Can you folks share what you use to clean and protect non-paint surfaces on your BMWs? My "virgin" jet black 335i is sitting in the garage waiting for the Zaino kit to get here. It has all of 25 miles on it.

I'm planning on going through the whole Zaino process in the next week or so. But what do you use on non-paint surfaces to keep them clean? I'll list a few here areas of concern for me and perhaps you could share your thoughts:

1) "plastic"? covering over instrument panel (speedometer/tach/etc.)

2) "plastic"? headlight/tailight covers

3) Chrome (grill, etc.)

4) For those of you with black cars or black trim - how do you care for the trim?

5) I've got a call into the dealer to find out if my alloy rims have a clear coat on them. I think that makes a difference on which product can be applied to them?

6) How about the tires? I've got the Potenza performance tires (the ones that come with the sports package). Can I put some type of shine/protector on them without damaging them (i.e. - eating through the sidewalls)?

Maybe dumb old-hat questions to some of you, but there is so much marketing out there everybody thinks theirs is the best. I'm counting on real life experience from those that have come before me.

Thanks!

imaginos (yes, I'm a diehard BOC fan)

Can you folks share what you use to clean and protect non-paint surfaces on your BMWs? My "virgin" jet black 335i is sitting in the garage waiting for the Zaino kit to get here. It has all of 25 miles on it.

I'm planning on going through the whole Zaino process in the next week or so. But what do you use on non-paint surfaces to keep them clean? I'll list a few here areas of concern for me and perhaps you could share your thoughts:

1) "plastic"? covering over instrument panel (speedometer/tach/etc.) Wipe down with Meguiar's quick detailer (I prefer spray to napkins). Leaves easy scent and doesn't make anything glossy. Mist a bit on MF towel

2) "plastic"? headlight/tailight covers If you are that concerned, you might look into buying protecive film for your headlights. When the old one looks pitted, just buy a new set. Your headlights stay nice and clear. No chemicals needed. Google LaminX.

3) Chrome (grill, etc.) Just wipe them down with microfiber to prevent scratching

4) For those of you with black cars or black trim - how do you care for the trim? Meguiar's Trim Detailer

5) I've got a call into the dealer to find out if my alloy rims have a clear coat on them. I think that makes a difference on which product can be applied to them? I seriously doubt. I just use Meguiar's NXT.

6) How about the tires? I've got the Potenza performance tires (the ones that come with the sports package). Can I put some type of shine/protector on them without damaging them (i.e. - eating through the sidewalls)? I would imagine people who come up with that stuff make sure it meets all the standards and requirments

Maybe dumb old-hat questions to some of you, but there is so much marketing out there everybody thinks theirs is the best. I'm counting on real life experience from those that have come before me.

Thanks!

imaginos (yes, I'm a diehard BOC fan)


up

He summed it up quite nicely. For tires I actually like Armor All Tire Gel at walmart. Lasts a WHILE and looks shiny if that is what you are into.

When you say "plastic covering over instrument panel," do you mean the dashboard? 303 Aerospace Protectant is good for the dash, door panels, and basically anything vinyl or plastic on the interior. It leaves a nice satin, non greasy finish.

If you have leather seats, there are many products out there to choose from, but I like Zaino Z9 and Z10 best.

For the chrome and the plastic lighting, I would just take care of those pieces as you would the paint and apply a quality wax or sealant.

Your wheels will be clear coated and should be taken care of like the rest of the paintwork also. I would apply a sealant or wax to make them easier to clean.

Tire shines/dressings are harmless to tires as far as I know. I have been using tire shine on my cars for years after every wash with no negative effects.

Yes, I meant the dashboard, but I wanted to pinpoint the part where the instrument panel was.

Isn't it true that many sealants and waxes will not do well on rims when become heated up while driving? Is there any products that are specificall "attuned" to high heat surfaces such as these?

BTW, thanks for the great insight.

imaginos

Isn't it true that many sealants and waxes will not do well on rims when become heated up while driving? Is there any products that are specificall "attuned" to high heat surfaces such as these?

That is probably true. I have noticed that waxes and sealants don't seem to last as long on wheels, so I just apply them more often. If you are concerned, you might want to try this stuff just for wheels:
http://www.autogeek.net/whwaxcarca.html. I have never tried it so I can't say how well it works.