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Best way to wash / clean engine bay?

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Old 04-20-2010, 03:18 AM
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What is the best way to clean or wash under the hood of an e60? I learnt a hard way with my e46 that I could'nt just blast water through it; i had to replace both xenon headlight ballasts. Please offer your suggestions. Thanks.
Old 04-20-2010, 06:46 AM
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I wouldn't do it. There is just too much to go wrong.
Old 04-20-2010, 07:40 AM
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I agree personally too many wires etc, clean with hands and damp cloth just for the looks. here in UK its only advisable before sale of car, and I fear it could mess up electrics. However I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw how they wash engine bay in Russia. They take proper high pressure water spraying pipe, and just splash it all over the engine bay, and the owner says there is no electrical or other problems, and he does it all the time at least once a month (he's my father).
Old 04-20-2010, 07:55 AM
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I use high pressure (electric) on both of our bimmers.
Never had an issue.
Old 04-20-2010, 08:33 AM
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The best way is to start with a slightly warm motor - then cover up the airbox/inlet (don't want any water getting into the motor) then spray it down with simple green, let it sit a few minutes, feel free to scrub any stubborn areas. Then hose it down with a hose, no high pressure. Once done use an electric leaf blower to blow all of the water out entirely. Once complete spray the engine down with No Touch or a similiar product (arisol spray shine)and wipe any access areas - a good detailer taught me this years ago, works like a charm, I have done to numerous cars and have never had a problem at all.
Old 04-20-2010, 08:47 AM
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Here is a picture of a different car I had years ago done with the same treatment as described above (I don't have any pics of my 545 engine at work)
Attached Thumbnails Best way to wash / clean engine bay?-mvc-006f.jpg  
Old 04-20-2010, 08:55 AM
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There is recent discussion on this in the detailing forum that you might want to check out: https://5series.net/forums/topic/95585-engine-wash/
Old 04-20-2010, 12:19 PM
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the main thing is to avoid spraying anything electrical with the high pressure.
Old 04-20-2010, 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by turboawd
the main thing is to avoid spraying anything electrical with the high pressure.
+1

also a clean motor runs cooler - here is the 545 engine cleaned
Old 04-20-2010, 05:26 PM
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forgot to attach -
Attached Thumbnails Best way to wash / clean engine bay?-678.jpg  


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