[sylonien]

How people,

wondering how or if you guys clean your engine bay?
I usually just wipe it a cloth after each car wash. That's it, no products etc.
This is how it looks so far. Mind you the last two times I washed the car, I didn't have time to wipe it. So bit dusty.

Have some stubborn water marks and some oily bits. Not sure how to get rid of them.

[Boz335i]

That metal bracket on the left that holds the blow off valves looks a bit rusty like mine. When I open the bonnet my eye is always drawn to it.
I think I might whip it out and spray it.

Apart from that it looks nice and clean.

[Reggie-g75]

Looks good....

Try AF revive or AG vinyl care?

[Kerr]

I do mine from time to time.

I'm suprised how little dirt makes its way through to the engine.

[rich1068]

Mine's a disgrace and even though I'm quite anal about every other aspect of my car it just never occurs to me to do the engine bay.

[Danny.B.]

I had a look at mine this weekend after i cleaned the car and decided i must do it next time!!

[sylonien]

I find that if I did it every time, it's much easier than trying to scrub off really dirty bits. But been too busy the last two times with all the MOT failing, tyre fitting and holiday planning.

The bit that annoys me the most is that thing with the green ring around it? Weird oily crap on it. Difficult to clean and that stupid air in take plastic thing with those tiny gaps in between.

Guess no one here would use those "engine cleaner" spray on and wash with water technique?

[fulcrum]

Originally Posted by sylonien

I find that if I did it every time, it's much easier than trying to scrub off really dirty bits. But been too busy the last two times with all the MOT failing, tyre fitting and holiday planning.

The bit that annoys me the most is that thing with the green ring around it? Weird oily crap on it. Difficult to clean and that stupid air in take plastic thing with those tiny gaps in between.

Guess no one here would use those "engine cleaner" spray on and wash with water technique?

I do.

I use APC and agitate
pressure washer off
then simply spray everything with 303 Aerospace Protectant and leave overnight.

[sylonien]

I really want to do that, but looks and sound scary doing that.
I mean like the headlight covers for instance, they come off so easily and not rubber sealed. Wouldn't it be bad if it got wet and all the other cables inside the engine area?

[fulcrum]

Originally Posted by sylonien

I really want to do that, but looks and sound scary doing that.
I mean like the headlight covers for instance, they come off so easily and not rubber sealed. Wouldn't it be bad if it got wet and all the other cables inside the engine area?

Just be sensible where you use the power washer. Its all sealed well. Use high pressure rather than low too. Search in detailing world - plenty of threads there on BMWs from the professionals.

[Shane.]

Originally Posted by fulcrum

I do.

I use APC and agitate
pressure washer off
then simply spray everything with 303 Aerospace Protectant and leave overnight.

same here -

[sylonien]

Did I hear it right, use high pressure rather than low? I've heard somewhere before, use low pressure so you won't blast it in to places where it's not to suppose to be?

[fulcrum]

Originally Posted by sylonien

Did I hear it right, use high pressure rather than low? I've heard somewhere before, use low pressure so you won't blast it in to places where it's not to suppose to be?

Yes - though opinion is divided.

BMW electrics are well sealed.

The theory is that on low pressure more water is used and can soak in. On high pressure the water is more finely misted and blasts the stuff away.

Just be sensible where you aim ie not directly on to any sensors.

As long as you do not just use a hose which would flood the engine I do not suppose it matters much.

Personally I use both settings.

[sylonien]

Argggh. Scary thought. So I ended up just using cloth and water to clean. But there are grimy bits and some difficult to reach places that need some cleaning.