Cleaning X5 (E53) Engine Compartment
 

Having a prestine looking 2006 white 4.4 X5 that glistens with care, unfortunately, when i pop the hood the glee turns into gloom. It is dirty and it needs to cleaned. However, with great reservations I am hesitant after hearing stories from others (non-BMW owners though) about cleaning the engine.

Does anyone have any tips and pointers on cleaning the X5 engine?

I am very interested in this, too. I hate a filthy engine, but want reassurance regarding cleaning methods.

I have read some stories too. However you can clean it with low pressure water with no problem. I have used High Pressure water at car wash. no problems, Just must be careful no to unplug anything. can use soap as well.

Any thoughts on degressers? any pics would really be helpful

never done it on x but did it twice on m.

I didn't use pressure washer. was told to avoid it. I used engine degreaser. lightly warm up the engine first. don't make it hot. just warm enough for degreaser to act faster.

then shut off engine. cover the electronic parts as much as I could. wrap with paper towl or food plastic wrap first and then wrap again with aluminum foil(stole all those from my wife's kitchen). cover things like xenon ballast, electronic connectors, alternator, ...etc. spray the degreaser and let it sit 10-15 mins. you can lightly brush some seriously greasy spots while you're waiting.

then just hose down the degreaser with water. if your water source is well water and it's usually cold, you should consider using bucket with warm water.

once done, wipe excess water and start engine to warm up engine. remember to remove those aluminum foil..

Good DIY right there :) however I don't have Garage. and doing all that on a car wash is like impossible. very happy, No errors or any strange things. and engine looks compt looks new.

I would never run any water or power washers to the engine department for Bimmers. It's a know fact that Bimmers and the X5 has electrical problems, why risk causing a possible water damage for a clean engine bay. Just use a degreaser like simple green and rag. Wipe it down on parts you want to shine. It safe and it will take a little time.

Check out our Detailing Forum and the forum sponsor Detailer's Domain. Phil has numerous posts showing him cleaning the engine bays of all kinds of high end cars, including BMW.

The way he gets the filthy engine bays clean will make you want to cry when you compare to yours. I know I feel that way. :bawling:

I have personally cleaned mine with a small sponge, soapy water, and a low pressure water hose. I then start the engine for a bit to dry some of the water then i wipe up the rest with a microfiber towel. Then i use back to black to dress it up and it looks great! I don't see anything in my particular car that could be damaged by moderate amounts of water.

Some info and BMW's recommendation regarding engine cleaning...

BMW World - Engine Cleaning