Great Find

TopDown · 07-27-2007, 10:18 AM

Bought a 500ml bottle BMW Wheel Cleaner Gel at the local dealer because price looked reasonable - $6.95. Have used it several times on both Bimmers with results that are as good as P21S wheel cleaner - but at nearly half the price. Quick and easy - spray on cold rims (preferably in the shade), and then hose off. Done.

montreal_bimmer · 07-27-2007, 10:25 AM

DO NOT use this on aftermarket wheels... this stuff is like acid..... eats away at the finish of the wheels.... i wouldnt even use this stuff on OEM wheels..

user beware...

bronco · 07-27-2007, 11:03 AM

WOW thanks!!! I almost believed that miracles exists

Gary@TireRack · 07-27-2007, 12:42 PM

A good rule of thumb : If you wouldn't feel comfortable spraying a wheel cleaner on the hood of your car, don't use it on your wheels!

swestland · 07-27-2007, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

A good rule of thumb : If you wouldn't feel comfortable spraying a wheel cleaner on the hood of your car, don't use it on your wheels!

So, What do you recommend?

KL2DC · 07-27-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swestland

So, What do you recommend?

+1 curious...

I've used the gel on 156s regularly and the finish is fine. I'm worried to use it on my CHs now

oldaccount · 07-27-2007, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swestland

So, What do you recommend?

either car wash shampoo (i use a foam gun to hose down all the wheels and tires before washing the body:
http://www.autogeek.net/auqufofogun.html

or a real gentle wheel cleaner such as these:
http://classic-motoring.stores.yahoo...el75tiwhc.html
http://www.autogeek.net/four-star-wheel-cleaner.html

i use a brush similar to this for cleaning the inside barrel of the wheel and behind the spokes:
http://www.autogeek.net/ezdebrfca.html
and a wheel Schmitt for the face of the wheel, and i use the backside of the schmitt to scrub the tires:
http://www.autogeek.net/shmitt.html

also two coats of wheel sealant, and regular cleaning (1-2x per week) will make removing brake dust a breeze:
http://www.autogeek.net/pbws.html

sflgator · 07-27-2007, 10:11 PM

"Wheel Wax" works well.

I have it applied every time I get my car waxed.

SGP335i · 07-28-2007, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montreal_bimmer

DO NOT use this on aftermarket wheels... this stuff is like acid..... eats away at the finish of the wheels.... i wouldnt even use this stuff on OEM wheels..

user beware...

Actually it is Acid...

Gary@TireRack · 07-30-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swestland

So, What do you recommend?

Me personally? Car wash soap and water. I do use wheel wax as well.

montreal_bimmer · 07-30-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

Me personally? Car was soap and water. I do use wheel wax as well.

+1, same here.... and a little Mothers wheel polish on the lips...

Joker · 07-30-2007, 11:28 PM

Well I've used the BMW Wheel cleaner gel for years and the OEM rims look as good as new. Of course, aftermarket rims are hardly the same quality as the OEM rims, so I would not use any strong stuff on them. Oh and I use the OEM rims during the winter when the roads are full of salt. The BMW Gel removes the road salt with ease and does not damage the rim.

oldaccount · 07-31-2007, 10:30 AM

[QUOTE]=Joker;1233749]Of course, aftermarket rims are hardly the same quality as the OEM rims, so I would not use any strong stuff on them. QUOTE]

how is the surface of OEM wheels any different from that of aftermarket wheels? its not.

there are different types of wheel surfaces (chrome, polished aluminum, powdercoated, painted, etc) but the surafce of an OEM wheel isnt any more resistant to damage from harsh cleaners than a quality aftermarket wheel.

And to say that aftermarket wheels arent as "quality" as OEM wheels is retarded. Id take a 20 pound forged NEEZ wheel over a 30 pound cast OEM wheel any day of the week.

Joker · 08-01-2007, 01:38 AM

If thats so, then why can't you use the "strong" cleaning stuff with aftermarket rims? OEM rims don't seem to mind... Plus I had aftermarket rims (Alessio) on my last car, and the winter salt broke thru the surface of the rim. I think the laquer didn't last or something. So OEM rims for me ty. Of course if you don't have to drive in the winter, I doubt there is any trouble using any kind of rims...

Gary@TireRack · 08-01-2007, 07:53 AM

A quality aftermarket wheel will actually have a better finish than OEM wheels. Don't toss out the entire aftermarket wheel industry because of one wheel (a brand I've never heard of) with questionable quality. Also, keep in mind that BMW does not build its own wheels...

oldaccount · 08-01-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joker

If thats so, then why can't you use the "strong" cleaning stuff with aftermarket rims? OEM rims don't seem to mind... Plus I had aftermarket rims (Alessio) on my last car, and the winter salt broke thru the surface of the rim. I think the laquer didn't last or something. So OEM rims for me ty. Of course if you don't have to drive in the winter, I doubt there is any trouble using any kind of rims...

i said quality aftermarket wheels, not $200 aftermarket wheels.

theres nothing magical about OEM wheel finishes, there are just some finishes that you cant use harsh cleaners on, whether its an OEM finish or aftermarket finish.

also, some aftermarket wheel companies make wheels for the OEM market as well. BBS for example makes some BMW wheels. Does that mean that those wheels like explode if you use strong cleaning stuff on them, but the ones made by BMW wont?

Joker · 08-02-2007, 06:49 AM

Well, BBS is a TOP German brand. Alessio is an Italian brand, that sells as much here in Europe as BBS. But, obviously, you Americans have many of your own brands that us Europeans have never heard of...
Alltogether, I would not trust most of the aftermarket manufacturers quality, unless the rims are tested by TUV or some other quality supervisors. The German car magazine Auto Bild did a test on aftermarket wheels with TUV, and found serious quality and safety problems with many brands. That is why I think that hardly any aftermarket rim has good quality (or equal to OEM quality). Only the top brands that are ofter far more expensive than OEM rims, are of good quality.
Oh and the basic OEM BMW rims are manufactured by a German brand called Ronal. The M rims are made by BBS. Both brands are TUV tested quality. In other words, OEM quality.

Here's a link to Ronal. Incase you have never heard of it...

http://www.ronal.de/
(Ronal manufactures OEM rims for BMW, VW, M-B, Porsche, Opel, Ford, etc.)

I don't know if you have tighter quality control in the U.S. than in Europe, but here it seems that there are many manufacturers that sell all kinds of stuff they call rims. Other like TUV, call them safety hazards. I know that the EU (European union) it making a new tighter legislation, that would make quality checks mandatory in comsumer products, such as car components. But when will it happen, God only knows.

TopDown · 08-05-2007, 02:49 PM

So I've now been using the BMW Wheel Cleaner Gel (part no. 83 12 0 405 177) once a week for two months now. No visible signs of damage to rims on either car - yet. Hope I don't wake up one of these days to find the rims ruined.

From the inside label:
"The product is acid-free for a bright shine." and,
"Note: In the case of considerably aged or new paint, check the compatibility first. Do not use the product on unpainted, light alloy wheels or hot surfaces."

Based on the warnings in this thread, I've started researching the ingredients, which are listed on the outside label by name and by CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) number. Curioiusly, the first ingredient is 'polyaspartic acid sodium salt'.

ejazbmw · 08-05-2007, 03:21 PM

whats wrong with the old fashion towel and water method? lol j/k I use mothers polish but sometimes a towel and water is the best/easiest way to go.

UCANDO1T · 08-05-2007, 08:32 PM

I'm currently using Poorboys Wheel Cleaner. Have had great results...simple spray on and hose off.

07-27-2007, 10:18 AM	#1
TopDown Captain 104 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2017 G30 540i M Sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 BMW Z3 Roadster [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00] 2012 BMW 335i Sedan [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2017 BMW 540i [0.00] 2015 BMW 428 Gran C ... [0.00]	Great Find - BMW Wheel Cleaner Gel Bought a 500ml bottle BMW Wheel Cleaner Gel at the local dealer because price looked reasonable - $6.95. Have used it several times on both Bimmers with results that are as good as P21S wheel cleaner - but at nearly half the price. Quick and easy - spray on cold rims (preferably in the shade), and then hose off. Done. __________________ Mine G30 540i M Sport Hers F36 440i Gran Coupe
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07-27-2007, 10:25 AM	#2
montreal_bimmer OEMconcept 203 Rep 5,593 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Canada \| USA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2006 325i [10.00]	DO NOT use this on aftermarket wheels... this stuff is like acid..... eats away at the finish of the wheels.... i wouldnt even use this stuff on OEM wheels.. user beware...
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07-27-2007, 11:03 AM	#3
bronco Colonel 85 Rep 2,104 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	WOW thanks!!! I almost believed that miracles exists __________________ SaaS - The world of tomorrow is already here...www.saaschronicles.com
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07-27-2007, 12:42 PM	#4
Gary@TireRack Moderator 385 Rep 4,741 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	A good rule of thumb : If you wouldn't feel comfortable spraying a wheel cleaner on the hood of your car, don't use it on your wheels! __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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07-27-2007, 10:11 PM	#8
sflgator Major General 188 Rep 5,389 Posts Drives: '09 MB C63 AMG & '08 MB GL450 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: U.S. iTrader: (1)	"Wheel Wax" works well. I have it applied every time I get my car waxed. __________________ \|2009 RENNtech MB C63 AMG \| Black/Black Leather/Black Maple \| Premium II \| MultiMedia \| iPod \| \| TeleAid \| Charcoal Filter Delete \| BMC High-Flow Air Filters \| High-Flow Secondary Cats \| Clear Side Markers \|
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07-30-2007, 11:28 PM	#12
Joker Private First Class 8 Rep 143 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320i [0.00]	Well I've used the BMW Wheel cleaner gel for years and the OEM rims look as good as new. Of course, aftermarket rims are hardly the same quality as the OEM rims, so I would not use any strong stuff on them. Oh and I use the OEM rims during the winter when the roads are full of salt. The BMW Gel removes the road salt with ease and does not damage the rim. __________________
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07-31-2007, 10:30 AM	#13
oldaccount Colonel 183 Rep 2,455 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	[QUOTE]=Joker;1233749]Of course, aftermarket rims are hardly the same quality as the OEM rims, so I would not use any strong stuff on them. QUOTE] how is the surface of OEM wheels any different from that of aftermarket wheels? its not. there are different types of wheel surfaces (chrome, polished aluminum, powdercoated, painted, etc) but the surafce of an OEM wheel isnt any more resistant to damage from harsh cleaners than a quality aftermarket wheel. And to say that aftermarket wheels arent as "quality" as OEM wheels is retarded. Id take a 20 pound forged NEEZ wheel over a 30 pound cast OEM wheel any day of the week.
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08-01-2007, 01:38 AM	#14
Joker Private First Class 8 Rep 143 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320i [0.00]	If thats so, then why can't you use the "strong" cleaning stuff with aftermarket rims? OEM rims don't seem to mind... Plus I had aftermarket rims (Alessio) on my last car, and the winter salt broke thru the surface of the rim. I think the laquer didn't last or something. So OEM rims for me ty. Of course if you don't have to drive in the winter, I doubt there is any trouble using any kind of rims... __________________
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08-01-2007, 07:53 AM	#15
Gary@TireRack Moderator 385 Rep 4,741 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	A quality aftermarket wheel will actually have a better finish than OEM wheels. Don't toss out the entire aftermarket wheel industry because of one wheel (a brand I've never heard of) with questionable quality. Also, keep in mind that BMW does not build its own wheels... __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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08-02-2007, 06:49 AM	#17
Joker Private First Class 8 Rep 143 Posts Drives: BMW 320i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320i [0.00]	Well, BBS is a TOP German brand. Alessio is an Italian brand, that sells as much here in Europe as BBS. But, obviously, you Americans have many of your own brands that us Europeans have never heard of... Alltogether, I would not trust most of the aftermarket manufacturers quality, unless the rims are tested by TUV or some other quality supervisors. The German car magazine Auto Bild did a test on aftermarket wheels with TUV, and found serious quality and safety problems with many brands. That is why I think that hardly any aftermarket rim has good quality (or equal to OEM quality). Only the top brands that are ofter far more expensive than OEM rims, are of good quality. Oh and the basic OEM BMW rims are manufactured by a German brand called Ronal. The M rims are made by BBS. Both brands are TUV tested quality. In other words, OEM quality. Here's a link to Ronal. Incase you have never heard of it... http://www.ronal.de/ (Ronal manufactures OEM rims for BMW, VW, M-B, Porsche, Opel, Ford, etc.) I don't know if you have tighter quality control in the U.S. than in Europe, but here it seems that there are many manufacturers that sell all kinds of stuff they call rims. Other like TUV, call them safety hazards. I know that the EU (European union) it making a new tighter legislation, that would make quality checks mandatory in comsumer products, such as car components. But when will it happen, God only knows. __________________ Last edited by Joker; 08-02-2007 at 09:05 AM..
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08-05-2007, 02:49 PM	#18
TopDown Captain 104 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2017 G30 540i M Sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 BMW Z3 Roadster [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00] 2012 BMW 335i Sedan [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2017 BMW 540i [0.00] 2015 BMW 428 Gran C ... [0.00]	So I've now been using the BMW Wheel Cleaner Gel (part no. 83 12 0 405 177) once a week for two months now. No visible signs of damage to rims on either car - yet. Hope I don't wake up one of these days to find the rims ruined. From the inside label: "The product is acid-free for a bright shine." and, "Note: In the case of considerably aged or new paint, check the compatibility first. Do not use the product on unpainted, light alloy wheels or hot surfaces." Based on the warnings in this thread, I've started researching the ingredients, which are listed on the outside label by name and by CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) number. Curioiusly, the first ingredient is 'polyaspartic acid sodium salt'. __________________ Mine G30 540i M Sport Hers F36 440i Gran Coupe
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08-05-2007, 03:21 PM	#19
ejazbmw blahhh 351 Rep 6,355 Posts Drives: 2014 M235I Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (7)	whats wrong with the old fashion towel and water method? lol j/k I use mothers polish but sometimes a towel and water is the best/easiest way to go.
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08-05-2007, 08:32 PM	#20
UCANDO1T Enlisted Member 4 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I'm currently using Poorboys Wheel Cleaner. Have had great results...simple spray on and hose off.
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