Got a brand-new 2019 BRG Mini last month. Gave it its first wash last weekend. Tried to do it "right", got Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo & Conditioner Car Wash, used a Myride Microfiber Woolly Wash Glove and Kirkland Signature Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels to dry. When I dried it I noticed that the towels have green streaks on them (one in particular). I'm trying to figure out if I did something wrong and took paint off or if this is expected with the first was of a new car. The car still looks great, I couldn't tell you where the streaks came from, though the worst towel was from the back area and the hatch. I'm just wondering if I should do something different next time or if there's something wrong with the paint on my car.

 

Wondering if you're picking up any grease (cosmoline?) or some other type of protectant that was on the car's paint for shipping. The dealership may not have detailed / cleaned the car properly before putting it up for sale / selling it to you?

 

or whether the car had cosmetic repairs made from shipping rash. I read something once that over half the "new" cars sold have had dealer repairs made due to shipping damage.

 

 

The worst of it could have been from the inside of the rear hatch (since the worst dirt was right at the bumper/hatch junction I popped the back open to get at it). Didn't hit the engine bay though.

BTW, here's a pic of the worst towel:

 

Doesnt look like paint to me. I dont think it would even look green if it was not a yellow towel.

I'd vote Cosmoline, or just grease / grime.

 

I didn't consider the idea that the yellow towel was throwing off my perception of it. It looked so close to a match to the BRG that I assumed I was seeing paint. Guess I got worried about nothing?

 

You probably did a better job cleaning than the factory or the dealer so you picked up the last of the residue from manufacturing and shipping.

 

I have some yellow MF towels as well and they often look like that after door jambs ect. Especially when I use them for waterless washing and they collect a lot of dirt. I think you are totally fine.

 

Happens to me as well. Comes from the plastic trim, probably oxidation. Could be also from whatever chemicals have been put on the trim to keep it looking shiny but I haven't used anything on them and it still happens sometimes, but not as bad as when I first bought the car (used).

 

I contacted my dealer's service department and sent them the picture of the towel. They said that if there aren’t any streaks in the paint or on the car, it was probably the protectant that was put on there while it sat on the lot. Since I have no paint issues on the car I'm going to assume that solves the mystery.

 

You may want to wash and and dry the new Mini and then give it a wipe with a new white micro fiber towel.
See if you still get any Green......
If no, give it a good wax job . If yes, you may have a problem ........... Good Luck !