I guess my main question is, would one time be bad for it? I really need it cleaned today and I don't have time to take it to a friends etc...

 

Oh sure....just one time. Next thing you know you're doing it more and more. Then you start lying about it, making up stories, trying to tell yourself you can quit any time you want.....Don't do it man! It isn't worth it. Don't take the first step on that downward spiral!!!!

I don't know man. If I was in your situation, I'd see if I could wash it at a friend's house. But If I was in a hurry and didn't wanna deal with spending the extra time, I would probably just wait til I had time. But I reallly wouldn't do the automatic.

 

Try one of the waterless car wash products - the appartment complex shouldn't compalin about that...

 

The drainage system of the top is not designed for high pressure. You will overwhelm the gutter, and you will get water in the trunk. The seals around the windows are the same. If a jet of water hits them just right water will spray into the cabin. I use the guns at the manual wash, but I stay away from anything above the doors. Don't even look at the brush on the wall. It's sandpaper on a stick. Most places won't mind if you show up after peak wash times and use a mit. No buckets, but just a mit to scrub with.

 

i did it once before (not thinking), and the top was fine. no leaks even.

but my antenna is not ok. it wasnt touchless, and now the antenna it has a bend. it looks like a broken leg.

i dont know about touchless nor the long term consequences. i wouldnt do it regularly just because i would expect it to beat up the weatherstripping, but that's an opinion without a strong factual basis.

 

I bet you won't do it.

 

I wash mine at the local freedom wash every once in a while. I use the manual one and I never aim the sprayer at the windows, top or seals. I have yet to have a problem. I usually clean it in front of my house now and use a micro fiber mitt that I wash after every wash along with all the towels that I use in the process.

 

I have taken my S though Autobells car wash about once a week because I get free washes. If ANYTHING OEM breaks or cracks or damanged in anyway they will pay for it stright from the dealership. The wash they have is not high pressured neither. If you buy autogloss it sprays "protectant" on your paint at the end of the wash it is soposed to be like a thin layer of wax. But that just might be marketing bs.
Anyways after 15+ time through the wash no problems.

 

Please dont...

 

I wash mine at a self wash. Bring my own soap, bucket, and sponge. I just use their rinse (on low pressure).

I'd wash it at home but we're under a water ban.