[c416]

Guys,
After putting my car through Shell's touchless car wash, the black shadow lining from the sports package has discolouration. You can see different colours and it looks pretty bad.

What's up? anyone experience this?

as well, the windshield wipers changed colours as well, it's now off black.

this is so bad.haha..

[Three3OH]

You are not alone. I was interested in swapping out my chrome window trim until I saw another person's shadowline trim in person. It too, had sort of a "rainbow effect" due to discoloration from sun exposure, chemicals, temperature, etc. Even my chrome trim is starting to look dull or faded in certain places. It must be characteristic with the finish/process they are using at the factory. The only other option to consider is having it covered in vinyl like many forum members have done. This may be the route I take if I can no longer live with the tarnished chrome appearance of my existing trim. Whatever you do, DON"T have it painted. According to people I have spoken with and my local body shop it will end up chipping/flaking off and looking even worse than before. Hopefully a member here will chime in with a recommendation for a conditioner or protectant that will prevent further discoloration of your trim.

[tolkino]

I'm in the same situation as well, its starting to look really bad. And the bad thing is I dont know where else to have it washed, I wouldnt even do soft cloth car wash because anything scratches this car

[c416]

I thought it was just mine. I would think this should be a factory issue or recall potential. This shouldn't happen the first time the car goes through a car wash.

[c416]

i've tried that with my detail cleaner, doesn't work wonder if window cleaner will work

[ELITE_TRAYUNZE]

Can one of you guys post pics so I know what you're talking about?

Thanks

[///M3Lover]

i never liked BMW's gloss black trim.

Mine M3 came with matte black trim and never had a problem.

[Kingspartan1]

Hi,

For those who have a discoloration problem on their chrome window trim just apply some wax and buff it off after a few minutes. This should take off all the oxidation which is causing the discoloration. Or, go get some chrome polish and do the same. Should come out really nice.

Lemme know your results.

[lcs]

can you post some pictures??

[c416]

it's too ugly for pictures.

It's just the lining looks like it's greasy and has weird rainbow colouring to it.
it's pretty ugly. I don't even want to look at it.

[lcs]

would using Black WOW help?

[SGxi]

The glossy trims would develop a rainbow colour after awhile... so it's best to only hand wash your car with something that's not as strong as the car wash detergents...

This also applies to the matt finish metal trim pieces too (not necessarily on BMWs), except it will turn a cloudy white which is also really ugly.

[halB]

I had a 530Xi with MTech for three years until I returned it at the end of the lease and I had that problem since day one. Now my Mercedes has the same issue, but it is less severe and is only limited to the window bottom trim.

I don't think BMW will recall it.

Don't panic. It comes off completley with a good plastic polisher but it will take some elbow grease.

[boymonkey]

Is it soap or wet wax residue from the car wash?

[335ifanatic]

Originally Posted by SGxi

The glossy trims would develop a rainbow colour after awhile... so it's best to only hand wash your car with something that's not as strong as the car wash detergents...

+1.

I never, ever use touchless car washes. The soaps and waxes they use are really bad for your paint.

One thing you might want to try is washing your car with dish soap, this will strip all wax and soap on your car and give you a fresh surface to work with.

[Balzz]

Are you sure it's the touchless? I only get that rainbow effect on the lower trim of the driver side which leads me to think it's the oils from my skin. It also cleans off pretty easily for me.