2010 BMW X3 Owner's Manual - Page 111

Before cleaning the windshield, deactivate the rain sensor or switch off the ignition in order to prevent undesired wiper activation.< Obey local regulations for washing vehicles by hand.< Repairing damages to finish Depending on the severity of the damage, have stone damage or scratches touched up immediately in order to prevent rust from forming.< BMW recommends having paint damage professionally repaired in accordance with factory guidelines using Genuine BMW finish materials. Headlamps Do not rub dry and never use abrasives or strong solvents to clean the covers. Use shampoo or insect remover to soften insects and then rinse with ample water. Remove accumulated ice and snow with window deicer, not a scraper. Waxing It is time to wax the vehicle when water no longer beads on the clean surface of the paint. Use only products that contain carnauba wax or synthetic waxes to protect the finish. Controls Reference Mobility Driving tips Windows Use glass cleaner to clean outer and inner surfaces of windows and mirror glass. Do not clean mirror glass with cleansers that contain powdered quartz.< Rubber seals Only treat with water or rubber cleaner. To avoid noise or damage, do not use care products that contain silicone when caring for rubber seals.< Wiper blades Clean with soapy water and replace regularly to prevent streaking. Wax residues and dirt on the windshield cause streaking during wiper operation and lead to premature wear on wiper blades and can cause the rain sensor to malfunction.< Chrome parts Carefully clean parts such as the radiator grille, door handles, or window frames with ample water and added shampoo, particularly when they have been exposed to road salts. Use chrome polish for additional treatment. Light-alloy wheels By design, the system produces dust during braking, which settles on the light-alloy wheels. Remove it frequently with an acid-free wheel cleaner. Do not use corrosive, acid-containing, strongly alkaline, or coarse cleansers or steam cleaners hotter than 1407/606; otherwise, you can damage your vehicle.< Caring for vehicle finish Regular care and maintenance helps your vehicle retain its value and protects its finish against the long-term effects of finish-damaging substances. Environmental factors that occur locally or regionally can have a negative impact on the finish of your vehicle and may damage it. It is therefore important to adjust the frequency and extent of vehicle care accordingly. Immediately remove particularly corrosive substances such as spilled fuel, oil, grease, brake fluid, tree sap, or bird droppings; otherwise, they can damage the finish. Aluminum running boards Superficial rust on the aluminum running boards can be removed with a special cleanser. Outside sensors Keep sensors outside the vehicle, e.g. Park Distance Control, clean and free of ice in order to maintain full functionality.< 109 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 348 - © 02/09 BMW AG At a glance