I cant find the threads on dos and donts of engine cleaning so Ill asked it again...
Im a little afraid of spraying water on my engine.
your thoughts.

also my drivers side leather seat is starting to get wrinkles in the butt part, is there a way to get those out??

thanks db

 

I once had to get alot of bugs off my rad. It was clogged up real bad. Fishflies.
Went to a wand wash, popped the bonnet and very carefully(or so I thought) sprayed the rad. down. Closed the bonnet, got in, turned on the car, the wipers were going, the high beam dash light was on,check engine light was on, and things did not seem right idle wise. Turned it off, did the 3 key on/off thing,started the car, and all was good. Must have got water somewhere bad.

Guess there was enough heat coming off the engine it dryed out.NEVER doing that again.

Now I use a long thin brush to wipe the rad. if I need to. I use Detailing spray, applied to a rag on the painted parts, and a hose conditioner on hoses and such.

Can't help ya with the seats, I have leatherette.

You can do it by hand, and the results will be better

 

Leather seats are going to give a bit... especially anything from BMW, who tends to use a thinner leather than some other manufacturers. Especially in the warmer states, the key is to moisturize, moisturize and moisturize!

I love the Zaino leather conditioner (it smells great and does a good job) and their leather cleaner. I also used Meguiars Gold Class Leather Conditioner for years on my wife's SUVs and their leather always held up well in Texas summers.

I have also heard good things about Lexol, though I have never used it. I believe you can get it at SprawlMarts.

 

I forgot the engine detailing...

My engine detailing process (along w/ BradBs) is here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37303
Just scroll down a bit... It's a big thread.

 

thanks...

I just didnt want to screw up something electrical or fuel with water.

db

 

I posted some pics and my steps for engine detailing about a week or 2 ago...you may want to look it up.......

 

I wouldn't suggest spraying water too hard in the engine bay. I usually spray some simplegreen and wipe with a wet paper towel to take off the grime. The only thing I spray it with is the filtered mode of my mr. clean auto dry which is a very fine light mist...enough to rinse it off but it won't penetrate into anything.

 

I use Zymol leather cleaner and conditioner on my S's seats and everything else leather, about six bucks each from Target--smells great and helps keep the leather supple. I apply it about every three months when I Scratch-X and wax my roof, boot, and bonnet. For the cloth portion of my seats I use Armor-All Upolstery Foam Cleaner, about the only good A-A product made (IMO of course) Great stuff, esp. for any grease that may find its way on the seats!

However, I have noticed some wear on the driver side seat bolster (nearest the door) from getting in and out over the last year and a half; dealer told me this is considered normal wear and is not covered by the warranty. Oh well just have to be more careful I guess....

Engine detailing? Sorry, I'd rather spend my time motoring. Jimbo