Car Care & Detailing / Inside & Out Latest Topics

Wheel cleaning

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:11:18 +0000

Hi we have a new 220 M sport with 18“ M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 975 M Bicolour. Can anyone suggest the best option for cleaning the wheels, as already seeing a build up of dirt, looks like brake dust after only 2K miles. Wheels have been cleaned a couple of times with a general Wheel cleaner but i dont want them to get to the point that i cant remove the dirt/ brake dust.

any help or guidance would be much appreciated

Cleaning Soft Top

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 21:20:02 +0000

Hello.

I've tried cleaning my soft top with the auto glym kit on the market but...

It hasn't really done much, even with a more abrasive brush on stubborn marks.

Are there any products that work a bit better but still without causing damage?

Thanks in advance

David

Ceramic coating has it been done ?

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 14:17:50 +0000

I recently bought a 1 series 135i coupe. As part of the deal i paid for a ceramic coating and machine polish. It was raining when i collected the car so it looked nice and shiny. Two days later in the sunshine i could see light scratches and swirls. I thought the machine polish would get rid of these. I got in touch with the seller and explained the issue. His answer was if i wanted a perfect finish it would cost approx £1200 pounds. He had done a half price deal of £350 for a 5 year ceramic coating. I am thinking was it even done ? How can i tell ? The car does shine but there are plenty of swirls.

BMW ICOM NEXT Software Update to V2022.06

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 02:46:25 +0000

BMW ICOM NEXT Software is updated to V2022.06 (win10 x64) now!

Compatible Devices
VXDIAG BMW, Godiag V600, BMW ICOM Next…

V2022.06 Software Update Info
ISTA: 4.35.20
SDP programming database: 4.35.20, support muilti-language, VIN data 2022.4.28
ISTA-P: 3.70.0.200 Support BMW motorcycle and electric car programming
ETK: 2019.12
KSD: 2019.11
INPA 5.06
winkfp 5.2.3
NCS 3.5.1
BMWAi: 4.6
E-SYS V3.30, database V69.0, with E-SYS Chinese version
Database V69.0
Dr. GINI B021
FSC navigation arithmetic software and IBAC code

Support Languages
ISTA-D Language: Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Sweden, Thai, Turkish

ISTA-P Language: English, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish

System Requirements
Dual-core Processor at least
CPU I3 or above
Memory 4G at least

Recommended PC
Lenovo ThinkPad: T61, T400, T410, T420, T430, X61, X200, X201, X220 X230 and other laptop with Intel chipset, such as I3 I5 / I7 series.

BMW ICOM Software Includes:

Software	Function
ISPI-NEXT Admin Tools	ISPI-NEXT authorization software
ISPI Admin Client	ISPI-NEXT authorization management and environment Configuration software
ISTA-D(Rheingold)	Diagnostic and repair guide, including Diagrams and disassembly Figure
ISTA-P(ISSS-NEXT)	Programming and coding software system
HDD-Update	Navigation software upgrade back-office services (function with ISTA-P, need to Import map files)
KSD	Work software
ETK	Accessories Catalog
E-SYS	Engineer Software for F series (available for programming and coding)
WINKFP	Engineer Software for E series, for programming
NCS-Expert tool	Engineer Software for E series, for coding
INPA	Engineer Software for E series, for diagnosis
Tool32	Engineer Software for E series, able to run directly
BMW Coding Tool	Auxiliary Software of Engineer Software for E series (Available to import model data to WINKFP and NSC)
NcsDummy	Auxiliary Software of Engineer Software for E series (Available to modify NCS data)
IToolRadar	Used to recognize ICOM, activate or release ICOM Port
EasyConnect	Used to Configure the Environment Parameter of Engineer Software for E series, can activate or release ICOM Port

Software Display:

BMW ICOM NEXT A+B+C with 2022.03V Software Plus EVG7 4GB Diagnostic Controller Tablet PC

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:44:48 +0000

The problem from our customs: I am having problems setting up having problem communicate with ICOM it’s not connecting so I need to get help from you

Solution way: upgrade the firmware, please refer to the steps below.

Step 1：

Step 2：

Step 3：

Step 4:
Enter the BMW ICOM address of the first step,
Such as: http://169.254.92.38:60080
Must remember to add to the port (:60080)

Step 5:
A login window will pop up after connecting to ICOM
Username: root
Password: NZY1150263 (Note: case sensitivity）

Step 6：
Enter the ICOM internal setting interface, select the “Update Fireware” function to start the firmware upgrade

Step 7:
Original firmware version
Enter the firmware upgrade function menu, click “Browse” to find the upgrade firmware file

Step 8:

Step 9:
First select the file of ICOM-BootImage and open it

After selecting the firmware file, click “send the file”. At this time, because the file will be transferred from the computer to ICOM, the browser will freeze and wait for the next interface.

Step 10:
Click yes, and start to upgrade ICOM-BootImage, the upgrading the browser also will stuck, don’t move, wait for the next interface to appear

Step 11:

Wait until the interface comes out
Click “Update Fireware” to return to the firmware upgrade interface

Step 12:
Click to browse again

Step 13:
Choose ”ICOM-ApplicationImage” file and open it

Step 14:

Click “APPLICATION”
Then click “Send the file”, and it will be stuck, but the next interface will appear after a moment

Step 15:
Click”YES” and start to update”ICOM-ApplicationImage”

Step 16:
Click”reboot” and reboot
When this interface appears, the upgrade is complete.

Step 17:
ICOM restarting, close the browser

back to black ?

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 09:40:15 +0000

hi all, wondering if anyone has any tips on getting the exterior black plastic trim back to proper black that lasts

I've found that most products don't keep it black for long( fades to grey after a week or to)😉

thanks

Paint protection - Ceramic ?? again!

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:28:10 +0000

Hi Guys. I'm spending the kids inheritance on new full blown M car next month and wanted to ceramic coat or otherwise to protect the paint. Problem is, despite Gtechniq claims of 'five' or 'nine' years protection, CSL with EXO on an existing small M car from new appeared to wear off and need redoing in less than a year. The implied warranty is totally subjective and virtually useless (£1500 paid in less than a year). So not terribly confident about any product. Waxing was 'wot I done' in the old days but its a lot of grief. The new M car will be used regularly and not stuck in the garage for Sunday outings. Titan coatings has been mentioned but this outfit keeps everything very close and impossible to find out about. Other brands make claims which appear not to be supported by evidence and guarantees are .......??? Most petrolheads who have their car Gtechniq'd rant about it when first done. They are less complimentary after 18 months. Any thoughts or suggestions? I don't really want to plastic film the car.

Air Pipe

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:37:48 +0000

Can you please let me know where the two pipes coming from the air mass filter goes? Its a 2 ft long hard plastic one! Cheers

Replacing Front Bumper Fog Light Grill

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:18:37 +0000

Need to replace one of the front bumper fog light surrounds on my 2018 BMW 1 Series Sport model. Looks like a stone has punched a hole through it. Any ideas in terms of removing the old one [gloss black] and refitting the new?

Thanks

Bromley

Best Polish to use on your paintwork?

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 13:45:49 +0000

As we are in lockdown and trying to find things to occupy our time, polishing the car seems quite popular with the majority of us.

So, what do you think is the best Polish to use on your paintwork?

What is this clip for?

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:54:26 +0000

Hi All,

I'm new to this BMW site and am trying to identify a part.

My car is a 2003 model 530i "Individual"

The part that I am having difficulty identifying is a broken clip, picture attached, that fell to the floor when I was removing my broken left, front, lower, inner wheel arch.

Even the Parts Advisor at the local BMW dealers is unable to identify it.

If anybody can tell me where the replacement for this clip fits I would be most grateful. A picture, if possible, would help.

Thanks in advance.

Tony Norton

Correct Engine Oil

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:43:14 +0000

Hi there,

I have a BMW 316i, with 106,000 on the clock.

I need to top up the engine oil, although it only had oil put in during its last service in February, it appears to have run out - long running problem.

What is the best oil to use?

I do think I have a leak of some sort because it seems to run out of oil, but I cant see any on the floor once the cars moved- if anyone has any suggestions they'd be gratefully recieved!

Many thanks

Jennifer

Gyeon Can Coat Glaze

Sun, 06 Jan 2019 22:08:18 +0000

Evening, just joined the forum, posted in new members section but thought I’d just post in here too.

I’m a little anal when it comes to cleaning my cars, always used a mix of Zymol, Dodo and Poorboys however have now started using Gyeon!

The Can Coat does seem to hold up to what the company states. Puts a quartz glaze over the car, fully protecting it and giving it a deep, glossy shine!

Thought i’d share a couple off snaps following the wash... snow foam, bathe and finally the glaze...

Leather Cleaner

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:22:52 +0000

Do any of you guys know of a good leather cleaner that actualy works I have tried loads some smell nice and some leave seats baby face soft but none I used really clean cream leather

ALLOY WHEELS REFURB - RESPRAY ADVICE

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:58:30 +0000

I have some 17 inch alloys i need to refurb and put on my 1.8 2004 Compact.

Does anyone have any reccomendations regarding what filler, primer and spray would be a good brand to use.

Ive got some 800 and 80 wet-and-dry paper to rub them down with, and also a small detail sander and a little dremmel tool thing if i need it.

Any other tips or hints welcome.

A Guide To Detailing

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:26:42 +0000

Good afternoon.

Here will be a short guide for to clean your car to the highest standard.

I have been cleaning cars to a high standard for 3 years.

I will post links with Halfords as easiest place to buy from

This will not include wheels or inside

What you will need:

2 Buckets

Access to fresh water (hose preferably)

Step One.

Rinse your car using a hose, on a medium pressure setting, no need to jet wash, this is to remove bird crap, leaves and other 'big' imperfections.

Step Two.

Fill one bucket with clean water (fresh), fill one bucket with warm water and a cap of shampoo. Add this last, and mix with hand, otherwise will foam up too much.

Step three.

Wet the mitt in the shampoo bucket, and using a circling motion start to clean the car. When residue is getting minimal, rinse the mitt in fresh water. Shake the mitt around, and rinse it. Then put mitt back into the shampoo bucket. Complete car using this method.

Step Four.

Rinse off using hose

Step Five.

Open the clay bar pack, soak in warm water and tear off a small piece about an inch wide and 5mm thick. Use the 'Rapid detailer' it's a spray and will create a mist. spray onto panel and use the clay bar in a small circular motion, if the bar is getting stuck, use more spray. once it runs smooth, move to the next area. Concentrate on a 5cm at a time, try to make this how big the circles are.

If you look at the clay bar, it will be brown/black, flip around and continuously check.

Clay bars will remove ground in dirt and tar splatters

If you drop it, best to get a new piece.

Step Six.

Wash car. Yep. Using the two bucket set up, wash again, this will remove all residue left by the clay bar.

Step Seven.

Rinse using hose

Step Eight.

Dry using 3 microfibers

Try to dab rather then drag

Step Nine.

Polish. Apply a small amount into a folded microfiber cloth, fold onto itself to create a bigger surface area. Pressing quite hard make small circles. Do this all the way round the car. When you get back to where you started it will have gone quite flakey/ crusty.

Using a new microfiber cloth small circles to remove polish.

Step Ten

Waxing time. Using the application pad, make swirls, you do not need to press hard, just make sure the car is covered. It will haze quite quickly which is fine. You do not need to use too much in one area, just so its covered will be fine. Again go round the car until you come back to where you started. Then using the last microfiber cloth, remove as you did the polish, in small circles.

Step Eleven

Take pictures

This is a W reg (2000) and the results are outstanding.

Tip: Don't skimp on products. If you want your car to look the bomb, you need to spend money where it matters. I highly recommend buying the products as suggested

Parcel Shelf

Thu, 05 May 2016 02:32:11 +0000

I need to get a sliding parcle shelf for 320D Estate (F31) and cannot seem to locate a supplier online. Does anyone know of where I can get a replacement parcel shelf from?

Thanks in advance

Engine Cooling System Cleaning And Maintenance

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 07:43:31 +0000

As we all know, boil water containers after repeated use for some time, will be a thick layer, the hard scale formation on the inner wall surface. Tank engine, too, the heat generated by the engine at high speed water circulation system to the tank, and ensure the normal operation state of the engine by the water tank for cooling. Over time, the tank will bear on the inner wall of a thick layer of scale. When the scale deposits to a certain extent, it will cause the tank volume becomes smaller, the impact of cooling water circulation. Because of the poor thermal conductivity of the scale layer, can also cause deterioration of engine lubrication, mechanical overheating, can not maintain normal working gap between the linkage parts, the mechanical properties deteriorate, thereby reducing engine power and fuel consumption increases, and even affect working life.

Thus, after a period of time to run after cars, once the engine cooling system cleaning is very necessary. This cleaning and maintenance can play a detergent, rust, rust, acid effect, cleaning rate of more than 85%. Operation is very simple: just "cleaning agent" was added to the tank, at car wash normal operation, after a few hours, let go of the wastewater in the tank, again adding new coolant or antifreeze can. Recommendation: such a cleaning and maintenance at least twice a year.

What Products Are Best & Sponge, Microfibre Mitt Or Microfibre Sponge

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 12:27:01 +0000

Since buying my 320D, I've been using my normal car cleaning products, mainly Autoglym, which reading on here isn't many peoples cup of tea. I like it, but it's all I've ever used. I am therefore looking to upgrade my cleaning products to something different. Not sure on budget wise, as long as the products being recommended have good reviews, I'm game to try it.

Any products you guys can recommend would be great.

Thanks,

Taz

Wax Or Polish On Black Bmw

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 23:27:36 +0000

I've just chopped my 2004 320cd coupe in for a 2010 black 325d E92. I would appreciate to help with wax or polish... On my previous 320 I just used autoglym super resin with the cheap wraps and just would like a bit of advice on what to use

Polish Or Hardwax??

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 21:30:35 +0000

Hi all i clean my car every weekend and always give it a good polish with black turtle wax, only as my car is black and auto glym sticks in the stone chips that shows badly, anyway i shelled out £20 on turtle wax ice a sort of hard wax paste and the differnce is big!! I first clayed the car then waxed it. wax took about an hour longer to apply, the wax brought the colour out like new very slick!! and water comes staite off pain for washing as it runs off!! Point is should i ditch the polish and stick with wax?? i done this 5 weeks ago and still beads as if i waxed the day before!!

A Clean

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 13:58:38 +0000

Hello all

I haven't been on this site long, but thought i'd post up a few pictures of my car.

I picked her up at 11am today (18.01.14) and below are the images.

I'll give an outline of what I did to clean her, as I always feel better after spending time doing it.

(She is a W reg, but what a quality finish)

1. Rinsed using hose with clean water

2. Wash using Auto- Glym two bucket method (one soapy, one fresh) after used soapy on car, rinse off in fresh

3.Clay barred (Removes ground in dirt) Was literally black when finished

4. Washed again using two bucket system

5. Dried using microfibre clothes

6. Polished using auto-glym

7. Removed polish

8. Dodo juice (purple haze) wax.

9. Removed wax

10. Done.

Let me know what you think :)

Odour

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:33:22 +0000

hi all

we had an little accident when a child throw up in the car got all the sick out but

how do you get rid of the odour of sick in the car

I Just Permasealed The Car

Sat, 14 Jun 2014 21:25:03 +0000

I have just treated the car to the PermaSeal treatment found here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-10-YEAR-PTFE-CAR-WAX-POLISH-SPECIALIST-POLISH-PROTECTION-and-SHINE-/121345052503?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item1c40ba8f57

Now, I don't believe for a minute that it will last 10 years, however I have used this stuff on my previous 2 cars and have found it good for at least 3 years.

I was offered the Supaguard Treatment for £250 when I bought my last Focus and the one before but knowing I could buy the kit myself for £10 I decided to do it myself. I found the Supaguard Treatment only lasted for 6 months on the paintwork but the wheel treatment and interior guard sprays worked much better. The PermaSeal is far superior in my mind. The only downside is you have to wax and buff the car twice, so is fairly time consuming.

I also sealed the wheels with some Autoglym Wheel Sealer. Never tried this stuff before so I hope it lasts a good while.

I would upload some pictures but keep getting an error for some reason.

Bird S**t Vs Boston Green

Sat, 31 May 2014 19:23:02 +0000

Hi every one

so iv just picked up a lovely E36 328i 'vert project car, one of the issues this car has is some white markings aross the bonnet from were the previous owner has been to idle to was the flying rat crap off, have given it a good wash and scrub but hasn't made the slightest bit of differance :angry:

so my question is whats the best way to go about getting her back to her former glory?

all help much appreciated :D