[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yeah, I've done the dance with light and dark colors and the wow effect of a clean dark car outweighs the convenience of a color that doesn't look dirty or hides scratches, such as silver. Wash a dirty silver car and it barely looks different. Wash a dirty black car that's been dirty for a week and it feels like a new car. I've come to the realization that the reward of a dark glossy car far outweighs the effort to keep it clean. Plus, I have three other cars to drive when it rains and I don't drive the M550 in the winter. I can count the times on one hand I've washed the car with water in the last year. I've got quite the detailing supply cabinet. Waterless car wash is your best friend.

This is my first dark car in a long time (dark graphite). I love it and love the detailing hobby I'm picking up. But I can see where it will at some point become taxing. I'll either have to start paying a detailer I trust to do half the work, start living with a dirty car, or eventually have two cars like you. Honestly, I hope it's a mix of all three. A trusted detailer and a second car would both imply things have gone well.

I will say, cleaning my wife's GX is a chore because of the size but it's very rewarding when it's dirty. And it is a silver/gold. Generally I agree with you on light shades, but there are some that you can really see the difference once cleaned correctly.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

This is my first dark car in a long time (dark graphite). I love it and love the detailing hobby I'm picking up. But I can see where it will at some point become taxing. I'll either have to start paying a detailer I trust to do half the work, start living with a dirty car, or eventually have two cars like you. Honestly, I hope it's a mix of all three. A trusted detailer and a second car would both imply things have gone well.

I will say, cleaning my wife's GX is a chore because of the size but it's very rewarding when it's dirty. And it is a silver/gold. Generally I agree with you on light shades, but there are some that you can really see the difference once cleaned correctly.

My F10 was dark graphite. Just a beautiful color and when it's spotless it is jaw dropping. I've always had a detailer for that annual late spring detail, but I'll tell you, I've really gotten into detailing. I'm not pro and I stop short of using an orbital polisher, but the products on the market have become so advanced and so easy that's it takes 15 minutes to apply a coat of crystal. I've gotten really cheap about spending money at the detailer for this car. The QX60 that's black on black doesn't get my detailing love. I hate the car and it's used to transport my dog that sheds a ton. So that is money well spent on a detailer annually. I do pick and choose where I put my efforts. My Jet Black E39 does go through automatic car washed I'm ashamed to say and it needs a paint correction (again). I'm not putting all light colors in the boring category or saying that only "dark" cars show dirt. Not sure where Bernina gray falls on the dark or light spectrum, but I'd guess it looks dirty pretty easy because of the gloss.

There is a Facebook Group (and website) called Obsessed Garage, it is outstanding for detailing tips and Q&A. A lot of professional detailers are members and they know there stuff. No one uses Chemical Guys crap on this group. You would be surprised about the products you didn't know about that make keeping your car clean a rewarding experience.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

My F10 was dark graphite. Just a beautiful color and when it's spotless it is jaw dropping. I've always had a detailer for that annual late spring detail, but I'll tell you, I've really gotten into detailing. I'm not pro and I stop short of using an orbital polisher, but the products on the market have become so advanced and so easy that's it takes 15 minutes to apply a coat of crystal. I've gotten really cheap about spending money at the detailer for this car. The QX60 that's black on black doesn't get my detailing love. I hate the car and it's used to transport my dog that sheds a ton. So that is money well spent on a detailer annually. I do pick and choose where I put my efforts. My Jet Black E39 does go through automatic car washed I'm ashamed to say and it needs a paint correction (again). I'm not putting all light colors in the boring category or saying that only "dark" cars show dirt. Not sure where Bernina gray falls on the dark or light spectrum, but I'd guess it looks dirty pretty easy because of the gloss.

There is a Facebook Group (and website) called Obsessed Garage, it is outstanding for detailing tips and Q&A. A lot of professional detailers are members and they know there stuff. No one uses Chemical Guys crap on this group. You would be surprised about the products you didn't know about that make keeping your car clean a rewarding experience.

I'll check that out for sure. Thanks! I've been trying out different Adams and Chem Guys but it's just been soap/foam, wheel and tire cleaner, and drying aids/detail spray. Haven't ventured into any wax or sealant stuff. Been using Meguiars on the interior.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I'll check that out for sure. Thanks! I've been trying out different Adams and Chem Guys but it's just been soap/foam, wheel and tire cleaner, and drying aids/detail spray. Haven't ventured into any wax or sealant stuff. Been using Meguiars on the interior.

I'll give you a few of the best products I have:

Waterless cleaning - for a lightly soiled car, comes in smaller quantity, but this is what I buy, concentrated so dilute 1 part this to 4 parts water, goes a long way. This will replace your detailer:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

Crystal Coating - lasts 3-6 months, stuff is like Magic. Think about this as your "wax", takes 15 minutes to apply and wipe off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Genuine true Korean Micro Fiber are your best friend:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Crystal Coating - lasts 3-6 months, stuff is like Magic. Think about this as your "wax", takes 15 minutes to apply and wipe off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought this based on your recommendation in another thread. Application was super simple, very easy to work with. I applied it to my Viper...took me about an hour...I was being very thorough. I coated everything. We'll see how it holds up.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I bought this based on your recommendation in another thread. Application was super simple, very easy to work with. I applied it to my Viper...took me about an hour...I was being very thorough. I coated everything. We'll see how it holds up.


Attachment 2842003

I definitely am a champion for certain things and repeat my posts. I can't speak to how long it lasts, because I tend to do a coat monthly which is why it takes me 15 minutes as I am not super anal about coverage and nooks and crannies given I hit it so much. The 3-6 months is off the bottle. There are lots of time tested YT videos of it out there, here is one that seems to be credible and not backhanded sponsored:

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

I'll give you a few of the best products I have:

Waterless cleaning - for a lightly soiled car, comes in smaller quantity, but this is what I buy, concentrated so dilute 1 part this to 4 parts water, goes a long way. This will replace your detailer:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=UTF8&th=1

Crystal Coating - lasts 3-6 months, stuff is like Magic. Think about this as your "wax", takes 15 minutes to apply and wipe off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UTF8&psc=1

Genuine true Korean Micro Fiber are your best friend:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UTF8&psc=1

Awesome. Thanks! I have been afraid to try the waterless wash.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Awesome. Thanks! I have been afraid to try the waterless wash.

You only want to use this if the car is lightly soiled or full of pollen or something. If your car is full of sand and road salt, even this is not enough of a lubricant to avoid rubbing it in. I carry it around with me and pretty much the dirtiest my car gets is "lightly soiled" because I am known to wipe it down at lunch, lol.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

You only want to use this if the car is lightly soiled or full of pollen or something. If your car is full of sand and road salt, even this is not enough of a lubricant to avoid rubbing it in. I carry it around with me and pretty much the dirtiest my car gets is "lightly soiled" because I am known to wipe it down at lunch, lol.

Haha that's great.

It's definitely getting into pollen season down here. My car really only gets bad dirty if it rains. Otherwise, just gets dusty/covered in pollen. I've been washing every week, unless weather makes it impossible. If it's dry and over 50 degrees, I can't help myself and I get it done. I can be pretty OCD when I'm hooked on something. Eventually I'd like to get the ceramic done, one big reason being for easier/faster cleaning.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Haha that's great.

It's definitely getting into pollen season down here. My car really only gets bad dirty if it rains. Otherwise, just gets dusty/covered in pollen. I've been washing every week, unless weather makes it impossible. If it's dry and over 50 degrees, I can't help myself and I get it done. I can be pretty OCD when I'm hooked on something. Eventually I'd like to get the ceramic done, one big reason being for easier/faster cleaning.

It's perfect for rain dirt and pollen, although once you coat is with C2V3 the pollen will just dust off.

[Allaboutthe5]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Those look really nice!

Pic of my 668M's on Carbon Black Metallic

😍 sooooooo nice

[Sam_M550i]

I'd like to know what products you use, specifically for waterless.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Sam_M550i

I'd like to know what products you use, specifically for waterless.

Optimum (20475 Opti-Clean - 1 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GG9FCKW...UTF8&psc=1

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=28719396

[2022M550i]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Optimum (20475 Opti-Clean - 1 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GG9FCKW...ing=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=28719396

I love it...we're a bunch of car fanatics with ADD. We go from wheels right to detailing products. All we need to do is add some 1/4 mile time slips to round off the thread!

Using a waterless wash on your dark car takes balls, but it's a true testament how good the product is. Thanks for all the recommendations. What's your criteria for breaking out the hose?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I love it...we're a bunch of car fanatics with ADD. We go from wheels right to detailing products. All we need to do is add some 1/4 mile time slips to round off the thread!

Using a waterless wash on your dark car takes balls, but it's a true testament how good the product is. Thanks for all the recommendations. What's your criteria for breaking out the hose?

Funny you ask. I took the M550 out Sunday for the first time in 3.5 months. It was a nice day, the roads "looked" clean and the potholes were 80% patched and filled. Did about 80 miles or so, mostly highway. The car was coated with either fine sand dust or remnants of road salt. It looked like the car went through a dusting. There was no way you want to dry wash that. As well as the Opti is a great lubricant, no way was I going to risk swirling it up. Just too much abrasive material on the car.

So of course my OCD could not let me leave it in the garage like that for another day. Got out my hose, rinsed it off, Sonax the wheels, filled a five gallon bucket with hot water and Adams Car Shampoo, got my MF mitt and dipped and wiped it down carefully, rinsed the soap off, then sprayed with a Mckee's Hydro Blue and rinsed again. Then a micro fiber towel dry after letting the Mckees rinse drip off a bit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

I'll probably wait until the streets are swept adequately before I take it out again. The wash I described above took less than 30 minutes.

There is so much C2V3 on my car, the dirt comes off like butter with either a dry wash or a wet.

[Sam_M550i]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Optimum (20475 Opti-Clean - 1 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GG9FCKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XDMAS5BDYC7NNZKVCY77?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="https://www.amazon.c...UTF8&psc=1</a>

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=28719396" rel="" target="_blank">http://<a href="https://www.bimmerpo...p=28719396</a>

Thanks Joe.

[Warp Ten]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I know what you're saying, But they still look good.

What are thoughts on the M5 comp wheels?

They remind me of sort of a skinny version of my C7 Corvette Z06 wheels. Which I like, BTW. --Bob

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Funny you ask. I took the M550 out Sunday for the first time in 3.5 months. It was a nice day, the roads "looked" clean and the potholes were 80% patched and filled. Did about 80 miles or so, mostly highway. The car was coated with either fine sand dust or remnants of road salt. It looked like the car went through a dusting. There was no way you want to dry wash that. As well as the Opti is a great lubricant, no way was I going to risk swirling it up. Just too much abrasive material on the car.

So of course my OCD could not let me leave it in the garage like that for another day. Got out my hose, rinsed it off, Sonax the wheels, filled a five gallon bucket with hot water and Adams Car Shampoo, got my MF mitt and dipped and wiped it down carefully, rinsed the soap off, then sprayed with a Mckee's Hydro Blue and rinsed again. Then a micro fiber towel dry after letting the Mckees rinse drip off a bit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=UTF8&th=1

I'll probably wait until the streets are swept adequately before I take it out again. The wash I described above took less than 30 minutes.

There is so much C2V3 on my car, the dirt comes off like butter with either a dry wash or a wet.

So you do a drying aid, rinse again, and then drying aid again while actually drying? Interesting. What do you feel is the benefit for this?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

So you do a drying aid, rinse again, and then drying aid again while actually drying? Interesting. What do you feel is the benefit for this?

Oh I'm still a novice but I don't trust letting a car dry by itself without a towel. Drying aids with a wipe covers all bases.

[2022M550i]

I use my echo backpack leave blower to dry off my cars. Absolutely mint… no water spots or anything…. Super quick.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yeah, I've done the dance with light and dark colors and the wow effect of a clean dark car outweighs the convenience of a color that doesn't look dirty or hides scratches, such as silver. Wash a dirty silver car and it barely looks different. Wash a dirty black car that's been dirty for a week and it feels like a new car. I've come to the realization that the reward of a dark glossy car far outweighs the effort to keep it clean. Plus, I have three other cars to drive when it rains and I don't drive the M550 in the winter. I can count the times on one hand I've washed the car with water in the last year. I've got quite the detailing supply cabinet. Waterless car wash is your best friend.

I'm in the same boat. Carbon black X3M40i. Mediterranean blue M550i. Just washed the M550i for the first time after coating it a couple of months ago. The advantages of living in a desert. The massive amount of brake dust was the tipping point.

Do love the simplicity of cleaning the 668Ms.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

I use my echo backpack leave blower to dry off my cars. Absolutely mint… no water spots or anything…. Super quick.

I've got one of those and I've thought about doing the same. I can just hear the neighbors now…

"What's he doing now?!"