Best Product for Cleaning Wheels

mhuynh2018 · 05-14-2018, 02:13 AM

Hello, I got the X3m40i 6 months ago. It has 21" wheels on it.
These wheels got ceramic coating couple months ago. I used car wash soap and
bmw wheel cleaner gel to clean the wheel. Some how these wheels started showing some marks , lines, spots on it . I don't know what I did wrong. Is there the best wheels cleaning product for to clean these marks, spots on the wheels ( polish compound ?) and regular cleaning?. These wheels are 21'' M Double-spoke Cerium Grey wheels. Also its my first bmw and need to learn a lot of how to take care of it.

Thank you very much.

Kief · 05-14-2018, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhuynh2018

Hello, I got the X3m40i 6 months ago. It has 21" wheels on it.
These wheels got ceramic coating couple months ago. I used car wash soap and
bmw wheel cleaner gel to clean the wheel. Some how these wheels started showing some marks , lines, spots on it . I don't know what I did wrong. Is there the best wheels cleaning product for to clean these marks, spots on the wheels ( polish compound ?) and regular cleaning?. These wheels are 21'' M Double-spoke Cerium Grey wheels. Also its my first bmw and need to learn a lot of how to take care of it.

Thank you very much.

I've noticed these 718M wheels are a PITA to clean! Something about the cerium grey finish that makes cleaning them a hassle. I don't use any special wheel cleaner, but I do wash my cars weekly. I was going to search over in the 5er forum and see what M550i owners have been doing to keep their cerium grey finish wheels clean. It's almost like special treatment is needed for frozen paint finishes???

ParadigmDawg · 05-14-2018, 09:07 AM

They are hard to clean. Let me know if anyone finds something that works well.

MostlyHarmless · 05-14-2018, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhuynh2018

Hello, I got the X3m40i 6 months ago. It has 21" wheels on it.
These wheels got ceramic coating couple months ago. I used car wash soap and
bmw wheel cleaner gel to clean the wheel. Some how these wheels started showing some marks , lines, spots on it . I don't know what I did wrong. Is there the best wheels cleaning product for to clean these marks, spots on the wheels ( polish compound ?) and regular cleaning?. These wheels are 21'' M Double-spoke Cerium Grey wheels. Also its my first bmw and need to learn a lot of how to take care of it.

Thank you very much.

I use 3D BDX Brake Dust Remover to clean the wheels. Rinse wheels with a hose first, spray on the brake dust remover and let sit for a minute or two. Brush with a good wheel brush; I use the EZ Detail large size for inside the spokes and barrel of the wheel and the Chemical Guys brush for the outer surface of the wheels. Rinse with cool water immediately. Afterwards, mist with a little detail spray and wipe off with a good microfiber to remove any spots/streaks.

focker · 05-14-2018, 11:03 AM

I use Sonax Wheel Cleaner Full Effect and it works well. It does not contain acid.
It saves a lot of money to buy the one gallon size BTW
http://a.co/8q394WW

Ragnarkov · 05-14-2018, 12:07 PM

In Canada here, I've been using Simoniz heavy duty rim cleaner on my wife's MB AMG rims, with great success.

However, now I've read up it's a natural acid based formula, so I'm starting to wonder if it might not be better using a little elbow grease, a good brush, and a non-acidic formula...

Anyone else from Canada able to chime in about if it's safe for this to be used (I've read acid based formulas are safe for most rims)? last thing I wanna do is end up ruining mine (and wifes) expensive rims...

Rbrown · 05-14-2018, 12:18 PM

Built Hamber wheel cleaner. It’s amazing...just look at the reviews. Not sure what is available across the globe...

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/b...uto-wheel.aspx

Also use wheel woolies...
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/a...l-brushes.aspx

Tony · 05-14-2018, 01:08 PM

The matte paint has a rough surface that likes to trap dirt. Try a different product. I had issues keeping them clean, brake dust would just smear. It was the wheel cleaner I was using. Switched to a different wheel cleaner and all is good.

sinbad4 · 05-14-2018, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focker

I use Sonax Wheel Cleaner Full Effect and it works well. It does not contain acid.
It saves a lot of money to buy the one gallon size BTW
http://a.co/8q394WW

+1 Sonax is by far, the best wheel cleaner I've ever used. I had a build up on my Mazda 20" wheels that accumulated for a few years. Tried numerous solutions. Sonax melted stuff off - well, not 'melted', but dissolved.

See my Amazon review w/ photos

REVIEW HERE

Keweenawbee · 05-14-2018, 06:56 PM

May be old school by now, and still expensive, but S100. Been using it since early 90’s.

EsquireKnight · 05-14-2018, 10:56 PM

Good timing on this post. I washed the beast yesterday, and had good results with the Sonax (230241) Wheel Cleaner Plus. It's formulated to be 30% stronger than the other Sonax wheel cleaner, and still non-acidic so completely safe. Works great!

I used a good amount of the 16oz bottle though, based on its weight, likely more than half of it was used. For me it wasn't completely a touch-less cleaner, I still provided elbow grease with the wheel brush to get the brake dust and grime completely off.

Sea-Tac · 05-15-2018, 12:07 PM

As others...Sonax. You can't beat it. But sometimes just plain car wash and a terry mitt work great too.

JaydblU · 10-13-2018, 01:00 PM

Has anyone used the blue Adams wheel cleaner on their cerium grey 21" wheels? I still have a few bottles which I am tempted to use before I order some Sonax. Thanks

JayPichardo · 10-14-2018, 06:14 PM

I use the BMW wheel cleaner. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPTMGQ2...5&ref=aa_scomp

rolltidef32 · 10-14-2018, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaydblU

Has anyone used the blue Adams wheel cleaner on their cerium grey 21" wheels? I still have a few bottles which I am tempted to use before I order some Sonax. Thanks

The Adam's is good, but nothing special. What Adam's is great at is Quick Detailer and their shampoo.

For wheel cleaner P21S Gel is the best I've ever seen. Nothing is touchless with the amount of brake dust BMW M Sports put down, but it gets off most even when caked on. Great for cleaning your tires, then just use a brush to finish those.

I use a Speedmaster brush for the wheels, then wipe with a microfiber cloth; cheap ones from Target.

See63ess · 10-15-2018, 09:34 AM

Adams is great. I don't have the 21 inch wheels though. Use adams with a microfiber madness flat Incredibrush and Wool finger mitt from Obsessed Garage.

Lux700 · 11-06-2018, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rbrown

Built Hamber wheel cleaner. It’s amazing...just look at the reviews. Not sure what is available across the globe...

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/b...uto-wheel.aspx

Also use wheel woolies...
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/a...l-brushes.aspx

Ordered this today - you are right, it does get brilliant reviews. Also ordered some G4 and G3 glass cleaner and glass sealer whilst I was at it,

Neo1130 · 11-06-2018, 05:47 PM

Griot's HD wheel cleaner... It's the clear stuff. Works great and easier to get/cheaper than Sonax.

kevinkay · 11-08-2018, 05:40 PM

I have 19" V spokes wheels
this is what I use to get behind the spokes and clean the inner rim - turn sideways to get in (won'r fit where the caliper is).
$3.00 "dust brush" at Home Depot

05-14-2018, 02:13 AM	#1
mhuynh2018 New Member 8 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2018 x3 m40i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: CALIFORNIA iTrader: (0)	Best Product for Cleaning Wheels Hello, I got the X3m40i 6 months ago. It has 21" wheels on it. These wheels got ceramic coating couple months ago. I used car wash soap and bmw wheel cleaner gel to clean the wheel. Some how these wheels started showing some marks , lines, spots on it . I don't know what I did wrong. Is there the best wheels cleaning product for to clean these marks, spots on the wheels ( polish compound ?) and regular cleaning?. These wheels are 21'' M Double-spoke Cerium Grey wheels. Also its my first bmw and need to learn a lot of how to take care of it. Thank you very much. Last edited by mhuynh2018; 07-01-2018 at 01:35 AM.. Reason: Upload images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-14-2018, 09:07 AM	#3
ParadigmDawg Captain 610 Rep 893 Posts Drives: 2019 AMG GLC63s Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Fort Worth, Texas iTrader: (0)	They are hard to clean. Let me know if anyone finds something that works well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2018, 11:03 AM	#5
focker Second Lieutenant 155 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Sacramento, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 VW GTI Autobahn [0.00] 2011 Audi A4 Avant [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	I use Sonax Wheel Cleaner Full Effect and it works well. It does not contain acid. It saves a lot of money to buy the one gallon size BTW http://a.co/8q394WW
	Appreciate 1 deladude266.00 Quote

05-14-2018, 12:07 PM	#6
Ragnarkov First Lieutenant 127 Rep 304 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 i30xdrive Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Maple Ridge, BC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 [0.00]	In Canada here, I've been using Simoniz heavy duty rim cleaner on my wife's MB AMG rims, with great success. However, now I've read up it's a natural acid based formula, so I'm starting to wonder if it might not be better using a little elbow grease, a good brush, and a non-acidic formula... Anyone else from Canada able to chime in about if it's safe for this to be used (I've read acid based formulas are safe for most rims)? last thing I wanna do is end up ruining mine (and wifes) expensive rims...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2018, 12:18 PM	#7
Rbrown Brigadier General 2766 Rep 4,577 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	Built Hamber wheel cleaner. It’s amazing...just look at the reviews. Not sure what is available across the globe... http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/b...uto-wheel.aspx Also use wheel woolies... http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/a...l-brushes.aspx
	Appreciate 1 Lux700551.00 Quote

05-14-2018, 01:08 PM	#8
Tony Second Lieutenant 49 Rep 286 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rockland County iTrader: (0)	The matte paint has a rough surface that likes to trap dirt. Try a different product. I had issues keeping them clean, brake dust would just smear. It was the wheel cleaner I was using. Switched to a different wheel cleaner and all is good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2018, 06:56 PM	#10
Keweenawbee Captain 296 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 18 X3 30i-m-exec Rides: RT1100 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: MN & MI, USA iTrader: (0)	May be old school by now, and still expensive, but S100. Been using it since early 90’s. __________________ 2018 X3 30i SapphireBlack/ZMP/ZPX/ZDB
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2018, 10:56 PM	#11
EsquireKnight Enlisted Member 21 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Sonax (230241) Wheel Cleaner Plus Good timing on this post. I washed the beast yesterday, and had good results with the Sonax (230241) Wheel Cleaner Plus. It's formulated to be 30% stronger than the other Sonax wheel cleaner, and still non-acidic so completely safe. Works great! I used a good amount of the 16oz bottle though, based on its weight, likely more than half of it was used. For me it wasn't completely a touch-less cleaner, I still provided elbow grease with the wheel brush to get the brake dust and grime completely off. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2018, 12:07 PM	#12
Sea-Tac Major 1455 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: 2108 X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2016 328i xDrive [0.00]	As others...Sonax. You can't beat it. But sometimes just plain car wash and a terry mitt work great too.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-13-2018, 01:00 PM	#13
JaydblU New Member 12 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Frederick, MD iTrader: (0)	Has anyone used the blue Adams wheel cleaner on their cerium grey 21" wheels? I still have a few bottles which I am tempted to use before I order some Sonax. Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-14-2018, 06:14 PM	#14
JayPichardo BMW Client Advisor 3458 Rep 2,504 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Tulley BMW Nashua, NH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]	I use the BMW wheel cleaner. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPTMGQ2...5&ref=aa_scomp __________________ Contact me for all your BMW needs in the New England area. jpichardo@tulley.com Top M Client Advisor in New England.
	Appreciate 1 JaydblU12.00 Quote

10-15-2018, 09:34 AM	#16
See63ess Private 121 Rep 95 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: OC iTrader: (0)	Adams is great. I don't have the 21 inch wheels though. Use adams with a microfiber madness flat Incredibrush and Wool finger mitt from Obsessed Garage.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-06-2018, 05:47 PM	#18
Neo1130 Second Lieutenant 80 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 2019 X4 M40i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Rochester, WA iTrader: (0)	Griot's HD wheel cleaner... It's the clear stuff. Works great and easier to get/cheaper than Sonax.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2018, 05:40 PM	#19
kevinkay Lieutenant 272 Rep 496 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Boston, MA USA iTrader: (0)	I have 19" V spokes wheels this is what I use to get behind the spokes and clean the inner rim - turn sideways to get in (won'r fit where the caliper is). $3.00 "dust brush" at Home Depot Attached Images
	Appreciate 1 Lux700551.00 Quote