New M5 Owner with some questions

mrwoz · 18th March 2003, 06:24

Been driving this car for about 3 weeks and to be a man of few words: What is not to like??? 900 miles

Superior Craftsmanship and Like driving a race car.

TiSilver and black Lux interior. Pics to follow.

It is a great pleaeure to be driving a car that is the highest degreee of performance. I am a fortunate man.

Is it wise to power wash the brake dust off or just use the spray on chemicals?

What speeds do you find fifth and sixth are good for. I use fourth from 50 to 120 at an agressive clip.

Thanks.

kwalls · 18th March 2003, 08:57

Welcome to the board and to ownership of the M5. I am sure there will be many more posts to your message and others can add to my comments.
I strongly recommend that whatever chemical you apply to your wheels is compatible with the clear coat finish that protects your wheels from corrosion.
I personally use the P21S products and find they are probably the best for brake dust removal. Here in Germany they also sell a spray that can be used between washes to prolong the protection of the clear coat and reduce dust build-up. I have not seen it sold by US distributors but then I haven’t been looking for it in the US

Ken

JJJ · 18th March 2003, 09:34

Good choice in vehicle mrwoz.

Wheels are the most difficult to keep clean. There are lots of threads on this forum about products that other owners have recommended ( most of which I can't find in the UK but you'll have no problem in the US ). I find that a chemical cleaner worked into the Brake Dust and then powered hosed off after a few minutes works well.

I tend to use 3rd / 4th / 5th most of the time rather than really pushing it in a particular gear....unless some "wanna be" thinks he's faster

Good luck with your Beast...happy motoring

Ashok Arora · 18th March 2003, 12:29

Congrats mrwoz on a great car! I still get a grin on my face every time I blip the throttle.

As I drive mostly in town I only get to use fifth and sixth in traffic-light-free zones. Fifth is possible above 45 mph and I only use sixth above 75 mph. If you're in top gear and you need a brief burst of acceleration you can always press the sport button.

Take it easy during the run-in period then let 'er rip

mrwoz · 18th March 2003, 17:17

i am following the break in rules as much as possible but every once in awhile it wants to leap ahead and just GO. This car always presents me with a level that i have yet to try out.

Thanks

apt333 · 18th March 2003, 17:40

For the wheels I have used P21s and Sonus with good results from both. I hose down the wheels and then mist with either one. After a minute to soak in, I brush them with a soft, long bristle wheel brush. The long bristles will get deep into the crevices, and this does as good a job as you can get without removing the wheel. It doesn't take long, but is a pain when 200 miles after a nice detailing your wheels are dusty again.

Nice post elsewhere on the board re Mintex pads, which may be in my future.

As to 5th and sixth gears, I know it may be heresy here, but I love cruise in 6th at 3k doing 90mph. Cruise control on, cd cranked up, and the miles just melt away.

Steve Morling · 19th March 2003, 03:27

Mr Woz
Welcome to the ultimate, ultimate driving world. I personally never use any chemical cleaners on the wheels. I've heard some of them can do nasty things to seals. I use car wash in water a little more concentrated than I use on the bodywork - takes a little bit more work but the results are fine.
Enjoy the car. Treat her nicely during break in though & she'll repay you.
Keep her between the ditches.