OK, we picked up our new '06 MCS 3 weeks ago and love it. It is really my fiance's car and she won't wash it with anything but what she reads on this forum. I believe the concensus of the forum for meager "washing" is the Zymol Clear. Couldn't find it anywhere. Other Zymol products yes, but not the bath.
For those in the same situation, I found it on Amazon. I should have known, I buy almost EVERYTHING from Amazon from power tools, to Telescope lenses, and now car stuff. I have had nothing but great experiences with Amazon regardless of what I buy. Any problems and they take care of it pronto, or refund my money. I'm sure I pd too much ($44 for 2 8.5 oz bottles of the stuff), but it will be here in time for the weekend. (no tax and no shipping). Needless to say our new Mini is VERY dirty and needs to be washed.

God help us when it is time to wax.

Griff

'06 MCS, CR/W, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather
CROC # 126

 

Congrats on the new MINI! Another thing that I recommend is 2 wash mitts. One from the top half of the car and one for the bottom. Some of the stuff on the bottom can be a little rough. Just an idea! Zaino is also a really good wash. A little pricy, but WELL worth it!

 

And a double sided bucket! You can get one at Lowes (it's even RED so it matches the MINI!).

You can have one side with soapy water, the other with straight water to rinse, or have soapy water in both sides and use one for the horizontal surfaces and one for the vertical ones!

Works great and it only costs about $12-15 bucks!

 

or just use one mitt... and wash top to bottom.... my good mitt dont touch the bottom until the top side above the belt line is all soapy....