[danniexi]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

I thought auto washes will lift/move/ruin PPF? Especially if they are high powered jets. May want to be careful about that.

if installed incorrectly.

and PPF cant lift from an auto wash, or at least ive yet to see it. and the only time ive seen lifting is from inexperienced individuals getting too close with a pressure washer.

[evanlol1225]

Mostly true, but it only take one time and it can pop up.

Main issue is that it voids your ppf warranty!

[asp17]

I go through a brush auto was system weekly… or more.
Make sure it’s a new car wash. Brushes are made of MUCH better materials that leave much less marks.. and they do get rinse sprayed after each wash.
Or a touchless if you can find a good one.


I used to be a Hand wash person too. Never a Auto wash.

But here we are now. Auto washes are better. But not perfect. But Life happened and I like my car clean.

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by asp17

I go through a brush auto was system weekly… or more.
Make sure it’s a new car wash. Brushes are made of MUCH better materials that leave much less marks.. and they do get rinse sprayed after each wash.
Or a touchless if you can find a good one.


I used to be a Hand wash person too. Never a Auto wash.

But here we are now. Auto washes are better. But not perfect. But Life happened and I like my car clean.

I fall into the same boat here, I rarely have the free time for hand washes any more, and I don't have a garage so the winter months are awful. I also think automated car wash technology and quality has come a long way from the days of the Mobil station having a drive in automated wash behind the building.

[asp17]

Originally Posted by joebie3

I fall into the same boat here, I rarely have the free time for hand washes any more, and I don't have a garage so the winter months are awful. I also think automated car wash technology and quality has come a long way from the days of the Mobil station having a drive in automated wash behind the building.

Family.. Kids.. Work.. there’s enough to do with my time. lol.
But yes tech in washes definitely has. As long as it’s a newer wash system. I’d use it. There’s been a big boom in big tunnel washes opening up down here. All new.

[M4Lou]

So....update:

My 2024 BSM X3Mcomp is NOW ceramic coated. I think the wheels too. Repair and ceramic was about 1500.

Within my first two or three visits to my "newly" joined autocar wash (nice outfit, not that old, roller, monthly pay-unlimited washes - YOU KNOW the type) I had a large swirl mark in the BSM paint. area was a noticeable area of haze/swirl - about 10"x6" behind the drivers side passenger door.

I'm not a car/paint nut - but even in ME it bothered.

My GF has an alpine 2021 X3M40i that we trimmed w/ black BMW wheels. Black accents/emblems - etc. GREAT looking car. She's auto-washed it many times (has membership) and I can't tell any issues.


SO - MY OPINION: If you have a deep/metallic color (BSM), then the auto wash may NOT be best option. This car "is" my driver - I get you cannot keep it pristine. Having said that - no more autowash for this car! I think for an alpine white - it's ok.

[M4Lou]

BTW - appreciate all the posts here. Experience. Opinions w/ the topic. Hope it helps others!

[evanlol1225]

Originally Posted by M4Lou

So....update:

My 2024 BSM X3Mcomp is NOW ceramic coated. I think the wheels too. Repair and ceramic was about 1500.

Within my first two or three visits to my "newly" joined autocar wash (nice outfit, not that old, roller, monthly pay-unlimited washes - YOU KNOW the type) I had a large swirl mark in the BSM paint. area was a noticeable area of haze/swirl - about 10"x6" behind the drivers side passenger door.

I'm not a car/paint nut - but even in ME it bothered.

My GF has an alpine 2021 X3M40i that we trimmed w/ black BMW wheels. Black accents/emblems - etc. GREAT looking car. She's auto-washed it many times (has membership) and I can't tell any issues.


SO - MY OPINION: If you have a deep/metallic color (BSM), then the auto wash may NOT be best option. This car "is" my driver - I get you cannot keep it pristine. Having said that - no more autowash for this car! I think for an alpine white - it's ok.

Smart choice! Look at thing shine!!

[M4Lou]

Originally Posted by evanlol1225

Smart choice! Look at thing shine!!

Thnx man - funny thing, is that I kinda felt like I "was" taking care of it at a decent auto wash in my town. Memberships cost money, etc.

Shout-out to Nick at The Auto Show in Anderson SC - guys is craftsman. Really good at what he does. Is a car guy and passionate. Am very happy w/ the work.

[strohw]

As you mentioned, white is the one color that I'm aware of that swirls in the clear are very hard to spot. If I had a white car, I would take it to a regular auto wash instead of hand washing or touchless. But I don't intend on owning a white car again.

[Klazu]

I only bothered hand washing my 2021 X3MC during the first 1.5 years, but then resorted to an automated washing line that I have known not to damage a car. I have PPF on the front and I just cannot tell any difference with the paint, after having taken my car through the line perhaps 15 times in the past 2 years.

I know it is heresy to some people, but the convenience just cannot be beaten. I still occasionally hands wash and detail my car, as the automatic line cannot reach all the places.

I have also tried touchless washes in the past, but they are most of the time useless in actually washing the car.

[codeyf]

Alpine white here, and plenty of stuff to fill my time. So it's typically the auto wash for me.

[Th3Walrus]

Originally Posted by codeyf

Alpine white here, and plenty of stuff to fill my time. So it's typically the auto wash for me.

Twins!