FYI, wheel cleaners damage coatings
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My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i
a few of you mentioned having oxidation spots on your wheels, particularly the m5 wheels. i spoke to a wheel refinisher and he said not to use wheel cleaners, as they have acid in them and eat your paint over time.
he said to use simple green for cleaning, and to apply "wheel wax" for protection and to make them easier to clean in the future.
he said to use simple green for cleaning, and to apply "wheel wax" for protection and to make them easier to clean in the future.
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From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
I'm definitely a fan of Wheels Wax. No doubt it helps.
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From: HK (N.T), UK (Surrey)
My Ride: BMW E60 530i , Silver with leather Air Con iDrive 17" Breyton Rims with Dunlop Sp Sport tyres (M-Tech Bodykit and rims WANTED)
Alfa Romeo 147 TS1.6 , Black with Air Con 17" Multi Spoke alloys with Bridgestone RE040 tyres
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Toyota Celica 1.8 VVTI, Lagoon Blue, Air Con, 16" Standard alloys with Kuhmo KU31, EBC Green Stuff
Originally Posted by turboawd' post='1034961' date='Oct 18 2009, 04:36 AM
a few of you mentioned having oxidation spots on your wheels, particularly the m5 wheels. i spoke to a wheel refinisher and he said not to use wheel cleaners, as they have acid in them and eat your paint over time.
he said to use simple green for cleaning, and to apply "wheel wax" for protection and to make them easier to clean in the future.
he said to use simple green for cleaning, and to apply "wheel wax" for protection and to make them easier to clean in the future.
I use this and been spot on
http://www.valetpro.co.uk/Products/Exterio...heel-Cleaner-5L
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From: The State of Southern NJ!
I agree that most commercially available wheel cleaners are best for removing heave brake dust and stains. But, left on too long their strong acid-based solutions can harm wheel finishes. That said, carefully waxed wheels can be cleaned easily by using a good auto soap and wheel brush. The key is not to let them go too long between cleanings. In the winter time that may mean the two bucket and a brush treatment when weather doesn't permit a full wash.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Ellicott City, MD
My Ride: 535i M Sport
Model Year: 2010
I learned about a dollar store product called "LA's Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner" on another car forum, gave it a shot, and have been using it ever since. It's a non-toxic, acid-free cleaner which works great on tires and wheels. A 20 oz. spray bottle costs $1 but I usually get the 32 oz. refill (also a $1) and use the spray head off a standard dollar store spray bottle (yes, a $1). Google it and take a look at the reviews -- everyone swears by the stuff.
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From: new york
My Ride: 2011, E90 M3 Sedan. Alpine White.Competition package, Keyhole cover, fender reflectors in Alpine white, RPI Exhaust, 19
i use dawn dishwashing liquid always and elbow grease and my nails..lol.. i never spray anything on the wheels
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Originally Posted by melimel' post='1035603' date='Oct 19 2009, 09:09 AM
i use dawn dishwashing liquid always and elbow grease and my nails..lol.. i never spray anything on the wheels
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From: new york
My Ride: 2011, E90 M3 Sedan. Alpine White.Competition package, Keyhole cover, fender reflectors in Alpine white, RPI Exhaust, 19
Originally Posted by luigi524td' post='1035627' date='Oct 19 2009, 09:52 AM
Dawn is an excellent "degreaser" --- but if used in (strong) concentration that means it will also wash away some important lubricants on brake calipers and remove wax from the body parts.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,998
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From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by melimel' post='1035915' date='Oct 19 2009, 02:28 PM
interesting.. ill be gentle with it.. but i do only use it on the wheel/rim itself. thanks luigi
