here: http://twrite.org/shogunnew/check/alerts.html

and more:
Always wear safety goggles, gloves and an apron to keep clean and stay protected.

Some general tips:

Clean the engine bay before washing the vehicle so that any grease and dirt that lands on the vehicle during engine bay cleaning will simply be washed off during the wash step.

Use a fender protector or drape wet towels over the front fenders to protect the paint from the spotting and streaking that can occur when using strong cleaners and degreasers. This also protects the finish from scratching while you lean over the fenders to work on the engine bay. Watches, jewelry and belt buckles can also cause scratches.

The computer and electronic modules of many BMW’s are located in a separate compartment in the upper left- or right-hand corners of the engine bay. Keep water out of this area to reduce the possibility of damage to these vital engine components. You can wipe them with a damp towel to clean off any dirt or dust.

A dressed BMW engine looks incredible, but it can also attract dust very quickly. Be sure to wipe off any excess dressing with a clean towel.

Read on, for a recommended engine cleaning procedure from BMW is given below.

Should you steam clean your engine?

Make sure engine cleaning is legal in your area first!

Some communities have very restrictive laws about automotive fluid runoff, including the runoff from engine steam cleaning. Some can impose heavy fines if you even add motor oil to a car parked on a public street!

In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a free guideline for vehicle maintenance including info on reducing garage wastes. Here is a sample of what the EPA says:

Whether you are tuning an engine, replacing a battery, changing the oil, or doing body work, your vehicle maintenance operations probably generate hazardous wastes. That means you must follow regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) under a law called the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Under RCRA, you are required to follow certain practices and procedures associated with the safe management of hazardous waste.

For more information, check our links below.

Should you steam clean your engine? BMW says don’t do it!

BMW first issued a warning against high-pressure engine steam cleaning on its vehicles in 1989.

BMW says high-pressure steam cleaning can force solutions into the engine harness sheath and associated cables, causing unusual problems that would not have occurred otherwise. BMW engine harness multi-plugs and related sealing measures are not designed to be subjected to the discharge velocity and force of typical commercial steam cleaning units. Further, cleaning solutions with the high-pressure discharge can leave conductive and often corrosive residues deep within the harness and cables.

BMW says its engines are rarely so encrusted with automotive residues and dirt that normal, low-pressure degreasing methods fail to provide proper, efficient cleaning. High-pressure engine steam cleaning is unnecessary and should be restricted to extreme cleaning jobs, such as commercial trucks, off-road vehicles, etc.




Here is the engine washing procedure recommended by BMW:

Bring the engine to operating temperature, and switch the engine Off.

Cover or shield any component--such as the ignition distributor, multi-connectors, etc.--in the area to be cleaned with plastic sheeting.

Apply engine degreaser or general engine cleaning solvent to the dirty area, allowing it to soak for at least five minutes.

Spray warm water on the area to be cleaned, flushing the solvent and the contaminants.

Do not aim the water spray directly at components. Do not use the water spray any longer than necessary. Do not wash the entire engine compartment when only one area requires degreasing, such as the front crankshaft radial seal, M20 oil filter replacement, etc.

Blow the cleaned area dry immediately with moderate-pressure compressed air.

Start the engine immediately and road test the vehicle to confirm satisfactory operation.

BMW says it will not honor warranty claims for components damaged by improper engine cleaning.

http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/repai...ing/engine.htm