BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum Cosmetic Maintenance: Wash, Wax, Detailing, Repairs Best car wax to use?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-31-2021, 05:50 PM   #1
Zeroheight
Private
Zeroheight's Avatar
24
Rep
81
Posts

Drives: 2018 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 540i  [0.00]
Hi All,

I need to wash my 2018 540i which hasn't been washed for a few months now! after I wash I want to wax, any suggestions on which wax to buy/use.

Thanks in advance!
Appreciate 0
      01-31-2021, 06:22 PM   #2
Sophisto540
Private First Class
Sophisto540's Avatar
92
Rep
122
Posts

Drives: BMW 540i
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Sneads Ferry, NC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2017 BMW 540i  [0.00]
I hate to be the guy that answers a question by not really answering since you ask about wax...

But I have switched to a ceramic coating and absolutely love it. So much faster to apply and much longer lasting. I am using CMX by Meguiar's but I've read a lot of great stuff from folks on the forum in the detailing threads.
Appreciate 2
paquet629.50
      01-31-2021, 07:48 PM   #3
35mphgolf
Second Lieutenant
91
Rep
240
Posts

Drives: ‘18 Macan Turbo
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: VA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeroheight View Post
Hi All,

I need to wash my 2018 540i which hasn't been washed for a few months now! after I wash I want to wax, any suggestions on which wax to buy/use.

Thanks in advance!
If you weren’t already planning on it, I’d highly recommend you clay bar before you wax. I’ve had good experience with Meguiar’s waxes (ultimate liquid wax) & clay as well.

Side note, I helped a friend apply 22PLE ceramic coating to his Lexus and it was pretty easy, just time consuming... but it lasted for over two years with amazing results.
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2021, 12:02 AM   #4
AP
Major General
AP's Avatar
2702
Rep
5,022
Posts

Drives: G30 M550
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

+1 re clay bar
Well worth the effort

If you ask 100 people you will get 100 different answers!

I use double speed wax

Lasts a very long time and makes water "bubble" nicely on the paintwork
Not expensive
Appreciate 0
      02-01-2021, 06:15 AM   #5
Nadz
Private First Class
40
Rep
168
Posts

Drives: G30 530d
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Paisley

iTrader: (0)

collinite insulator wax - cheap, beads well and durable.

+1 on the claying of the car. A clay towel is far faster and same results as the clay bar
Appreciate 1
      02-01-2021, 07:03 AM   #6
AP
Major General
AP's Avatar
2702
Rep
5,022
Posts

Drives: G30 M550
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

With valuing just be sure you spray lots of lubricant and pass the clay bar over lightly. Don't want to introduce more scratches. You will be surprised how much muck gets picked up and once done the paint will feel very smooth. Without this there is a small amount of roughness to the paint.

Don't reuse any clay if you drop it on the ground!
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2021, 11:40 AM   #7
Zeroheight
Private
Zeroheight's Avatar
24
Rep
81
Posts

Drives: 2018 540i M Sport
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 540i  [0.00]
Thank you all for the your input! One more question, for the Clay towel, any recommendation which brand to use?
Appreciate 0
      02-02-2021, 12:38 PM   #8
Short540
Second Lieutenant
Short540's Avatar
No_Country
112
Rep
225
Posts

Drives: X5 50i
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: New york

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2019 BMW X50i  [0.00]
Use whatever they use at your local Bmw dealer. My car always looks fucking fantastic after they wash and wax. I'm just not sure what they use.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2021, 11:32 AM   #9
marsb007
First Lieutenant
marsb007's Avatar
No_Country
326
Rep
341
Posts

Drives: 2024 iX M60
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

First, use a clay towel with clay lube, and some iron remover at least. Then Turtle Wax Seal and Shine.

Given you haven't washed it in a few months, I can only assume you're not the weekend detailer type, so the above will at least de-gunk up your paint, not really correct anything, but at least it'll protect it for the next few more months... all while being pretty easy to apply.
Appreciate 2
JDUNITNOW3453.00
540iSUP703.00
      02-13-2021, 11:36 PM   #10
MBM340
Second Lieutenant
MBM340's Avatar
United_States
1023
Rep
285
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340 RWD
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2021 BMW M340i  [0.00]
opinions here in this thread are like aholes, we all have one.

It really depends on how often you intend to wax it, and what your goals are in using the wax you are using.

AGREE with ALL on here to clay the car first. Stop paint damage when you wax.

Griot's and Adam's as well as Chemical Guys all have quality products. Call them, they love to talk about what they have for you to use.
__________________
"Either get busy living, or get busy dying. That's GD right." - Red (Shawshank)
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2021, 02:33 PM   #11
paquet
Lieutenant
United_States
630
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: 2019 540i M Sport etc
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sophisto540 View Post
I hate to be the guy that answers a question by not really answering since you ask about wax...

But I have switched to a ceramic coating and absolutely love it. So much faster to apply and much longer lasting. I am using CMX by Meguiar's but I've read a lot of great stuff from folks on the forum in the detailing threads.
Came here to say the same thing - Ceramic coat it - then you don't need to wax at all. Just do the regular hand wash with the ONR (optimum no rinse) and you're done.
And you can clay bar it annually if you like, on top of that.

(I used to wax my other car back in the day before ceramic coats existed)
Appreciate 0
      03-06-2021, 08:21 AM   #12
MauiSteve
First Lieutenant
MauiSteve's Avatar
United_States
278
Rep
382
Posts

Drives: 2020 M Sport 540i
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Maui, Hawaii

iTrader: (0)

So ya want a wax... but you need the technology of ceramic and graphene. Well, you're in luck:

https://www.turtlewax.com/products/t...source=youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIjLgmqtYJg
__________________
2020 540i MSport | Alpine White | Mocha Nappa | Aluminum Rhombicle | Exec Pkg | Luxury Seating | Bowers & Wilkins | Parking Assistance Pkg | MSport Brakes | Ceramic Controls | Space Saver Spare |
Appreciate 0
      04-05-2021, 02:16 AM   #13
cbarden
Private First Class
49
Rep
135
Posts

Drives: M5
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Fl

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nadz View Post
collinite insulator wax - cheap, beads well and durable.

+1 on the claying of the car. A clay towel is far faster and same results as the clay bar
Collinite 845 is one of my favorite waxes also. Without a doubt, it has the durability of a sealant.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2021, 11:33 AM   #14
PetieD 7
Second Lieutenant
164
Rep
248
Posts

Drives: 540i xDrive M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: North America

iTrader: (0)

PolishAngel wax products

I use PolishAngel wax products from Germany. In my opinion, it's one of great detail products out there! Although, it's pricey when compared to other fine detail products on the market.
Appreciate 0
      04-28-2021, 01:27 PM   #15
hillsy
Registered
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: BMW 530d
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Lincolnshire

iTrader: (0)

I use Bilt Hamber double speed wax. Not the easiest to polish off perhaps, but seems to give good protection and lasts pretty well too. Not expensive for what you get. Also highly rate their wheel cleaner, best I've used..
Appreciate 0
      05-05-2021, 09:19 AM   #16
Joe-BMW33
Major General
Joe-BMW33's Avatar
7039
Rep
6,515
Posts

Drives: '18 M550i|'21 X5|'03 540i
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2013 VW Tiguan  [0.00]
2015 Infiniti QX60  [0.00]
2021 BMW X5  [0.00]
2003 BMW 540i  [0.00]
2018 BMW M550  [10.00]
Wax is so 70's! Ceramic is the way to go either DIY or a Pro which is pricey but worth it. A really good ceramic job involves curing each coat (and there should be multiple) with IR lights.
__________________
2018 M550ix|Carbon Black|Dinan Modifications|2003 540i|Jet Black|M-Sport|2021 X5 Mineral White
Prior BMW's: 1987 325e|1993 740i|1998 740il|2001 530i|2002 745li|2007 750li|2006 750li|2001 530i|2012 535xi|
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2021, 02:29 PM   #17
hankcah
First Lieutenant
42
Rep
364
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i E90
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saint Louis

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 335i  [0.00]
I'll never wax again. There's no way it does much 3-4 months after applying. CarPro ceramic. Best if you polish, but not necessary if you already pay attention to your car. Semi permanent and actually protects plus better at resisting dust and dirt build up. Even a spray & rinse ceramic spray will be better as you can apply it to windows and wheels. Easier to dry with a blower, the list is endless.

If you really want to wax then try out Collinite and apply in straight lines. https://www.collinite.com/product-category/automotive/.

But instead of waxing, you can focus on more things like keeping the wheels clean, vacuuming, and cleaning the windows.

This guy has more time on his hands than a prisoner and points out the best spray on ceramics -
Appreciate 0
      08-05-2021, 12:21 PM   #18
430Scud
Second Lieutenant
430Scud's Avatar
226
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: M550iX,430 Scud,E39 540Msport
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

ScottH on youtube has probably the most realistic testing, and accepts no sponsorships.
From watching his videos, you learn that some manufacturers appear to have issues with batch to batch variability. In other words, he can run the same test with a different lot number of a product and get a different (better or worse) result.

If you have free time, his videos are very informative:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ScottHD/videos

He's convinced me that there are many excellent, and durable "spray on" ceramic coatings that can last up to a year or more outside. The idea of rubbing and polishing is not necessary anymore unless you need to remove surface imperfections. A light surface prep with a clay bar is usually all I do first. Spray on products are so easy that I can perform a quick touch up at the 4 or 5 month point, usually on the lower rockers and bumpers as here in Seattle those areas take a beating from road spray due to all of our rain. I will notice those areas become less hydrophobic first.
Appreciate 0
      08-06-2021, 05:24 AM   #19
Joe-BMW33
Major General
Joe-BMW33's Avatar
7039
Rep
6,515
Posts

Drives: '18 M550i|'21 X5|'03 540i
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Boston

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2013 VW Tiguan  [0.00]
2015 Infiniti QX60  [0.00]
2021 BMW X5  [0.00]
2003 BMW 540i  [0.00]
2018 BMW M550  [10.00]
Check out the Gtechnic product line. The stuff is magic. You can coat your car in 15 minutes.
__________________
2018 M550ix|Carbon Black|Dinan Modifications|2003 540i|Jet Black|M-Sport|2021 X5 Mineral White
Prior BMW's: 1987 325e|1993 740i|1998 740il|2001 530i|2002 745li|2007 750li|2006 750li|2001 530i|2012 535xi|
Appreciate 1
430Scud226.00
      08-10-2021, 02:52 PM   #20
dhodory
Private
United_States
47
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 2022 BMW M550i
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

If you're not going to ceramic coat, then my advice is . . . .

NuFinish.

Sounds crazy, I know. But have watched no fewer than 3 "side by side" ceramic coating comparisons where NuFinish has lasted well past one year, nearly 18 months.

It's cheap.
It works.

Having said that, if you go the ceramic route, I'd say: CarPro CQuartz 3.0.

Oh, and as someone has already said: if you haven't washed your car in several months, a good wash + clay or surface decontamination will go a long way.
Appreciate 0
      08-11-2021, 12:06 PM   #21
430Scud
Second Lieutenant
430Scud's Avatar
226
Rep
272
Posts

Drives: M550iX,430 Scud,E39 540Msport
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhodory View Post
If you're not going to ceramic coat, then my advice is . . . .

NuFinish.

Sounds crazy, I know. But have watched no fewer than 3 "side by side" ceramic coating comparisons where NuFinish has lasted well past one year, nearly 18 months.

It's cheap.
It works.

Having said that, if you go the ceramic route, I'd say: CarPro CQuartz 3.0.

Oh, and as someone has already said: if you haven't washed your car in several months, a good wash + clay or surface decontamination will go a long way.
Unfortunately, NuFinish is one of the products with huge batch to batch variability. In fact all the recent tests by ScottH now show it is underperforming pretty consistently in both liguid and paste formulations. What is weird is he did some tests that started 3 years ago and the liquid was lasting over 18 months...maybe 24? But all the recent stuff is failing after a few months...he started logging lot numbers or year of production trying to figure out what was going on. Not sure he figured it out.

+1 on CarPro CQuartz 3.0 it has consistently shown excellent durability going on close to 2 years. Just don't use the CarPro Reload as the "topper" or detail spray with it...as the Reload has poor durability losing it hydrophobic qualities after 30 days or less. Griot's Garage 3 in 1 Ceramic Spray would be a better option.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2021, 01:31 PM   #22
dhodory
Private
United_States
47
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 2022 BMW M550i
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 430Scud View Post
Unfortunately, NuFinish is one of the products with huge batch to batch variability. In fact all the recent tests by ScottH now show it is underperforming pretty consistently in both liguid and paste formulations. What is weird is he did some tests that started 3 years ago and the liquid was lasting over 18 months...maybe 24? But all the recent stuff is failing after a few months...he started logging lot numbers or year of production trying to figure out what was going on. Not sure he figured it out.

+1 on CarPro CQuartz 3.0 it has consistently shown excellent durability going on close to 2 years. Just don't use the CarPro Reload as the "topper" or detail spray with it...as the Reload has poor durability losing it hydrophobic qualities after 30 days or less. Griot's Garage 3 in 1 Ceramic Spray would be a better option.
Thanks for the info - I was not aware of the variability of results. I've had incredibly good results with it (on my wife's car), then again, both bottles of product were purchased 2+ years ago. Sounds like it may be a case of the manufacturer cheapening the product? Let's hope not, but seems to be par for the course these days.

Had heard same for reload, apparently the new solution is a product called "gliss" as a top coat for hydrophobic properties. Don't know how well it works, will let you know as I plan to apply it on top of Cquartz when I get my new M550i here in a few more weeks.
Appreciate 1
430Scud226.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:57 PM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST