New Z Owner

[Drew Marshall]

Hi everyone,

Recently bought a Z3 in Boston Green, with green leather seats and cream dash...love it!

I was going to take it to the local 'Hand Car Wash' but having read some horror stories I'm reluctant.

Washing it by hand is slightly difficult as I live in Central London and I can't always get parked anywhere near my front door.

Is it best to avoid these jet wash places at the petrol station, and just get used to lugging a bucketful of water half way down the street?

Any advice would be great. The car is immaculate so want to be as careful as possible.

Cheers!

 

[Tfp]

Ask around locally, some of them are ok, some are terrible.

Pitfalls are that some of them use TFR with too high a concentrate, this is what turns plastic center caps horrid.

And on some cars it can stain the lacquer, although rare.

I've also seen some of them buying washing up liquid in bulk at a local warehouse. This would be a big no no for some paints like an older car that's red without a clear coat on top.

I've also seen some drop the chamoix leather and just carry on using it rather than washing out off.

We have a good one here, everyone knows they're good thanks to local social media.

The problem I have with them if is they damage my car. Chances of them paying up?

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. When it comes to washing your car in the environment you are in there's no issue with using a local jet wash but I'd take my own bucket and wash mit if I was in your shoes to ensure you keep your paint in tip top condition.

 

[Drew Marshall]

Thanks guys,

There is a mobile service that comes to your house/office...but they want 33 quid a wash, which I refuse to pay.

I'll ask around about the local one, but it's a bit of a factory...in and out in 5 minutes.

Think I'll get myself a wash mit and bucket and try to find a jet wash somewhere.

Is it best just to sponge the roof? Unfortunately my street is completely tree lined...which is a bit of a nightmare.

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury

 

[Mint]

Hi @Drew Marshall, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. If I was you I'd use a garage jet wash as you'll have control of how far you are away from the paintwork. I use the local hand wash for the 4x4 but do the Zeds myself at home. Sponging the roof is fine, just be a bit careful if you jet wash the rubbers...they will probably leak where the door windows meet them

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London

 

[Ianmc]

I jet wash my cars every week or so, all year around and "finish" the car at home (weather and time dependant). I especially like the final hot polish stage, that allows it to be sprayed into joints and wheel arches that are otherwise very difficult to treat.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[mwpe]

Hi and welcome from Surrey, your best bet is to find a do it yourself jet wash, there are some around.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[BillyB]

from Edinburgh

 

[Drew Marshall]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the welcome from all!

Well definitely wash the car myself with a jet wash after your replies.

Also, I noticed yesterday the back of the boot was wet...is this something I should be worried about?

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Drew, and welcome from me in Cardiff. Never mind washing it, get out and drive it.

 

[Grumps]

Hi from Mansfield. Water in the boot could be the gasket on the 3rd brake light failing. Pretty common on the Z3.

 

[Drew Marshall]

Ahh...it's still under warranty...might take it to the garage to check. One of the lights on the boot brake light is out, so I'll get him to check then.

Just don't want to leave it with them for the weekend as I enjoy driving it too much!!

 

[StephenM]

Hi and welcome from Billericay!
I would try and do the cleaning yourself a worx hydroshot gives a reasonable jet spray and you only need a bucket of water for it to work so would be ideal for you in the street.

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to ZroadSter

 

[TrevD66]

Hi and welcome from Australia...... Enjoy your Zed...... mine puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.