Cleaning the wheels on a BMW with OEM brake pads can be a tedious part of your detailing schedule, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding the right wheel cleaner and technique is the best way to cut down on time spent cleaning brake dust out of every nook and curve of those expensive factory wheels. Today I’ll discuss the Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner and how I found it for cleaning BBS wheels on a BMW. 

Sonax is a German brand and their products are made in Germany. When a product says “Made in Germany” I instantly feel good about it and know its going to be of very high quality. Sonax Full Effect is no exception here, it is a very well made product and has the following desirable features that you would want in a wheel cleaner:

1. It’s acid-free and PH balanced. That means no damage to your wheels!
2. The color turns red as it works to let you know it is working.
3. Safe on paint, clear coat and anodized wheel surfaces.
4. Did I mention it’s made in Germany?
5. It’s currently available here for $12

Wheel cleaning on a BMW is particularly challenging because of the compounds used in factory BMW brake pads. Their bite, braking power, quiet operation and longevity are world class. The downside to all of those positives is the amount of brake dust that we must contend with – that’s where the regular use of Sonax comes in.

I try to keep my two piece BBS wheels cleaned once a week, but sometimes go two weeks between scrubbing. Sonax has worked well over the few months I’ve used it and would definitely recommend it as your go-to wheel cleaner. It works well, smells good and is less toxic than most wheel cleaners on the market.

Here’s a video where I show you how it works with a time lapse of the Sonax Full Effect cleaner working on my BBS wheels.

What wheel cleaners are you using on your BMW? Let me know in the comments below what your favorite detailing products are. To order the Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner, click here.

As always if you have comments, questions or suggestions for future product reviews and DIY BMW guides feel free to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!