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      09-26-2019, 01:19 AM   #1
juju86
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Wash the Z4

Hi,

I have a simple question : it is the first convertible I own, and the dealer told me I can wash it like any other car. So do you wash your Z4 to standard automatic wash with rotating brushes?

Thanks
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      09-26-2019, 07:21 AM   #2
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I would never wash it an auto wash anyway since it will microscratch your paintwork. Id rather try a "brushfree" wash in that case. That being said it should not be an issue to wash it.
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      09-26-2019, 07:43 AM   #3
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I would recommend coating your fabric roof with a good waterproofing agent such as Gtechniq Smart Fabric v2. You then just hose it down occasionally when you wash the car to remove any dust etc.

Don’t put your car through a car wash, just hand wash it.

Last edited by Jim S; 09-27-2019 at 02:43 PM..
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      09-26-2019, 08:36 AM   #4
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I use the same car wash as with any other car. Cloth no bristles. No wax.
No issues.
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      09-26-2019, 10:59 AM   #5
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Thanks for your replies.
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      09-26-2019, 11:03 AM   #6
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I'm getting my sapphire black ceramic coated this weekend with Gtechniq crystal serum light and Exo v4.
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      09-27-2019, 09:29 AM   #7
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If you have an M40i, I'm pretty sure there are special cleaning instructions for the cerium gray trim, as the coding is different and can be harmed. Believe its in the owner's manual.
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      10-04-2019, 02:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joshuastein55 View Post
If you have an M40i, I'm pretty sure there are special cleaning instructions for the cerium gray trim, as the coating is different and can be harmed. Believe its in the owner's manual.
Fixed it for you...
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      10-04-2019, 08:31 PM   #9
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I've owned a soft-top roadster since 1999, the first one a 2000 Honda S2000, and then in 2012, a 2006 Z4 M Roadster. I had the S2000 for 13 years. After I had it for several years, I got lazy and started taking it through a "touchless" car wash. The top lasted 10 years and I had it replaced in 2009. I sold the S2000 in 2012 when I bought the Z4 M Roadster used, with low mileage, from a guy in the Bay Area who mostly rode his motorcycle.

It's never been through a car wash since I've owned it. I use RaggTopp convertible top products. After 13 years the top is not showing any signs of needing replacement.

I would strongly advise against taking your Z4 through any commercial car wash, regardless of what type of car wash it is. You are far better off hand washing it and keeping soap off the top. While your car is under warranty it would be best to follow whatever recommendations that BMW has in your manual. If your car is not leased and you plan on keeping it after the warranty expires, RaggTopp products are an excellent way of keeping your top looking like new when applied on a regular basis. If you're leasing, then it really doesn't matter, as someone else will inherit your top and swirl marks. At least that sees to be the attitude a lot of leasers have.
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      10-05-2019, 11:45 AM   #10
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Hi, my dealer told me to wash it like any other car, and in Z4 owner manual, there is nothing specific if I remember well.
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      10-06-2019, 01:48 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juju86 View Post
Hi, my dealer told me to wash it like any other car, and in Z4 owner manual, there is nothing specific if I remember well.
This is an emotional topic for some... you will get all kinds of answers.
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      10-09-2019, 09:14 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juju86 View Post
Hi, my dealer told me to wash it like any other car, and in Z4 owner manual, there is nothing specific if I remember well.
That's exactly what my dealer told me. Hand wash is not an option for me🤔
Just beware of the wax: strictly forbidden!
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      10-22-2019, 01:49 PM   #13
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What's the line from Star Wars Episode III when Palpatine tells Vader that Padme is dead? oh yeah - "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Ignore the dealer - instead, call your national BMW head office and ask them for an answer in writing, in case you should need it in the future. Without a written response from BMW, there is no proof that they advised you that commercial car washes are safe. After all, if the canvas top ever becomes damaged, BMW head office will make the call on whether it will be covered by the warranty. A new canvas top for your Z4 is an expensive part by itself, and it is complicated to install and that entire process takes many hours, so the associated labor is also very expensive. Unless you have a few thousand euros / dollars / pounds sterling to burn, you do not want to be told that the top was damaged by the car wash apparatus, and BMW won't cover it.

I've owned an E85 Z4, with a canvas top much like yours, for over ten years and I would never subject it to a commercial car wash under any circumstances whatsoever. Its one of the reasons my car still gets mistaken for brand new, even today.

And the fun part:

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Last edited by Huz-Z; 10-22-2019 at 02:14 PM..
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      10-22-2019, 06:38 PM   #14
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No way would I ever put mine through a car wash. And the only time the top sees soap is when it's time to re-treat the top. I just rinse it off with water.
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      10-23-2019, 11:00 AM   #15
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Yep, another "hand wash only" guy here.....esp. on a 'vert

Dave
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      10-24-2019, 03:44 PM   #16
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It's worth noting that the manual states that you should use "special convertible top cleaning agent" on the roof, and that after every three to five washes you should treat that top with "impregnating agent". Looks like it's available from BMW's online shop.

Not sure if I'm going to use the official BMW stuff on the roof or spring for something a bit more high-tech like Gtechniq's I1 Smart Fabric. Anyone got any thoughts?
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      10-25-2019, 06:54 AM   #17
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I've used Raggtopp sealant on 4 verts over a few years and the last 128i I just sold looked new at 6 years. I garage my car. I never use soap on the top unless it's time to treat and I don't treat till I "think" it needs it. Probably once a year. It works for me.
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      10-25-2019, 08:42 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crh97 View Post
I've used Raggtopp sealant on 4 verts over a few years and the last 128i I just sold looked new at 6 years. I garage my car. I never use soap on the top unless it's time to treat and I don't treat till I "think" it needs it. Probably once a year. It works for me.
Thanks for the tip! I'll have a look at Raggtopp.
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      10-25-2019, 01:48 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrSecretan View Post
It's worth noting that the manual states that you should use "special convertible top cleaning agent" on the roof, and that after every three to five washes you should treat that top with "impregnating agent". Looks like it's available from BMW's online shop.

Not sure if I'm going to use the official BMW stuff on the roof or spring for something a bit more high-tech like Gtechniq's I1 Smart Fabric. Anyone got any thoughts?
I treated my new M40i with Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric v2 in April and only have to rinse the roof with clean water each time I wash the car. The water literally flies off the top. A light rub with a drying towel or chamois is all that is needed to dry off the remaining water.
Highly recommended.
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      10-26-2019, 08:45 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim S View Post
I treated my new M40i with Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric v2 in April and only have to rinse the roof with clean water each time I wash the car. The water literally flies off the top. A light rub with a drying towel or chamois is all that is needed to dry off the remaining water.
Highly recommended.
I was definitely leaning towards the Gtechniq. Thanks for the recommendation! I'll order it today.
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      10-30-2019, 02:45 PM   #21
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Thanks for advice on top sealant - will get some. For those using Mr. Beasleys on frozen I put it on Saturday and it was super fast and easy. I plan on doing it 3-4 times per year it was so easy.

Actually significantly faster than Zaino where I used to do 2 coats 3 times per year. it is absolutely the most incredible shine ever and I highly recommend it. But this Frozen Mr. Beasleys stuff takes like 1/10 the time so from a "waxing" standpoint the frozen I am finding takes much less time for this part of the car care regiment anyway. Sure other parts will be much more work but wanted to share this aspect.
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      11-27-2019, 08:13 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juju86 View Post
Hi,

I have a simple question : it is the first convertible I own, and the dealer told me I can wash it like any other car. So do you wash your Z4 to standard automatic wash with rotating brushes?

Thanks
Don't wash it like you would a rusty 64 Chevy Impala. Wash it by hand, using the two bucket method. Polish out paint swirls put on there by well- meaning detailers at the dealership. If you can't wash it yourself, use a brushless car wash and don't let them pre-wash your wheels or paint with the bristle broom dipped in a bucket of dirty soapy water! Then, protect the paint. I put on a ceramic coating CQuartz UK 3, but do what you like. Vacuum the top and put a protectant on it.

I also recommend treating the inside with the same respect. Enjoy the car!
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