Best cleaner for rims? - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

addict135i · 10-23-2012, 03:06 AM

Hey guys, I need some advice on what cleaner to buy for my wheels, they are Bbs lm reps. I want to make them shiney as possible. Thank you!!!

Gray_Panther · 10-23-2012, 07:57 PM

Sonax Full effect wheel cleaner. Use it on my 1er, used it on my uncle's dirty dirty wheels on a M3.

I used to use mother's but it doesn't hold a match to Sonax

Section147 · 10-23-2012, 10:15 PM

Big fan of Chemical Guys Diablo Gel.

MadMan77 · 10-24-2012, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Section147

Big fan of Chemical Guys Diablo Gel.

Is it possible that you are partial to that cleaner as it happens to be the same nick name as your car?

OT: I use Sonax Full Effect as well here.

Section147 · 10-24-2012, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMan77

Is it possible that you are partial to that cleaner as it happens to be the same nick name as your car?

I was so honored when I found out CG named their product after my baby!

SalemChiro · 10-24-2012, 10:43 AM

+1 Sonax

vanbmw · 10-24-2012, 10:50 AM

I vote for Chemical Guts Diablo wheel cleaner and a EZ-detail brush. This cleaner gets diluted and lasts a long time. Give the wheel a few sprays, scrub with the brush and rinse. I tried Sonax and was disappointed. It is fun to watch it turn the wheels red but it didn't give me good results by spraying and watching it work. I still had to get in there and do some manual srubbing to get good results. You end up using so much of the Sonax it is a pricey option where as the Diablo Gel last a long time. Both products need some manual scrubbing (more required with Diablo) so get the one that is a way better value in the long run.
Also, the EZ-detail brush is a great tool for other areas of the car. Works great for engine detailing.

Section147 · 10-24-2012, 11:58 AM

+1 EZ-Detail brush!

Dackelone · 10-24-2012, 12:21 PM

P21S wheel gel.

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Lots of people also like Sonax wheel cleaner that turns color while its working.

mb135is · 10-24-2012, 01:46 PM

+1 on the sonax suggestion. Love it.

MuNkY6913 · 10-28-2012, 12:47 PM

i like armor all extreme wheel and tire cleaner. it comes in an orange spray bottle. i couldnt find anything to get the yellow stains off my front rims. that stuff worked really well. i dont need to scrub just wipe they dirt away with a sponge. works awesome on my stock wheels. not very expensive either. i use it about every 2-3 washes. try it out. any walmart should have it.

1911A145 · 10-31-2012, 07:50 PM

I actually dont like the sonax. It cost a lot and didnt work really that good at all for me. maybe i dont leave it on long enough, or maybe im not putting enough on. I completley soak the rims in sonax and let sit for 4 minutes and then scrub and water down to clean. I have better results from a cut down APC honestly. I only got 4 wheel cleans out of a bottle of sonax. refuse to buy it again.

socal135 · 11-01-2012, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanbmw

I vote for Chemical Guts Diablo wheel cleaner and a EZ-detail brush. This cleaner gets diluted and lasts a long time. Give the wheel a few sprays, scrub with the brush and rinse. I tried Sonax and was disappointed. It is fun to watch it turn the wheels red but it didn't give me good results by spraying and watching it work. I still had to get in there and do some manual srubbing to get good results. You end up using so much of the Sonax it is a pricey option where as the Diablo Gel last a long time. Both products need some manual scrubbing (more required with Diablo) so get the one that is a way better value in the long run.
Also, the EZ-detail brush is a great tool for other areas of the car. Works great for engine detailing.

Good to hear. The chemical brothers warehouse is about 15 minutes from where I live. I went there earlier today for the first time and stocked up on some supplies.. one of them being Diablo wheel cleaner. I haven't had the chance to try it out yet, but I have heard nothing but great things about the company and products.

ZIPNBYE · 11-01-2012, 06:51 AM

Another vote for Chemical Guys "Diablo"...great stuff.

bmw1racer · 11-01-2012, 08:28 AM

I wash my car every other week, so I just use soap and water... No need for fancy chemicals.

M'er · 11-02-2012, 01:45 AM

whats good to use on cars that have black power coated rims? Thanks

Qunadry · 11-03-2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

I wash my car every other week, so I just use soap and water... No need for fancy chemicals.

I totally agree. Treat the wheels the same way you treat your paint. Except I wash my car at least once a week, more often if needed.

bmw1racer · 11-03-2012, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qunadry

I totally agree. Treat the wheels the same way you treat your paint.

YES.

Quote:

I wash my car at least once a week, more often if needed.

I would too, but being in SoCal, we're trying to conserve water.

Section147 · 11-03-2012, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qunadry

I totally agree. Treat the wheels the same way you treat your paint.

Good in theory, not in practice. Your paint isn't subjected to the constant barrage of brake dust that your wheels are. While I wash my
wheels with regular car wash soap during the weekly wash, there are times when only a dedicated wheel cleaner will do the job right.
And CG Diablo Gel is gentle enough to use whenever you need without worry about "fancy chemicals."

bmw1racer · 11-03-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Section147

Your paint isn't subjected to the constant barrage of brake dust that your wheels are.

But the paint IS subjected to the constant barrage of fallout from air pollution, acid rain, etc., so it's a wash, so to speak.

Gray_Panther · 11-03-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

YES.

I would too, but being in SoCal, we're trying to conserve water.

Optimum No Rinse

I have been using it ever since I got my 1. Definitely look into it!

It only uses two buckets of water. 4 gallons. That's it.

bmw1racer · 11-03-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

Optimum No Rinse

I have been using it ever since I got my 1. Definitely look into it!

It only uses two buckets of water. 4 gallons. That's it.

Cool... I'll check it out... Thanks!

10-23-2012, 03:06 AM	#1
addict135i Lieutenant Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 575 iTrader: (3)	Best cleaner for rims? Hey guys, I need some advice on what cleaner to buy for my wheels, they are Bbs lm reps. I want to make them shiney as possible. Thank you!!!
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10-23-2012, 07:57 PM	#2
Gray_Panther Lieutenant Drives: 128i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 487 iTrader: (0)	Sonax Full effect wheel cleaner. Use it on my 1er, used it on my uncle's dirty dirty wheels on a M3. I used to use mother's but it doesn't hold a match to Sonax __________________ 2012 BMW 128i 6MT Deep Sea Blue Metallic

10-23-2012, 10:15 PM	#3
Section147 Good To Be Alive! Drives: 2012 135i *Convertible* Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: The North Coast Posts: 590 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i E88 [0.00] 2014 Ford Mustang [0.00] 2013 Subaru XV [0.00]	Big fan of Chemical Guys Diablo Gel. __________________ Vermillion Red • Boston Black • Walnut Trim • DCT • M Sport Pkg. • Premium Pkg.• PPK1 • PE 18" 313s • Michelin PPS • LUX 5k • Blackline LCI Tails • CF Diffuser & Mirrors • XPEL Ultimate *"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" - W. Shakespeare*

10-24-2012, 11:58 AM	#8
Section147 Good To Be Alive! Drives: 2012 135i *Convertible* Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: The North Coast Posts: 590 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2012 BMW 135i E88 [0.00] 2014 Ford Mustang [0.00] 2013 Subaru XV [0.00]	+1 EZ-Detail brush! __________________ Vermillion Red • Boston Black • Walnut Trim • DCT • M Sport Pkg. • Premium Pkg.• PPK1 • PE 18" 313s • Michelin PPS • LUX 5k • Blackline LCI Tails • CF Diffuser & Mirrors • XPEL Ultimate *"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers" - W. Shakespeare*

10-24-2012, 12:21 PM	#9
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,051 iTrader: (0)	P21S wheel gel. Lots of people also like Sonax wheel cleaner that turns color while its working. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide 1addicts at Stelv1oPass

10-24-2012, 10:43 AM	#6
SalemChiro Private First Class Drives: 135i vert Join Date: May 2012 Location: MA Posts: 122 iTrader: (0)	+1 Sonax

10-24-2012, 10:50 AM	#7
vanbmw Captain Drives: Black 135 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 683 iTrader: (0)	I vote for Chemical Guts Diablo wheel cleaner and a EZ-detail brush. This cleaner gets diluted and lasts a long time. Give the wheel a few sprays, scrub with the brush and rinse. I tried Sonax and was disappointed. It is fun to watch it turn the wheels red but it didn't give me good results by spraying and watching it work. I still had to get in there and do some manual srubbing to get good results. You end up using so much of the Sonax it is a pricey option where as the Diablo Gel last a long time. Both products need some manual scrubbing (more required with Diablo) so get the one that is a way better value in the long run. Also, the EZ-detail brush is a great tool for other areas of the car. Works great for engine detailing.

10-24-2012, 01:46 PM	#10
mb135is First Lieutenant Drives: '13 135is Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 378 iTrader: (0)	+1 on the sonax suggestion. Love it. __________________ E82 '13 135is - Space Gray/Coral Red, 6 MT, Heated Seats, 50% tint, clear bra, BMW Perf. Grilles

10-28-2012, 12:47 PM	#11
MuNkY6913 Crowing Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: State College, PA Posts: 352 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [3.50]	i like armor all extreme wheel and tire cleaner. it comes in an orange spray bottle. i couldnt find anything to get the yellow stains off my front rims. that stuff worked really well. i dont need to scrub just wipe they dirt away with a sponge. works awesome on my stock wheels. not very expensive either. i use it about every 2-3 washes. try it out. any walmart should have it. __________________ *2009 135i*

10-31-2012, 07:50 PM	#12
1911A145 Lieutenant Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 548 iTrader: (2)	I actually dont like the sonax. It cost a lot and didnt work really that good at all for me. maybe i dont leave it on long enough, or maybe im not putting enough on. I completley soak the rims in sonax and let sit for 4 minutes and then scrub and water down to clean. I have better results from a cut down APC honestly. I only got 4 wheel cleans out of a bottle of sonax. refuse to buy it again.

11-01-2012, 06:51 AM	#14
ZIPNBYE Let's save military ranks for those who earn it! Drives: ...on the Ragged Edge Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada Posts: 639 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i e82 [0.00]	Another vote for Chemical Guys "Diablo"...great stuff. __________________ Regards, Richard 2009 BMW 135i Coupe \| Space Grey / Savanna Beige \| ///M Sport, Premium, Comfort, & Premium Audio Member Northern Alberta BMW Club 2007 Mazda MX-5 PRHT \| Stormy Blue Mica / Saddle Brown \| #1 of 16 Special Order cars President / Founder Wild Rose Miata Club

11-01-2012, 08:28 AM	#15
bmw1racer bimmerphile, technogeek Drives: 2012 128i Coupe 6MT Sport Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: South Bay, SoCal Posts: 1,197 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	I wash my car every other week, so I just use soap and water... No need for fancy chemicals. __________________

11-02-2012, 01:45 AM	#16
M'er New Member Drives: Fast Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: online Posts: 10 iTrader: (0)	whats good to use on cars that have black power coated rims? Thanks

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