removing bugs
 

Other than elbow grease - what is the best way to remove bugs from your X5? I have the 3M clear protection, but I need to run like crazy to get these bug guts off....

thx

Soap and water??

If its recent you can just use shampoo and water!If its been there for a while it will stain the top paint layer.You can only get it out by "T" cutting and polishing the stained area.

This isnt half as bad on my M3!The X5s high nose really attracts the bugs..................................

My recommendation is to clean your bugs as soon as possible.

I'm no Xpert on the 3M Shield, but I would think a wax prod or a couple of Zaino coatings, even on that covering, would assist in the "lifting" of bug residue...
dunno. But, some kind of application should help.

The bug bodies are debris and the insect blood/internal juices are the real prob, as they tend to "eat" into what ever surface they have impacted upon.

I do not have any 3M shield prod on my rides, but several apps of Zaino seems to allow for easier "lifting" of the insecta residue on all my stable. I do know that sooner is better than later for getting those suckers off. Maybe a "gentle" Tar & Bug remover prod? AutoZone et al, sell a few species of that kind of prod.
GL,md

maybe I"m not using enough zaino. I do use zaino with a sponge and this had been on there for a few weeks (X5 gods please don't strike me down with lightning). I'll try the zaino coatings idea...

thx

I have, on occasion, been lax/lazy on getting to the leading edges of my X,Vette or M'cycles, for the bug demolition removal...I have been successful in removing all the detritus with a sheep's wool mitt, car wash detergent and warmish water and a firm but gentle app. of elbow grease.

The material of the 3M prod May allow for embedding, but Zaino is Titz and The Best stuff I've used in 45 yrs of "waxing", espc. in allowing for easy "release", imo.
BR,md

HAHAHA..Here, the bug epidemic is WAYYYout of control....The absolute BEST thing for the removal? RAIN!! No joke. If you live in a climate where rain is somewhat often, that the BEST way. Wait till the day after...I can sit there and scrub my windshield all day, and 3 minutes of rain, and its spotless...

They should bottle that stuff!!

WD-40. Even Sal Zaino has recommended it


Also, clay bar

Wow! No sh*t?! Why does that scare me?! LOL...

In the UK you can buy a sponge with cotton on the outside which helps remove bugs and other marks but more importantly doesn't scratch the paintwork.

I also use a bug removing cream available from the local car spares shop which you spray on, leave for about 5 minutes and it softens the bug debris. Then using the cotton covered sponge they just come right off!

What the name of that stuff..Ill have to make sure i pick some up!

Halfords (a large chain of car spares shops in the UK) Bug remover

or Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover.

I guess your local shop will have something similar?

Whilst I never think these sprays actually work, both of these do!

Combined with the cotton covered sponge I remove 100% every time!

Damn! I just came from Halfords this afternoon...Ill be going back tomorrow to get some...Cheers!

here's a bit of advice from the bmw motorcycle side of things...


get an old towel or rag and soak it through with water and allow it to sit on the offending bug mess for an hour or two (it really doesn't take that long); keep wetting the towel to make sure it stays wet.

through simple osmosis/diffusion, the water will rehydrate the dried bug parts to slimy, and then simply wipe, wash, etc. off softly. no problems... that's how we clean our motorcycle helmets when travelling and stopping overnight. also cleans the bike that way, but it seems to upset the motel/hotel management when we come back in with a bunch of dirty towels...

Bug remains should "bleach" out of the film over time by sunlight exposure. If you don't want to wait for that, use Scratch-X followed by a polish or cleaner wax. Be careful what chemicals you use on the film.

in the Uk i use AutoGlym bug remover.. works a treat!