I've run my car through the car wash at least 40 times a year for the last 5 years. They have spinning brushes and soapy pads they drag across the car. My paint and trim still look like new. For the $12 "basic" wash I get a wash, interior including rear vaccumed, windows inside and out cleaned, and detailed wheels and tires, all hand dried. That would take me 3 hours at home. When I have time once a year, I wax, treat the leather, and treat the interior.

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2001 X5 4.4 100% options
2004 M3 cabriolet SMG