What wheel cleaner to use on C63 wheels ?
#26
Senior Member
No one had questioned specifically regarding powder coat, hence why I asked, and wanted to play it safe. It was not in any the previous comments, so thanks for the answer, despite being a dick about it.
#27
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Saying that Iron X was perfect for the brakes in my previous comment implies powdercoat safe. How would they be perfect for brakes if they ruined the finish?
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raphman (01-31-2017)
#28
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#29
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C63 AMG - LSD
Not sure who may have recommended Simple Green to you but that is not the case, and I would recommend refraining from using it. HRE recommends using only soap and water as the method of cleaning because wheel cleaners can have acidic properties which can over time cause issues.
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2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
per their website...I've used many many products over the years, this is the first product I've used where I was blown away. literally was like using magic in a bottle.
https://www.carpro-us.com/paint-decontamination/carpro-iron-x-500ml-16-oz/
The IronX Paint and wheels Decontamination System was developed as a method of removing paint contamination beyond what can be removed by washing or claying alone! If you are familiar with detail clay, you know it is capable of removing above surface contaminants that have bonded to the paint. The IronX is designed to remove what lies below the paint surface as well as above.
Airborne chemical compounds and ferrous particles (particles containing iron) actually penetrate the paint and create corrosive compounds that eat deep into the paint's sub-layers or paint’s pin-holes. This is a gradual process that often is not evident until it's too late. Claying does not remove the entire particle which will continue to spread beneath the surface if not dissolved.
During the use of your vehicle, brake dust and road grime become sintered to the surface of the car paint , rims and wheels due to the high temperature conditions they are normally exposed. Brake dust contains high levels of iron and once sintered to the rim, becomes extremely difficult to dissolve or remove without the use of harsh chemicals. Iron X opens up the paint's pores to release ferrous particles and to neutralize caustic compounds that have developed in the paint's subsurface. Ongoing damage is immediately stopped and future damage is prevented by removing the ferrous particles.
Iron X sprays on as a transparent liquid. As the cleansing liquid begins to work into the dirt and grime, the formula begins to turn purple/ red. The purple/red coloration is the Iron X Cleaner forming a bond to the sintered iron on the car paint and wheel and changing its state to a water soluble complex for easy removal. Stubborn, baked on grime may take a small amount of agitation. Rinse car paint and wheels thoroughly with a power washer and wipe dry.
CarPro Iron X is used by body shops for pre-cleaning prior to detailing and by dealerships for new and used car prep. It is proven to deliver a clean, glassy smooth vehicle that is protected from the harmful effects of paint contamination. No other is as fast and effective at removing multi-layer paint and wheels contamination.
Iron particles are all around us, and ofcourse on our cars after traveling through the environment. They can be made from your car braking, driving near other cars, big trucks, train rails, industrial zones etc. They adhere to the car surface and once they "stick" to your paint due to there sharp edges together with sunshine they start to bake into the soft car paint layer where they oxidize and rust.
How to prevent iron dust from etching your paint ?
It’s almost impossible to prevent the irons to stick on the surface , but it has been proven that inorganic coatings (such as Cquartz & C1) that have self-cleaning effects can reduce the quantity of iron that adheres to the surface.
How to remove iron particles from surface?
There are few options. Clay bar is one of them however claying will remove most of the irons by shaving them, which leaves some underneath the surface where it cannot reach. Also clay could possibly mar your paint with micro scratches together with the iron it catches. Another option is by oxalic acid solutions. Though it may remove iron you can’t be sure it is safe on paint, which depends on dilution (low pH ), and it’s not safe to use for your own health and environment. The third option is by Iron X, a pH neutral product, which reacts only with iron particles which it dissolves. IronX contains a specific chemical that reacts aggressively with iron… BUT and it’s big but, this chemical is very unstable if not mixed in the right % ,its sensitive to heat as well. This means it can even react with open air and change color to red/purple without any contact with iron!
Why it changes its color ?
Iron X changes color to red/purple when coming in contact with iron particles, this is due to chemical reaction between the chemicals and iron. However some other products change colors as well. The change in color does not necessarily mean a product is dissolving iron. There are very cheap chemicals that change their character simply by contact with air.
Why the bottle is transparent?
We use transparent bottles so the customers can see if color of liquid has reacted, with the metal spring inside the sprayer or even in the open-air contact,. Once the color changes it is loosing some of its strength. However with Iron X it is still very strong even if it becomes a pink color.
Why we now use special full plastic spray heads?
In the past we faced complains about the changing color inside the bottle. this was due to the metal spring inside the spray head, which most triggers use including the so-called chemical resistant types. These spring are mostly made in China and have rust on them from their creation. That was why we recently started using only plastic springs inside the triggers. This way no more possibility of reaction with any irons until the product is used. The new triggers are marked with small stickers on them, to define from old ones.
Will Iron X stain chrome wheels or chrome trims?
No, it’s completely safe to use on any chrome wheels, trim, or bare aluminum wheels. There is only one condition: Do not let it dry under sun light
Will Iron X discolor wheel weights ?
Yes, it will. Wheel weights are made from lead, Iron X will change the lead color to green. However light agitation will recover the original color.
Will Iron X affect brake calipers ?
For most high end calipers it will not affect them however we have heard from customers in the past that Iron X can affect the paint color of low quality acrylic painted calipers. For this reason we advise you to be more careful not to spray on them.
Will Iron X remove wax from car paint?
Yes, if it’s a highly organic oil type it will affect the wax properties. If it’s a synthetic polymer sealant it won’t affect it much. On Cquartz or other inorganic coatings it won’t affect them at all. In fact it is even recommended for use on them.
Does Iron X remove tar spots as well?
No, Iron X reacts only with iron particles .
Is Iron X safe to use on 3M films venture-shields?
Yes, there is no problem at all using it on clear bra's and others.
Why does it smell so bad?
This is the nature of the chemical used, you cannot avoid this. If it doesn’t smell so strong it means it has very little effect on iron or is a very diluted or inferior formula. We do advise you to use a facemask and latex (or Nitrile) gloves while using Iron X.
Why Iron X has low to medium viscosity?
The viscosity was the struggle between the best impact with iron and the best/safest way to easily remove it from the surface. If you make the product too thick will not react well with iron particles due to the thickener additives. If you make it too thin there will only be a short reaction time, which will leave some iron behind. With Iron X we have attempted to find the sweet spot between these two challenges to hit the center of the target with our solution.
Can I leave Iron X to dry on the surface?
Yes, you can leave Iron X on the surface to dry, but not under direct sunshine! However I don’t suggest you leave any chemical composition to dry.
How can I remove iron in a more economical way?
There are few ways. Buy in bigger size containers if you know you are going to use it more in future. Buy the eco refill packs, these save the cost for the plastic bottle and triggers + it’s weight for delivery. You don’t need to "soak spray" your car and wheels with Iron X. A light spraying and agitating will do the job as well. Iron X is powerful enough to handle with a few spritz on the surface. Another option is by using a HVLP (high volume low pressure) gun together with air pressure you can save much of the liquid and spray the surface well. Use Iron X Soap Gel for maintenance, using it neat on car surface or wheels will be a powerful iron remover with very low consumption however you will need to agitate and leave on the surface to react.
Product Description
CarPro Iron X 500ml (16 oz)
CarPro Iron X advanced pH-balanced (pH-7) formula safely breaks down ferrous metallic contamination caused by automotive brakes, rail travel, and construction from delicate vehicle surfaces. It can be used on paint, plastic, chrome, glass, and alloy wheels. Iron-X works by forming a water-soluble complex with the iron particles lodged in the surface, allowing them to be rinsed free, and cleaning deeper than washing or claying alone. Available in Original, Lemon Scent, and concentrated Paste formulas for stubborn contaminants, Iron X is the original – and still the best – acid-free iron fallout remover.The IronX Paint and wheels Decontamination System was developed as a method of removing paint contamination beyond what can be removed by washing or claying alone! If you are familiar with detail clay, you know it is capable of removing above surface contaminants that have bonded to the paint. The IronX is designed to remove what lies below the paint surface as well as above.
Airborne chemical compounds and ferrous particles (particles containing iron) actually penetrate the paint and create corrosive compounds that eat deep into the paint's sub-layers or paint’s pin-holes. This is a gradual process that often is not evident until it's too late. Claying does not remove the entire particle which will continue to spread beneath the surface if not dissolved.
During the use of your vehicle, brake dust and road grime become sintered to the surface of the car paint , rims and wheels due to the high temperature conditions they are normally exposed. Brake dust contains high levels of iron and once sintered to the rim, becomes extremely difficult to dissolve or remove without the use of harsh chemicals. Iron X opens up the paint's pores to release ferrous particles and to neutralize caustic compounds that have developed in the paint's subsurface. Ongoing damage is immediately stopped and future damage is prevented by removing the ferrous particles.
Iron X sprays on as a transparent liquid. As the cleansing liquid begins to work into the dirt and grime, the formula begins to turn purple/ red. The purple/red coloration is the Iron X Cleaner forming a bond to the sintered iron on the car paint and wheel and changing its state to a water soluble complex for easy removal. Stubborn, baked on grime may take a small amount of agitation. Rinse car paint and wheels thoroughly with a power washer and wipe dry.
CarPro Iron X is used by body shops for pre-cleaning prior to detailing and by dealerships for new and used car prep. It is proven to deliver a clean, glassy smooth vehicle that is protected from the harmful effects of paint contamination. No other is as fast and effective at removing multi-layer paint and wheels contamination.
Features:
- Removes Iron Particles and prevents the spread of iron-related damage & helps to protect your vehicle from paint system failure.
- New Formula combines Cherry perfume to aid in masking Iron Dissolving Chemicals
- Safe to use, Acid Free, and pH neutral (pH 6-7).
- Safe to use on Clear Coat Paint
- Safe to use on Aluminum, Chrome, Alloy, or Clear coated wheels.
- Safe for use on all solid car surfaces and will not deteriorate clear coats. (Avoid using on Fabric Convertible tops)
Iron X Facts and Frequently Asked Questions:
How iron particles appear on your car surface and where?Iron particles are all around us, and ofcourse on our cars after traveling through the environment. They can be made from your car braking, driving near other cars, big trucks, train rails, industrial zones etc. They adhere to the car surface and once they "stick" to your paint due to there sharp edges together with sunshine they start to bake into the soft car paint layer where they oxidize and rust.
How to prevent iron dust from etching your paint ?
It’s almost impossible to prevent the irons to stick on the surface , but it has been proven that inorganic coatings (such as Cquartz & C1) that have self-cleaning effects can reduce the quantity of iron that adheres to the surface.
How to remove iron particles from surface?
There are few options. Clay bar is one of them however claying will remove most of the irons by shaving them, which leaves some underneath the surface where it cannot reach. Also clay could possibly mar your paint with micro scratches together with the iron it catches. Another option is by oxalic acid solutions. Though it may remove iron you can’t be sure it is safe on paint, which depends on dilution (low pH ), and it’s not safe to use for your own health and environment. The third option is by Iron X, a pH neutral product, which reacts only with iron particles which it dissolves. IronX contains a specific chemical that reacts aggressively with iron… BUT and it’s big but, this chemical is very unstable if not mixed in the right % ,its sensitive to heat as well. This means it can even react with open air and change color to red/purple without any contact with iron!
Why it changes its color ?
Iron X changes color to red/purple when coming in contact with iron particles, this is due to chemical reaction between the chemicals and iron. However some other products change colors as well. The change in color does not necessarily mean a product is dissolving iron. There are very cheap chemicals that change their character simply by contact with air.
Why the bottle is transparent?
We use transparent bottles so the customers can see if color of liquid has reacted, with the metal spring inside the sprayer or even in the open-air contact,. Once the color changes it is loosing some of its strength. However with Iron X it is still very strong even if it becomes a pink color.
Why we now use special full plastic spray heads?
In the past we faced complains about the changing color inside the bottle. this was due to the metal spring inside the spray head, which most triggers use including the so-called chemical resistant types. These spring are mostly made in China and have rust on them from their creation. That was why we recently started using only plastic springs inside the triggers. This way no more possibility of reaction with any irons until the product is used. The new triggers are marked with small stickers on them, to define from old ones.
Will Iron X stain chrome wheels or chrome trims?
No, it’s completely safe to use on any chrome wheels, trim, or bare aluminum wheels. There is only one condition: Do not let it dry under sun light
Will Iron X discolor wheel weights ?
Yes, it will. Wheel weights are made from lead, Iron X will change the lead color to green. However light agitation will recover the original color.
Will Iron X affect brake calipers ?
For most high end calipers it will not affect them however we have heard from customers in the past that Iron X can affect the paint color of low quality acrylic painted calipers. For this reason we advise you to be more careful not to spray on them.
Will Iron X remove wax from car paint?
Yes, if it’s a highly organic oil type it will affect the wax properties. If it’s a synthetic polymer sealant it won’t affect it much. On Cquartz or other inorganic coatings it won’t affect them at all. In fact it is even recommended for use on them.
Does Iron X remove tar spots as well?
No, Iron X reacts only with iron particles .
Is Iron X safe to use on 3M films venture-shields?
Yes, there is no problem at all using it on clear bra's and others.
Why does it smell so bad?
This is the nature of the chemical used, you cannot avoid this. If it doesn’t smell so strong it means it has very little effect on iron or is a very diluted or inferior formula. We do advise you to use a facemask and latex (or Nitrile) gloves while using Iron X.
Why Iron X has low to medium viscosity?
The viscosity was the struggle between the best impact with iron and the best/safest way to easily remove it from the surface. If you make the product too thick will not react well with iron particles due to the thickener additives. If you make it too thin there will only be a short reaction time, which will leave some iron behind. With Iron X we have attempted to find the sweet spot between these two challenges to hit the center of the target with our solution.
Can I leave Iron X to dry on the surface?
Yes, you can leave Iron X on the surface to dry, but not under direct sunshine! However I don’t suggest you leave any chemical composition to dry.
How can I remove iron in a more economical way?
There are few ways. Buy in bigger size containers if you know you are going to use it more in future. Buy the eco refill packs, these save the cost for the plastic bottle and triggers + it’s weight for delivery. You don’t need to "soak spray" your car and wheels with Iron X. A light spraying and agitating will do the job as well. Iron X is powerful enough to handle with a few spritz on the surface. Another option is by using a HVLP (high volume low pressure) gun together with air pressure you can save much of the liquid and spray the surface well. Use Iron X Soap Gel for maintenance, using it neat on car surface or wheels will be a powerful iron remover with very low consumption however you will need to agitate and leave on the surface to react.
Last edited by hachiroku; 01-31-2017 at 01:41 PM.
#31
Super Member
I have those 18" AMG rims and they are easy to clean. Regular car wash detergent should do it.
The matte black 19" AMG rims are a different story. I can't get all the brake dust off, even after just a summer of use, and I wash it regularly. Any advice on what to use? Have tried Dr Beasley's Intensive and matte wheel cleaners, which didn't remove it completely.
The matte black 19" AMG rims are a different story. I can't get all the brake dust off, even after just a summer of use, and I wash it regularly. Any advice on what to use? Have tried Dr Beasley's Intensive and matte wheel cleaners, which didn't remove it completely.
When I had my 507, I used Windex, non-ammonia and it did a fantastic job on the matte wheels. I picked up the tip from a Murcielago owner who had matte everything! I miss that car.
#32
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
Oh wow, thanks. Will try Windex! There is a small amount of brake dust that just won't come off. Very annoying. And it happened within a few months of being brand new - despite the fact that I washed it every 2-3 weeks.
Was going to try Sonax and a pressure washer.
Was going to try Sonax and a pressure washer.
#34
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
I have all the Beesley's stuff. The matt cleaner doesn't work on these wheels. Neither does the intensive brake dust cleaner. So the sealant is not the issue. Need to clean them first!
note that I'm specifically talking about the 19" matte wheels.
note that I'm specifically talking about the 19" matte wheels.
#35
Super Member
Exactly. I had your wheels for two years and when I brought them back, everyone was amazed at how clean they were. Every morning, or every other morning, as I am obsessive about this stuff, I would clean them. They looked amazing and ultimately a better brake pad that didn't disintegrate would be a worthwhile option.
My Z06 has black painted wheels, so different finish, and I had them coated in CQuartz Finest and used Meguiar's quick detailer and that does a fantastic job, but would be a bad option on the matte finish.
#36
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
Am not finding no ammonia Windex... are you sure this is correct?
There is Original, Ammonia D, Vinegar, multi-surface...
There is Original, Ammonia D, Vinegar, multi-surface...
Last edited by Surge; 02-24-2017 at 02:12 PM.
#37
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'13 C63 AMG P31
Have you tried Chemical Guys Matte Auto Wash? It's a good soap/wash product. It cleans my matte wheels without leaving them looking dry. http://www.chemicalguys.com/Meticulo...cws_995_16.htm
Been using that Chemical Guys wash and the Beasley sealant (as a final wipedown) and my wheels still look brand new. No fading, discoloring or anything after 1.5 years.
#38
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
I think if I had sealed them with Beasley's when they were brand new, that would have been great.
Thanks - will try the Chemical Guys Matte Auto Wash!
Thanks - will try the Chemical Guys Matte Auto Wash!
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#41
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2014 C63 Edition 507
Beasley's works ok for me
A couple photos from my pre-hibernation detail - not the best for the wheels, I know:
#42
I really like Optimum products. Using their Opti-Clean detailing spray with a brush cleans wheels and tires instantly. I use a bucket to rinse the brush and wipe off after the initial spraying and brushing. It's the same product I use on the rest of the car between deeper two-bucket cleaning/detailing.
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-clean-128.html
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-clean-128.html