Exterior Care

Vehicle Washing

In winter months, the vehicle should be washed more often. Otherwise heavy dirt and road salt can damage it.◄

Moisture may temporarily reduce braking efficiency and cause corrosion of the brake discs, so after washing the vehicle, dry the brake mechanisms by briefly pressing the brake pedal several times.◄

Car Wash Systems

Give preference to systems with textile brushes.

Before driving into a car wash, make sure it is suitable for your BMW. Pay attention to the following points:

► vehicle dimensions
► if necessary, fold in the exterior mirrors
► maximum permissible tire width Preparation for car wash:
► Switch off the rain sensor to prevent the wipers from activating unintentionally.
► Remove additional external equipment (spoilers, telephone antennas, etc.) to prevent damage to it.

Automatic transmission with Steptronic

Before entering the car wash, make sure the vehicle can still roll freely:

1. Insert the key into the ignition lock (including vehicles with Comfort Access).
2. Shift the transmission to position N.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Switch off the anti-rollback system.
5. Switch off the engine.
6. Leave the key in the ignition lock so that the vehicle remains able to roll.

Steam jet units / high-pressure washers

When using steam jet units and high-pressure washers, make sure the nozzle is kept at a sufficient distance from the vehicle and the jet temperature does not exceed 60 °C.

Insufficient distance, excessive pressure or too high a temperature may cause damage to vehicle parts and components or water ingress. Observe the operating rules for high-pressure washers.◄

When treating the vehicle with high-pressure washers, make sure the jet does not linger on sensors and cameras (for example PDC sensors, rear view camera). Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm.◄

Hand washing

Wash the vehicle by hand with plenty of water, adding car shampoo if desired.

Remove dirt with a sponge or brush (do not press hard).

Before cleaning the windshield, switch off the rain sensor and the ignition to prevent the wipers from activating.◄

Observe the rules for hand washing of vehicles.◄

Headlights

Do not rub headlights when dry and do not use abrasive or caustic cleaners.

Soak dirt (for example dried-on insects) with car shampoo or an insect remover and rinse off with plenty of water.

Remove ice with a special de-icer only, never with a scraper.

Glass

Clean mirror glass as well as the inner and outer surfaces of window glass with glass cleaner.

Do not use silica-containing cleaners to clean mirror glass.◄

Wiper Blades

To avoid streaks on the glass, clean the wiper blades with soapy water and replace them regularly.

Residues of wax and preservatives, as well as any other contaminants, cause streaking when the wipers operate, premature wear of the wiper blades and damage to the rain sensor.◄

Paint care

Regular vehicle care helps preserve its performance properties and protects the paint from deterioration.

The paint is fully exposed to weather conditions.

Therefore, the frequency and intensity of care should depend on local climate conditions.

Aggressive substances (fuels, lubricants, brake fluid, tree resin, bird droppings, etc.) must be removed immediately, as they may damage the paint or cause discoloration.

Repairing paint damage

To prevent rust, damage from stone chips and scratches must be repaired immediately.◄

For professional repair of paint damage in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and using genuine paint materials, contact a BMW service center.

Preservation

Preservation is necessary when water no longer beads and runs off clean paint. Use only carnauba-based or synthetic wax products for preservation.

Rubber seals

Apart from water, only special rubber care products may be used.

To avoid damage and squeaking, do not use silicone-containing products for care of rubber seals.◄

Chrome parts

Clean chrome parts, such as the radiator grille, door handles or window frames, with plenty of water, especially when contaminated with road salt, adding shampoo if desired.

For polishing, use special polishes for chrome surfaces.

Alloy wheels

Brake pad abrasion creates dust that settles on alloy wheels. Remove it regularly with an acid-free wheel cleaner.

To avoid damage, do not use aggressive, acidic, alkaline or abrasive cleaners. When cleaning with steam jet units, make sure the jet temperature does not exceed 60 °C.◄

Aluminum sills

To remove rust from aluminum sills, use a special cleaning agent.

External sensors and cameras

Keep external sensors and cameras (PDC sensors or rear view camera) clean, including free of ice, as this is necessary for their correct operation.◄