2009 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 242

When using high-pressure cleaning jets, do not remain in one place for a long time and be sure to maintain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm from sensors, e.g. Park Distance Control sensors or radar sensors.< Regionally occurring environmental factors can affect and damage vehicle finish. It is therefore important to tailor the frequency and extent of your car care accordingly. Immediately remove particularly aggressive substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree resin, or bird droppings; otherwise, they may damage your paint. Care Hand washing When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty of water and car washing shampoo. Clean the vehicle with gentle pressure using a sponge or a washing brush. Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the rain sensor or switch off the ignition to prevent unwanted wiper operation.< Follow local guidelines for washing vehicles by hand.< Repairing paint damage Repair stone damage or scratches immediately, depending on the severity of the damage, to prevent the formation of rust.< BMW recommends having paint damage professionally repaired using Genuine BMW finish materials in accordance with factory guidelines. Headlamps Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or strong solvents to clean the covers. Loosen dirt, e.g. insects, with shampoo or insect remover and wash away with plenty of water. Use a window de-icer to remove accumulated ice and snow, not a scraper. Waxing Sealant is required when water no longer beads on the clean surface of the paint. Use only products that contain carnauba wax or synthetic wax to seal your finish. Rubber gaskets Treat only with water or a rubber care product. To avoid noise or damage, do not use products that contain silicone to care for rubber gaskets.< Windows Use a glass cleaner to clean the inside and outside surfaces of the windows and the glass surfaces of the mirrors. Do not use quartz-containing cleansers to clean glass surfaces of the mirrors.< Chrome components Particularly after exposure to road salt, thoroughly cleanse parts like the radiator grille, door handles, or window frames with plenty of water with shampoo added to it. For additional treatment, use chrome polish. Wiper blades Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to prevent streaking. The presence of wax and sealant residues and dirt on the windows leads to streaking during wiper operation and results in premature wear on wiper blades as well as interference with the rain sensor.< Alloy wheels Depending on your system, braking can generate dust, which settles on the light-alloy wheels. Remove this dust regularly with acid-free wheel cleaner. Do not use aggressive, acid-containing, strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers and do not use steam cleaners at temperatures greater than 1407/606; otherwise you may damage your vehicle.< Caring for the vehicle finish Regular care helps your vehicle retain its value and protects the paint from the long-term effects of aggressive substances. 240 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 721 - © 08/08 BMW AG