[pdogg93]

My problem is these scummy marks on my aluminum trim seemingly impossible to wash off. Any ideas? Thanks alot

[335i Pal]

I have the same problem any ideas from anyone would be great...besides covering it

[arctic330i]

There is no fix, I looked for one for months. Ended up painting the trim black. I did lightly sand it and got a brushed look but it got the water marks again.

[pdogg93]

Originally Posted by arctic330i

There is no fix, I looked for one for months. Ended up painting the trim black. I did lightly sand it and got a brushed look but it got the water marks again.

Wow no fix huh? That sucks. I wonder what causes it?

[MidwestGolfBum]

Originally Posted by pdogg93

Wow no fix huh? That sucks. I wonder what causes it?

Cheap products. Been a complaint forever. Got mine replaced under warranty when the dealer couldn't do anything to get rid of the oxidization that was on mine.

[drvai]

There is no solution. Go to a body shop and get them painted.

[BMXtreme]

Still under warranty? When my E90 was under warranty, the dealer replaced them.

[skins333]

i use nevr dull polish- looks better enough to satisfy me

[JIM E92]

There is definitely a fix for this. I had the same thing on mine. All thats necessary is a simple buff using a mild polishing compound and a random orbital buffer. I used Griot's Machine Polish 3. Looks like new now.

[///M3NACE]

i tried to get the dealer to get it fixed they blamed it on my soap i used. For some odd reason why went away well most of them.

[JTracy223]

i know this is from forever ago but.... Mothers aluminum & magnesium cleaner and a ton of elbow greese will clear them right up! i had the same problem and this was my solution

[jeffvb9]

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

i tried to get the dealer to get it fixed they blamed it on my soap i used. For some odd reason why went away well most of them.

This is their standard answer. When I was still under warranty they replaced it for me but a year later its back for me too.

I think I may be wrapping with 3m 1080. Now do I go gloss or matte black?

[Lulz_M3]

Porter Cable + Surbuf + M105 = great success

[pwner4once]

Originally Posted by JTracy223

i know this is from forever ago but.... Mothers aluminum & magnesium cleaner and a ton of elbow greese will clear them right up! i had the same problem and this was my solution

How does the trim look in the long term?
By applying Mothers alum cleaner, you are getting rid of the anodized or the natural oxide layer, which in theory prevents oxidation

[kpcoupe]

i have incredibly similar residue on my trim, it almost looks like water marks. I just put quick wax, like turtle instant wax and it looks brand new again. its not a permanent solution, but it will look good until its been washed away like in a lot of rain.

[TurboCraig]

Guys that have painted...

How long has it been since you painted the trim pieces?

Any signs of chipping, cracking, etc?

What type of paint did you use? Rattle can, I assume..

TIA

-Craig

[F3_BMW]

Don't quote me on this but I remember seeing this on Myth Busters but Coke and Aluminum foil. I remember them cleaning the front of a chrome bumper making it look like new.

I would look this up before trying it or try it on a place you can't see.

[Slow_335i]

Has anyone tried using a buffer on this?

[JTracy223]

Originally Posted by pwner4once

How does the trim look in the long term?
By applying Mothers alum cleaner, you are getting rid of the anodized or the natural oxide layer, which in theory prevents oxidation

When i bought the car it looked terrible, after i did the cleaning the car was garaged every night since then so it has not come back thankfully, because it took a ton of elbow grease to get it off with the alum/mag cleaner.

[BMW335icoupe]

I have the black shadow line trim and have the same thing. Any ideas how to get it off.