[avislash]

Hi,

I'd like to start washing and detailing my G83 M4 Convertible myself and was hoping to get recommendations for a list of shampoos, detailers, brushes, etc that I can pick up (hopefully taking advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals) and put together a starter kit for myself.

I've been watching the Esoteric videos so I'll be opting for 2 bucket wash but would like a recommendation for a foam cannon as well.

I'm also not sure what products to use on the softop for cleaning so would like advice there as well.

The car also has full PPF and ceramic coating on the exterior, wheels, and interior.

Thanks so much in advance!

[bosstones]

There are a few recent threads on this (excluding soft top care). Those might be a good place to start.

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2037825

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2137155

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1590418

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2139011

WRT foam cannon, are you looking for one to attach to a garden hose or pressure washer? I use Griot's Brilliant Finish foam cannon. I was too cheap for a Mosmatic and think any reputable brand will work fine. I also have Griot's hose end foam cannon but haven't used it in forever as I've been experimenting with foam sprayers to use during the winter when I won't have access to a water spigot.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095KVWMZ4...p_mob_ap_share

For MF towels and wash mitts, I go with The Rag Company. I like their Gauntlet towel for drying.

It would also help to know how far down the rabbit hole you want your 'starter kit' to go. I take that to mean a simple/basic set of tool/, products. If correct, for exterior, just focus on:

• Quailty wash mitts and towels (drying, interior, glass, spot cleaning).
• Car wash/shampoo (eg CarPro Reset) that can benefit a ceramic coating.
• Top Coat for your ceramic coating. I'm not a huge fan of 'drying aides' but you could kill 2 birds w/ 1 stone here.
• Wheel brush. Knowing your wheel style/design would help here. You could also just use a dedicated wash mitt if you have a simple wheel design. That'll help keep the # of products you have down.
• Wash buckets (since you mentioned rhat as part of your plan). Honestly, any buckets work. They're just buckets. I use HD orange buckets w/ lids and grit guards). Alternatively, you could also just re-foam the car at a differt dilution. Just rinse out your mitt before the contact wash so you're not running a dry mitt to start with.
• Grit guard.
• I rarely need to use a bug remover but I mention it as some people use them and I don't know if they are an issue where you are. Your ceramic coat should help but un-coated PPF doesn't like baked on bugs.
• Some people with ceramic coatings like a leaf blower for primary drying. Decide if that is for you.

The list can go much longer but it depends how deep you want to go. I didn't touch upon orbitals (DA ir otherwise), polishes, pads, etc... as it sounds like your car is pretty new. So, you shouldn't need to worry about those just yet (plus you car is coated). Focus instead on proper washing and drying techniques as well as getting your own process down.

[avislash]

Hey thanks for the detailed response!

Originally Posted by bosstones

It would also help to know how far down the rabbit hole you want your 'starter kit' to go. I take that to mean a simple/basic set of tool/, products.

I'm looking to to begin with with basic maintenance washes and interior detailing and work my way up to do more intensive detailing/cleaning. I like to set myself up for success so would be willing to invest in high quality tools from the beginning that will last a while.

Originally Posted by bosstones

WRT foam cannon, are you looking for one to attach to a garden hose or pressure washer? I use Griot's Brilliant Finish foam cannon. I was too cheap for a Mosmatic and think any reputable brand will work fine. I also have Griot's hose end foam cannon but haven't used it in forever as I've been experimenting with foam sprayers to use during the winter when I won't have access to a water spigot.

Yep, I'm looking to use one with a pressure washer. I'll take a lookat Griot's.

Originally Posted by bosstones

Quailty wash mitts and towels (drying, interior, glass, spot cleaning).

Any recommendations on wash mits? I was looking at the Esoteric starter kit and also recently learned about merino wool mits and wasn't sure if that'd be a good option to pick up as well.

Originally Posted by bosstones

[*]Wheel brush. Knowing your wheel style/design would help here. You could also just use a dedicated wash mitt if you have a simple wheel design.

It's the stock 826M wheels. I'm thinking Sonax paired with a good brush here but not sure what brushes would be optimal for cleaning the wheels so would appreciate a recommendation here.

Also, any recommendations for a soft top cover brush and cleaner?

Thanks!

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by avislash

I'm looking to to begin with with basic maintenance washes and interior detailing and work my way up to do more intensive detailing/cleaning. I like to set myself up for success so would be willing to invest in high quality tools from the beginning that will last a while.

Honestly, any quality detailing product line will do. There are WAY more personal religious preferences and exclusive marketing deals in the industry then hard data on what works best. You can wrap yourself around the axle looking at endless subjective product comparison tests.

In my experience (maintaining 4+ cars for decades), most of the following product lines are excellent (in no particular order):

• Griots
• McKees 37
• Adam's

There are about 10^x more product lines out there, some better (and more expensive), most worse (and more expensive) than the above.
Start with whichever one is running best sales right now, and build from there!

Originally Posted by avislash

Yep, I'm looking to use one with a pressure washer. I'll take a lookat Griot's.

Any physical pressure washer will work for starters.
Eventually, you might want something with 2+ gallons per minute (GPM) flow to speed up the process. PSI do not matter for automotive application.
Griot's foam cannon (there are others) is pretty good.

Foam cannons GREATLY simplify and speed up car washing!
Leaf blowers GREATLY simplify drying, especially after wax/ceramic/graphene coating have been applied!

Originally Posted by avislash

Any recommendations on wash mits? I was looking at the Esoteric starter kit and also recently learned about merino wool mits and wasn't sure if that'd be a good option to pick up as well.

It doesn't matter / personal preference. Any Microfiber wash mitt will do.
Don't forget an ample supply of microfiber towels as well!
And an orbital polisher (or two), when ready!

Go to the above vendor's web sites, and search for "starter kits".

Originally Posted by avislash

It's the stock 826M wheels. I'm thinking Sonax paired with a good brush here but not sure what brushes would be optimal for cleaning the wheels so would appreciate a recommendation here.

It doesn't matter / personal preference. Any (dedicated) Microfiber wash mitt will do.
With quality degreaser and iron remover + regular maintenance, a dedicated wash glove is all you need. Something like this will work.

If you are looking to clean-up wheels with 5+ years of track pad dust baked into them, THEN you need custom brushes and acidic chemicals.

Originally Posted by avislash

Also, any recommendations for a soft top cover brush and cleaner?

This one works. There are others.

Using one regularly is more important than the difference between brands!


HTH,
a

[FrankMstein]

I add ONR at 64:1 to the foam cannon. I also use it for just about all the uses on the label. clean, clay, etc. Also use at 64:1 in the windshield washer fluid.

[golfinbmw403]

Originally Posted by FrankMstein

I add ONR at 64:1 to the foam cannon. I also use it for just about all the uses on the label. clean, clay, etc. Also use at 64:1 in the windshield washer fluid.

This. One product for basically everything, so useful.

[bac0]

Originally Posted by FrankMstein

I add ONR at 64:1 to the foam cannon. I also use it for just about all the uses on the label. clean, clay, etc. Also use at 64:1 in the windshield washer fluid.

Is it a very noticeable difference? I’ve seen it in the shelves but never heard feedback

[FrankMstein]

Originally Posted by bac0

Is it a very noticeable difference? I’ve seen it in the shelves but never heard feedback

Not as much as using Adams/Maguire's Gold 30/70. Independently neither as good independently.

[starlights]

This is probably not the response you are seeking however, I use one to two gallons of Distilled water with ONR for waterless wash (less water wash? ). I use the microfiber towels once per side per wash - folded different ways for one wipe per panel section (then discard them in a different bucket for a laundry). Every section (including windows and glass) that I complete, (front, sides, roof and back) I buff it with CG Liquid Wax while it is damp so there is no additional drying required nor are there any water spots due to distilled water. I do this in my Garage once a month except winters. The beading lasts a few months even if not washed in between. Normally done in under 30 mins.