What to cover when detailing engine bay?...
 

So per my knowledge, my X5's engine bay has never been cleaned in 100k miles. I figure it's about time so that I can keep a better eye on whats going in inside there. I've searched and read threads on how to clean it (I've cleaned many engines in the past with diluted simple green and it works very well), but I'm not sure what to cover. Alternator? Intake inlet? Anything else?

Thanks,
-Cyrus

I cover nothing when cleaning the engine bay. There is a mist setting on my nozzle which I use to pre-wash and rinse. I'm sure that if you're reasonable and don't drench the engine bay, you won't need to cover anything up.

i've always wondered this also.

so just light pressure and then what? scrub the engine bay a bit and rinse again?

"Mist" the engine bay. Mist the bay with diluted APC and scrub. "Mist" to rinse off. Repeat if it is still dirty.