Just bought an M4 - have a question about using an auto car wash

imcpa · 08-16-2018, 07:10 AM

I purchased my first M4 last month (2015, mineral grey with sunroof) and absolutely love it. I recently discovered these boards and have read lots of great info, but have a question.

There is one drive through car wash I trust in my city and have used it twice. I put it in N and leave the engine running while being "pushed" through. If I read the manual correct, I should shut turn the engine off (and accordingly sweat profusely where I live). Am I doing harm leaving engine running in N while it is being moved?

Many thanks.

Robotechnology · 08-16-2018, 07:51 AM

I think you’re talking DCT but, I can’t imagine any damage occurring while being in neutral for short distances with the engine running but, what do I know.

JustChris · 08-16-2018, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imcpa

I purchased my first M4 last month (2015, mineral grey with sunroof) and absolutely love it. I recently discovered these boards and have read lots of great info, but have a question.

There is one drive through car wash I trust in my city and have used it twice. I put it in N and leave the engine running while being "pushed" through. If I read the manual correct, I should shut turn the engine off (and accordingly sweat profusely where I live). Am I doing harm leaving engine running in N while it is being moved?

Many thanks.

Nope this is fine. I have done this with DCT and it's designed for this.

Good luck with the paint but mainly congrats with the new car!

iamwingman · 08-16-2018, 04:54 PM

What he said. I did it all the time. All good. No worries.

Fender150 · 08-16-2018, 05:08 PM

I have resorted to handwashing mine,
When i used auto washes in the past you’ll find
Paint swirls later if you do it yourself.
Also almost always damage to the inner aspect of the rims, most people wont look in there,
This is from rubbing on the metal inner rail of the push mechanism. Up to you

Ian1973 · 08-16-2018, 07:58 PM

You most certainly never have wax on your car if you use an auto car wash.

08-16-2018, 07:10 AM	#1
imcpa New Member 8 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M4 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	Just bought an M4 - have a question about using an auto car wash I purchased my first M4 last month (2015, mineral grey with sunroof) and absolutely love it. I recently discovered these boards and have read lots of great info, but have a question. There is one drive through car wash I trust in my city and have used it twice. I put it in N and leave the engine running while being "pushed" through. If I read the manual correct, I should shut turn the engine off (and accordingly sweat profusely where I live). Am I doing harm leaving engine running in N while it is being moved? Many thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-16-2018, 07:51 AM	#2
Robotechnology RDF 152 Rep 245 Posts Drives: F80/JCW Clubman/Z4MC/STI Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: North NJ iTrader: (0)	I think you’re talking DCT but, I can’t imagine any damage occurring while being in neutral for short distances with the engine running but, what do I know.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 04:54 PM	#4
iamwingman Major 1204 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 21 Carrera S, 23 Tesla Model S Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	What he said. I did it all the time. All good. No worries.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 05:08 PM	#5
Fender150 Lieutenant 354 Rep 464 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	I have resorted to handwashing mine, When i used auto washes in the past you’ll find Paint swirls later if you do it yourself. Also almost always damage to the inner aspect of the rims, most people wont look in there, This is from rubbing on the metal inner rail of the push mechanism. Up to you
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2018, 07:58 PM	#6
Ian1973 Colonel 736 Rep 2,134 Posts Drives: 15 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Charlton, NY iTrader: (0)	You most certainly never have wax on your car if you use an auto car wash.
	Appreciate 0 Quote