Will I curb my wheels in a automated Carwash?
02-27-2006, 12:42 PM
#11
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My Ride: 2005 530i, Silver Gray Metalic, Black Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg, Automatic, Xenon Headlights, Glass Moonroof, Dark Wood Trim, Lumbar Support, Adaptive Light Control, Navigation System, Satellite Radio Prep.
I have a 530i with Sport Pkg and have used all kinds of automatic car washes. I'm shifting back to hand washing when above freezing outside. The car is a lot lower in front with the sports pkg and once it momentarily snagged on the car wash fixture when entering. This was probably because the grade of this particular car wash entrance was not smooth and level. Luckily you can remove the trim piece which attaches under the cowl, straighten it by hand and reinstall it easily.
02-27-2006, 12:47 PM
#12
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I also live in NYC and I go a really nice commercial car wash. It has bruches that clean all sides of teh car and then dries it at the end. After the car comes out , the workers just wipe nay remaining water and put that shiny coat on the sidewalls of the tires. Yea, it may not be the best quality job, but it takes 7 mins and cost $10. Like jet190rs says, it's tough to hand wash your car in NYC.
I have the sports wheels and it's just fine.
I have the sports wheels and it's just fine.
02-27-2006, 12:54 PM
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My Ride: 2004 525i Jet Black on Grey Interior---
Tint: Sides 20% Rear Windshield 5% Front Windshield 35%
Wheels: Zenetti Five's 20" by 8.5(front) 20" by 10(rear)--
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OK heres the scoop.. I've have never brought my car threw the car wash with my after market wheels.. the tires are to small and the widths are to big.. but I have with my OEM wheels and had no problem.. what I would do if I were yo roll up to the car wash pull it in and see if it will rub like ask the guys at the wash if the wheels look like that are goin to hit as you pull in.. personally I don't think you will have a problem but double check
02-28-2006, 02:39 AM
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Originally Posted by sapkan' post='246809' date='Feb 27 2006, 09:37 PM
I have had my wheels damaged on a roller-type carwash in London. They were lower profile, however, 205/40 rather than 245/40. I suggest you speak to the staff beforehand
02-28-2006, 02:46 AM
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My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
I have started using a touchless car wash. I have hand washed too many cars in my life--even though my silver gray is relatively easy. But, I don't go to those that have coveyors fearing damage. Unfortunately, one has to be careful even in those that don't have conveyors. I dinged my right front in one because my tires are low profile. I did not hit the "gate" precisely enough and my car slipped down off the guide and went clunk. So, the point is that all non-conveyor types are not designed well enough for low-profile tires unless you enter perfectly. I am in the process of trying to get reimbursement from Exxon-Mobile.
02-28-2006, 06:32 AM
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Originally Posted by needforspeed' post='246693' date='Feb 27 2006, 01:17 PM
Lifes WAY to short to handwash a car.
Find a 'conveyor' car wash that way, as long as you don't kerb it on the way in U don't need to worry. I've used these plenty of times in my e46 coupe and am about to take my 530d for it's first bath (and I have 19inch rims).
oh .. and the brushless car washes don't work
IMO.
Find a 'conveyor' car wash that way, as long as you don't kerb it on the way in U don't need to worry. I've used these plenty of times in my e46 coupe and am about to take my 530d for it's first bath (and I have 19inch rims).
oh .. and the brushless car washes don't work
IMO.
02-28-2006, 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by TexaZ3' post='247257' date='Feb 28 2006, 03:32 PM
True, but life is too short to drive a scratched car with dinged wheels, or try to polish the scratches out. I'd rather spend 20 minutes hand-washing my car.
02-28-2006, 09:45 AM
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I run my 550 and 911 through the brushless car washers and I have never had any problems. The car wash I go to is the state of the art facility its no add on piece to some gas pump. I would never run a car through a gas station secondary car wash facility. Go somewhere they specialize in car washes. I use to wash my own cars but man it takes a long time and I would rather be doing something else. Instead of taking 1-2 hours doing your car it only takes 20 minutes now.
I have never heard of anybody bending rims in a guided automated track of a car wash. Most of these tracks can handle wheels past 350mm. My 911 rear wheel is 305 and it never gets scratched.
I have never heard of anybody bending rims in a guided automated track of a car wash. Most of these tracks can handle wheels past 350mm. My 911 rear wheel is 305 and it never gets scratched.
02-28-2006, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by needforspeed' post='247267' date='Feb 28 2006, 11:52 AM
Could you come round and do mine then when you've finished?
02-28-2006, 10:23 AM
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My Ride: Alpine White/Biege 545i, CWP, Nav, Active Steering, Auto Step ordered 2/1/05
Originally Posted by TexaZ3' post='247343' date='Feb 28 2006, 01:50 PM
I could, but I don't like you. :-)
