dilemma: let dealer wash or not? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

beetlem5 · 26th July 2001, 03:40

Hi Folks.

dealer called today -- the car just got on the water! But I have a question that I'd like to ask this group: should I let the dealer wash the car or not? I had previously informed the dealer not to wash the car after seeing the swirl marks they left on my buddy's orient blue 540 purchased from the same dealer.

The salesman informed me that they could follow my instructions, but that the dealer would not be responsible for any scratches/etc not seen or hidden by the dust. If I allowed them to wash it, then they would take care of any scratches/etc discovered.

Well, what do you think? Should I let them wash it (and more than likely leave swirl marks)? Or should I just take my chances and tell the dealer not to wash the car?

My understanding is that the VPC will take care of any dings and scratches before delivery to the dealer. However, the salesman told me that sometimes minor scratches/etc happen while transporting the car from the VPC to the dealer.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-bailey

Cerberus · 26th July 2001, 03:59

Bailey,

I would definitely not let the dealer wash your car. It is great that they offer the service, but it would actually be a disservice to you, since more than likely they will have a "lot person" wash it. this is generally not a trained detail person.

Unless, they tell you that their detail department is washing the car, then maybe you might want to consider it.

Just my 2 cents

Sandy

Ben_FR · 26th July 2001, 03:59

Let them wash it. It probably had those marks because it was dried in the hot sun. Also, what would you rather worry about: swirl marks that can be removed easily, or scratches that the dealer isn't liable for?

-Ben FR

firstbmw · 26th July 2001, 04:42

I would let them wash it. My dealer only lets certain personnel work on the car, so I assume that trickled down to the wash person. Granted, as Sandy said, I doubt it was a detail person but they did a good job anyway. I will never forget how stunning the car looked sitting in the showroom, squeaky clean, watching as customers did a "double take" as they walked by, thinking, yeah, she's mine, I'm taking her home..

Hopefully your dealer is like mine and treats all "high end" cars with TLC. Besides, you'll get plenty of chances to wash her, especially if she's a dark color..

MAVERICK · 26th July 2001, 05:01

Let the dealer wash her. Don't take a risk with potential scratches that could be hiding.

If you really want to be careful, you can be present while the guy washes your car and you can observe him. Treat him politely and he'll be happy to take extra care of your M5.

Rahim · 26th July 2001, 09:11

Maverick is right on the money! Also remember it is always better to be safe than sorry: swirl marks are removed easily, as scratches and dents are not.

Cerberus · 26th July 2001, 09:32

Bailey,

After reading your post closer and the other guys comments, I change my response. Absolutely have them wash your car. You definitely want to make sure the body is free of scratches and dings. I misunderstood your post.

My opinion was to not let the dealer wash your car whenever it is in for servicing as a courtesy.

Since this is an inspection before delivery, make sure they clean it. Sorry for the confusion.

Sandy

Stallion M5 · 26th July 2001, 10:13

Let's be a little bit more realistic here........

Those swirls on the paint is really inevitable regardless of who wash the car. Do you realize how hard it is to avoid any swirl marks on the paint? 9 out 10 times the vehicle already have some swirl marks on it fresh from the boat.

Those dust particles would easily leave those swirls when we try wiping the car or dusting it. Think about it for a moment, if we really want to be that picky..... most of us can easily go crazy over it. Does it really worth the aggravation it may cause? I don't think so....... We can only be careful so much until it's getting out of hand.

My suggestion is....... don't sweat it.

Mattar · 26th July 2001, 11:24

Let him wash it and ask befor after you drop your car who will wash it and tip him thats what I did and he cleand my car very well !

VanCooper · 26th July 2001, 11:41

Our dealership does a good job at washing the car when we bring it for service so why not let them wash it if they do a good job. They even vacuum the whole car on the inside!

ijam · 26th July 2001, 12:30

imho don't let them wash it - when I picked my car up the dealer had some guy (with very oily hands) washing two other M5s with a high pressure hose...

any scratch big enough to warrant a touch up job should be visible anyway (surely the car won't be too dirty)

when I take my car in for service I leave strict instructions that they are not to wash it - in your case, why not suggest that you go to the dealer and wash the car yourself in front of the guy who would normally do it. washing your car is the best way to examine it in micro detail anyway (its when I always find my new stone chips)

ciao

Ian

HBRAMSTEDT · 26th July 2001, 15:23

The scratches are caused by their rough clothes. Anyone who
says otherwise doesn't know anything about BMW clear coat. Once the scratches go in, they are very difficult to remove. My dealer, Assael in Monrovia, California, scrathed the heck out of my jet black M5. If you don't care about your paint finish, or aren't concerned enough about your car looking good, then go ahead. One service rep. told me that they have sometimes found bits of steel wool in the uncleaned wash pail. You should wash your M5 by yourself using tons of special car wash soap to lubricate the surface. You should only wash the car with soft sponges or the foam applicators from wax kits. A chamois will scratch the car for sure. Use the "Absorber" synthetic chamois to dry the car, it will not scratch. No BMW dealers or any body shops know how to remove the scratches. I do. Body shops have no knowledge whatsoever in regards to removing these fine scratches that will probably never go away. BMW clear coat is among the softest.