Whats the best way to wash my brand new 328xi 08'?

Should I just water it? Are automated car washes safe? Should I wait to use wax?

How often? btw my color is Montego Blue mettallic.

thanks!

Well there are alot of threads and products here. I don't know what you may already have to wash cars with.

I use a foam gun, wash bucket with grit guard and two microfiber mits to wash mine. All are available from the forum sponsor www.autogeek.com (http://www.autogeek.com)

How often I guess would depend on how "crazy" you are about a clean car. During pollen season I have been known to wash every 3 days. Normally I try to wash once a week.

As for wax, there is no harm in waxing although you would want to clay the car first and possibly even apply a paint sealant before waxing.

Finally, many of the products mentioned here on this forum are much, much better than locally store bought consumer brands.

don't buy your products at stores like schucks and napa, i guess maybe if you see some meguiars brand stuff there thats ok but always go to an autobody specialty store for your stuff. i personally use 3m products and shop at wesco. i dont like grit guards, i use the 2 bucket method and that works wonderfully for me.

I'm going to guess that you asked this extremely common question before even trying to look for an answer. :confused

Perhaps start in the "Detailing 101" thread here...
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158378

And congrats on your new purchase :buttrock