.html

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by flash3

Would you recommend using something like a dedicated sealant as such:

http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-ext...m-sealant.html

I'm not familiar with that specific sealant, but it won't hurt them. Reading about it, it seems similar to Turtle Wax Ice. Personally, I like to use a real or traditional sealant or wax and then apply something like this over it.

I think it would do nicely, but the longevity will be the question. Try it and let us know.

[Harplayr]

So what do you guys use for removing splattered bugs?

[Nahoa]

Cats.

[flash3]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

I'm not familiar with that specific sealant, but it won't hurt them. Reading about it, it seems similar to Turtle Wax Ice. Personally, I like to use a real or traditional sealant or wax and then apply something like this over it.

I think it would do nicely, but the longevity will be the question. Try it and let us know.

Ordered some today and definitely will provide you feedback after I apply the product.

[Harplayr]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Cats.

I tried rubbing a cat on the bumper, but now have fur stuck to the bug juice.
My neighbor's pissed!

[509trooper]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

I tried rubbing a cat on the bumper, but now have fur stuck to the bug juice.
My neighbor's pissed!

Is you neighbor pissed because you tried this on his car or because you used his cat?

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

I tried rubbing a cat on the bumper, but now have fur stuck to the bug juice.
My neighbor's pissed!

It works much better if the car is traveling about 45 MPH when the cat makes contact with the bumper.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

So what do you guys use for removing splattered bugs?

But seriously...

There are several products out there that can help with this. If you live in areas prone to suicidal insects that love to chase headlights (or DRLs) then you need some solution.

Try to address this daily. The longer they dry and harden on the finish, the more difficult to remove. Because I have a long commute and mostly highway, I accumulate my fair share every day. The worst by far is the shoulder seasons when my drive home is at dusk, yet still warm enough for the bugs to be out folicking.

Being a Griot's Garage product user, I have two of their products that are employed regularly for this: Speed Shine and Griot's Car Wash. The latter is intended to be used without water - it is a spray-on, wipe-off use. I use only very soft micro-fiber towels, and liberal amounts of the product. It can take two or three passes to get them, but they come off without any harm to your paint or wax. Again, the key is get them ASAP.

Keeping a good coat of wax on the front end and mirrors helps also, as they are less "stuck" than to just paint.

There are also some products you can get that you apply (spray) and let dry when the car is clean. These create a barrier that washes off easily and takes the bug spatter with it. Still some elbow grease involved, but much easier. I often do this before a long trip.

[turbotoy4me]

I have a question regarding how long to wait after I receive my X3 to apply wax. If this was covered in this thread please excuse me because I missed it. Is it ok to was right away or should we wait 4-5 weeks? I understand the new paint is baked on and requires less time to cure. My concern is waxing may inhibit the final curing process.

I also appreciate all the helpful tips in this thread and on this site. I should receive my Space Gray around the 1st of August, so just planning ahead..

[Nahoa]

Okay, this is a bit off topic, but I noticed while detailing so I thought I'd check with y'all here.

How much movement does the "nose" of your vehicle have? The point below the emblem, between the kidney grills, and just above a horizontal opening?

Hadn't notice it the last times washing, but this time as I finished up I noticed it moved in quite easily about an inch. Was it that way before and I didn't notice? Or has something come apart in there?

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by turbotoy4me

I have a question regarding how long to wait after I receive my X3 to apply wax. If this was covered in this thread please excuse me because I missed it. Is it ok to was right away or should we wait 4-5 weeks? I understand the new paint is baked on and requires less time to cure. My concern is waxing may inhibit the final curing process.

I also appreciate all the helpful tips in this thread and on this site. I should receive my Space Gray around the 1st of August, so just planning ahead..

You should wax right away, after a very good wash.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Okay, this is a bit off topic, but I noticed while detailing so I thought I'd check with y'all here.

How much movement does the "nose" of your vehicle have? The point below the emblem, between the kidney grills, and just above a horizontal opening?

Hadn't notice it the last times washing, but this time as I finished up I noticed it moved in quite easily about an inch. Was it that way before and I didn't notice? Or has something come apart in there?

No way you should have that much play in any body part.

[jt2]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

You should wax right away, after a very good wash.

Absolutely agree. Both my X3, and my wife's one year old 335 were both dive-bombed by the same flock of birds when they sat side-by side in the driveway.

The 335 has been recently waxed, and I haven't gotten to the X3 yet.

Quick detailer took the bird poop right off the 335 without any evidence whatsoever but I now have a couple of etched spots on the X3 to deal with.

Fortunately, they're not that bad since I got to them pretty quickly, but it does underscore how having a coat of wax on the car can save you damage on the finish.