automatic car wash
03-18-2009, 03:59 PM
#1
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Okay.
I'm stupid.
new 09 E61
automatic.
i went to an automatic car wash.
Put the car in neutral.
turned off the engine.
as the car rolled along inside the system, i saw transmission had shifted to park
"EEK--i forgot to put the key fob in!!"
I was afraid to put the fob in, in case doing so would make matters worse.
I made it to the other end of the wash.
Have i damaged something? Could the wash system have somehow pushed the stationary car through?
i don't think so.
why would the wheels turn when the transmission shifted into park?
I'm stupid.
new 09 E61
automatic.
i went to an automatic car wash.
Put the car in neutral.
turned off the engine.
as the car rolled along inside the system, i saw transmission had shifted to park
"EEK--i forgot to put the key fob in!!"
I was afraid to put the fob in, in case doing so would make matters worse.
I made it to the other end of the wash.
Have i damaged something? Could the wash system have somehow pushed the stationary car through?
i don't think so.
why would the wheels turn when the transmission shifted into park?
03-18-2009, 04:40 PM
#2
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Originally Posted by otismodelle' post='820622' date='Mar 18 2009, 06:59 PM
Okay.
I'm stupid.
new 09 E61
automatic.
i went to an automatic car wash.
Put the car in neutral.
turned off the engine.
as the car rolled along inside the system, i saw transmission had shifted to park
"EEK--i forgot to put the key fob in!!"
I was afraid to put the fob in, in case doing so would make matters worse.
I made it to the other end of the wash.
Have i damaged something? Could the wash system have somehow pushed the stationary car through?
i don't think so.
why would the wheels turn when the transmission shifted into park?
I'm stupid.
new 09 E61
automatic.
i went to an automatic car wash.
Put the car in neutral.
turned off the engine.
as the car rolled along inside the system, i saw transmission had shifted to park
"EEK--i forgot to put the key fob in!!"
I was afraid to put the fob in, in case doing so would make matters worse.
I made it to the other end of the wash.
Have i damaged something? Could the wash system have somehow pushed the stationary car through?
i don't think so.
why would the wheels turn when the transmission shifted into park?
as far as messing anything up, you would know better than anyone. How did it drive, shift, and handle after the car wash?
03-18-2009, 04:54 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by Alpine White Girl' post='820650' date='Mar 18 2009, 08:40 PM
There was your number one problem there! Goto the power wash and do it by hand or do it at home. Dont be lazy as far as messing anything up, you would know better than anyone. How did it drive, shift, and handle after the car wash?
as far as messing anything up, you would know better than anyone. How did it drive, shift, and handle after the car wash?I screwed up.
This is my fourth BMW (540, X5, X5) and have never noticed a deterioration in paint brilliance from car washes.
That being said, this is my first vehicle that didn't call for a key.
I went back to the car wash today and timed how long it took (for another car!) to go through the system. It took 65 seconds (so the 30 second window after which a removed fob is supposed to cause the system to go into park) had elapsed. So, although even i doubt there's a lingering problem, i am still very curious about why things didn't totally screw up. Wash it a failsafe in the car wash or in the car's transmission? What i know for sure is that I WATCHED the stick indicated 'N' and transition to 'P'.
03-18-2009, 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by otismodelle' post='820622' date='Mar 18 2009, 06:59 PM
Put the car in neutral.
turned off the engine.
as the car rolled along inside the system, i saw transmission had shifted to park
turned off the engine.
as the car rolled along inside the system, i saw transmission had shifted to park
Could the wash system have somehow pushed the stationary car through?
i don't think so.
i don't think so.
I don't get it
03-18-2009, 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by camerri' post='820667' date='Mar 18 2009, 08:56 PM
How?
Must have unless you are typing this in the car wash??
I don't get it
Must have unless you are typing this in the car wash??
I don't get it
03-18-2009, 05:07 PM
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Ah, nice play on words there 
After reading your second post which came after I had already started mine, I now understand the park issue ( You must forgive me I actually have to put my key in and turn it.)
I'm sure your car is fine. I do have to tell you though I cringed when I saw 2009 and automatic car wash in the same post. Poor German paint...
After reading your second post which came after I had already started mine, I now understand the park issue ( You must forgive me I actually have to put my key in and turn it.)I'm sure your car is fine. I do have to tell you though I cringed when I saw 2009 and automatic car wash in the same post. Poor German paint...
03-18-2009, 05:10 PM
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My Ride: 2005 545i | Titanium Silver | Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Navigation packages | Style 124 staggered rims | iPod integration | Tinted windows
Now that you know your car is fine, you should attend our GTA meet on April 4. Check out my signature to sign up. Hope to see you there!
03-18-2009, 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Silver_545i' post='820685' date='Mar 18 2009, 08:10 PM
Now that you know your car is fine, you should attend our GTA meet on April 4. Check out my signature to sign up. Hope to see you there!
I'm sure the car is fine.
Long time ago, I (by mistake) shifted a car (toyota) that was going about 40 mph into park (don't ask). I heard the parking pin engage and disengage several times, but the car didn't stop or anything.
I'm sure the transmissions are more durable than that and can withstand a car wash in Park for 30 seconds. No biggie.
