Owner's Manual for the vehicle. With a quick reference ... - E38.org

154nCaring for your car
Caring for other vehicle
components and materials
Light-alloy wheels should be treated
with alloy wheel cleaner, especially during
the winter months. However, do not
use aggressive products containing acids,
strong alkalis or abrasives. Do not
use steam cleaners operating at temperatures
above 1407 (606). Follow
the manufacturer's instructions.
If your vehicle has chromed parts* such
as window moldings, door handles or
other parts, clean these parts especially
carefully with ample clean water, especially
if they have an accumulation of
road salt. You may wish to add a car
shampoo supplement to the water. Use
a chrome polish for an additional treatment.
Plastic components, vinyl upholstery,
headliners, lamp lenses, the clear cover
of the instrument panel and components
with a sprayed dull black surface
can be cleaned with water (add plastic
cleaner as required). Do not allow moisture
to soak through the seats or headliner.
Never use solvents such as lacquer
thinner, heavy-duty grease
remover, fuels, etc.
Rubber components should be cleaned
with water only; a rubber treatment or
silicone spray may also be applied.
Clean the wiper blades with soapy water.
The wiper blades should be replaced
twice a year, before and after
the cold season.
Use only wiper blades approved
by BMW.<
The safety belts should be cleaned with
a mild soap and water solution without
being removed from the car. Never attempt
chemical or dry cleaning, as
damage to the belt fabric could result.
After cleaning, never allow the inertia
reel to retract the belts until they are
completely dry. Dirty safety belts prevent
the inertia reel mechanism from retracting
the strap properly, and thus
constitute a safety hazard.
Heavily soiled floor carpets and mats*
can be cleaned with an interior cleaner.
The floor mats can be removed from the
vehicle for cleaning.
Please use only a damp cloth to clean
wooden fascia panels and components.
Follow up by drying with a soft cloth.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Leather care
The leather upholstery used by BMW is
a natural product of the highest quality,
processed using state-of-the-art methods
to ensure that it will maintain its
high quality for years to come, provided
that it is properly cared for.
Because this product is manufactured
using natural materials, you must make
allowance for its special characteristics
as well as for the peculiarities of its use
and care.
Regular periodic cleaning and care are
essential, as dust and road dirt act as
abrasives in the pores and creases of
the material. This leads to wear spots
and premature brittleness on the surface
of the leather. We therefore suggest
that you clean the leather with a
vacuum cleaner or dust cloth at frequent
intervals.
For cleaning, use BMW leather cleaning
foam.