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      01-24-2015, 11:47 AM   #1
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Rolling through automated car wash

New to X5. Reading manual and I see a note about procedures for using automated car washes. Process is essentially how to put the car in neutral without the engine running. At my favorite car wash the engine stays on.

So here's my questions. Might sound ridiculous but just want to make sure. Can't I just put the truck in neutral and let the car wash push my car along? That's how it works on every car/truck I've ever owned. I think the procedure I was reading must be for cases where the engine won't start or a car wash that requires the engine to be off.

Thanks for help.

FWIW I only occasionally take my truck to an automated car wash. It's a fairly new, high-end wash with a very long tunnel. And my truck is silver which hides light swirl marks. most times I hand wash my cars and I clay/bar wax twice a year. Automated wash is when I'm lazy or in a hurry. And then only if the car is lightly dirty. So please don't blast me. My feels get hurt easily.
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      01-24-2015, 12:10 PM   #2
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good on that last part, auto washes are a nightmare for paint. Just drive up till they tell you to pop it in neutral.. then foot on the brake while the car is stationary and push the unlock button on the shifter and push the lever a half notch forwards to enter neutral.. go too far and you'll be in reverse. Not hard to do as it'll illuminates which gear you are in. hopefully that makes sense. congrats on the new ride!
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      01-24-2015, 12:22 PM   #3
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Yes... Also read my thread titled "Push it real Good" where I describe having to use the manual shifting procedure for when the vehicle won't start. I did do that, but its not what you want to do for a car wash. Like said above, just leave the engine idling and pop it into neutral.

And no need to apologize for using an automated car wash. I've owned our X5 for 5 months now and I still haven't washed it myself. We have a membership at a local car wash. Its washed by hand and no track for the wheel is the ONLY reason I do it, but still, its fine.

Too many people forget that we're driving BMWs, not hand painted Rolls Royce's... An automated wash is fine. If you have a good sealant and coat of wax, it'll survive without any issues.
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      01-24-2015, 12:39 PM   #4
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Thanks for the info. Off to the car wash. 600 miles of dust from AL, MS, LA and East TX are are about to be flushed.
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      01-24-2015, 12:57 PM   #5
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Very easy. Quick tap on the brake and half-push forward on the lever puts in neutral. Then quick tap on the brakes in the end of the tunnel puts the car back in Drive and of you go.

The whole requirement to tap brake when putting from Neutral to Drive is a bit odd. Interestingly, when driving downhill on highway in Neutral, tapping brakes is not required to put in Drive. Only in slow speeds such as through car wash.
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      01-24-2015, 04:49 PM   #6
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Watch your tow covers with the automatic washes. Some how two of mine have been lost in the wash. I check them each time I leave the wash now.
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      01-24-2015, 05:21 PM   #7
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Noted. Thanks.
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