Aatish11

So, I consider myself a hobbyist detailer. I usually hand wash and detail all 7 of my family's cars whenever I am on break. I'm always trying new techniques and products out. I find it fun and relaxing.

A long time ago, I had a bottle of Sonax Full Effect that I used for cleaning my old 5 series. I loved the stuff, it worked great and handled the BMW break dust like a champ. However, there was no local retailer who carried Sonax, so the only way I could get it was by ordering it online. Also, it wasn't cheap, around $16-$17 a pop plus shipping. So instead of using Sonax, I began using Eagle One A2Z wheel cleaner, which is really good and cheap (~$4).

I was reading around on the forums one day and read a lot of good stuff about BMW's Wheel Cleaner Gel. I decided I would go pick it up and see how good this stuff really is.

I went to my local Bimmer dealership, in my Benz to get wheel cleaner for my Audi…The wheel cleaner was priced at $8.50 a bottle but I found a coupon online for 15% off.

Here are the results:

Before:





Pre Rinse:


EagleOne for the tires:



EagleOne after agitation:


BMW Wheel Cleaner Bottle:


Initial Application:


5 Minutes:




After Agitation:


Final Product after rinse and detail with sponge:



This stuff worked great! It's not totally spray on rinse off, but then again if you really want to clean your car, you can't be lazy. What really impressed me about this wheel cleaner was the fact that whatever break dust was left after rinsing could be removed with my finger, not that I would recommend doing that. This stuff really softens the break dust. I will definitely be picking up more once my supply runs out.

qqq1970

Anyone tries the Audi or Mercedes wheel cleaner?

uberwgn

I think P21S used to be the supplier to BMW for this product. However, that doesn't look like P21S gel. That kinda looks like the SONAX product when it changes color. I don't think my SONAX foams up like that so maybe this is something completely new.

I've been using mostly the Autoglym wheel cleaner over the past couple years and reserve my bottles of SONAX for really bad (neglected) wheels. The Autoglym product is outstanding. The only negative thing I can say about it is it's a bit of a challenge to obtain so I tend to order the 5L or 25L containers.

snagitseven

Based on the red color as it works on the dirt, it looks like a derivation of Sonax or a copy of some sort. I've used Sonax for years and am happy with it. (I bought the large 169 oz refill for $99 through Amazon for my cars w/free shipping which works out to about $10 per regular 16 oz bottle; should last me a long time).

newmoon

Nice. Just don't let it get to the point where the brake dust starts caking on. That's when you really need these wheel cleaners. I just wash mine with a wheel brush about every 2-4 weeks along with the whole car, and I have never needed anything more than the regular car wash detergent.

Maverick61

Yea, that is one of the Iron Dissolving, color changing wheel cleaners. All of them will work quite well. BMW is just having one of the manufacturers special package it for them

1Z Einszett ColourTec Wheel Cleaner
Scholl Concepts Rim 7 Wheel Cleaner
CarPro Iron X Iron Remover
Sonax FE
Dodo Juice Ferrous Dueller Iron Remover
Meguirs Dub Line Wheel Cleaner

All of the above are the same basic concept / approach and all contain some of the same chemicals. All should work well. (I believe in a recent detailer comparison 1Z and Scholl were on top slightly but the differences are minor) Just get whatever one is on sale at the time. That said, if you keep your car well maintained, you should not have to use these often.

Aatish11

After a little research, I think it may be just rebranded Sonax Plus. It definitely smells like Sonax, except it's not green initially and it is also substantially thicker. Sonax Plus seems to fit the description. The only difference I could find is the price. Sonax Plus is ~$20.00 while this is $7-$8.50.

snagitseven

I don't know about the "Plus" but I use the Sonax "Full Effect" and it does a great job. As I mentioned, if you buy the extra large refill online the cost works out to about $10 per 16 oz, not much more than the stuff you're using. And I don't have to use gas to show up at a BMW dealer in one of my Audis.

Mike_L

Yeah, wouldn't want to do that. Then you'd actually see how a luxury dealer is supposed to work.

snagitseven

After 10 years with them, mine works just fine. Exceptional in fact.
I thought you were going to trade your A6 for a BMW. Will it be soon?