[Dereleek]

Does anyone else get grease and oil on the panels just below the drivers and passenger doors? Every time I detail my car I get some type of oil residue that seems to run from the opening under each door. The only thing that will take this off is WD-40...as the car wash itself isn't strong enough and I don't want to use too much elbow grease.

I also use WD-40 and a toothbrush for the exhaust pipes. Just wondering if anyone else gets this around their door panels and what they use to get it off.

Thanks.

[NiVeDh]

Maybe you should try a degreaser of some sort. Doesn't WD-40 leave an oily film of its own?

[BK]

On the exhaust, if you prefer to use a petroleum based product, try Nevr-Dull wadding polish. It's made for chrome and works very well on the exhaust. As for the stuff dripping in the doors, it's probably cosmoline, which coats the car during delivery and tends to stay in little cracks and crevices for a long while after delivery.

[328i]

Try stoner's tarminator for the cosmoline near the doors, it works well. Always rewax after using it though.

[FLA 335]

use 1Z einszett Anti-Insekt Bug + Tar Remover

http://www.detailersdomain.com/1zein...arremover.aspx

i drive through a highway construction site so i have have been picking up some filth. I spray for 2 to 3 minutes wash with regular car wash soap/water and good as new...

first couple times i washed the car i had the same problem, and then i realized you need to use some type for degreaser which is easy on the clear coat/wax... this does the trick for me...

[JayKay335i]

Meguires bug and tar remover. That crap takes everything off. I had great luck getting 3000 miles worth of tar off the side skirts after a cross country trip.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by BK

As for the stuff dripping in the doors, it's probably cosmoline, which coats the car during delivery and tends to stay in little cracks and crevices for a long while after delivery.

Man, that cosmoline is a BITCH! I was like a man possessed trying to remove every trace of it and still it lingers on. Just when I think it's all gone, some more rears its ugly head.

[TOGWT]

Cosmoline

Is a protection that was used on imported new cars during shipment; it is applied to the paint film surface, engine and wheels to provide a barrier against exposure to the elements.
Cosmoline is no longer used in the US as it is not environmentally sound, but it is still used on imports (BMW, Porsche, VW, Mercedes-Benz, etc); using a petroleum-based solvent to remove it can do irreversible harm to the vehicle finish.

By using a non-caustic, acid-free, d-Limonene (citrus) based, biodegradable cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash or Zymöl Strik™ Cosmoline Remover and Engine Cleaner ) will avoid any damage and safely remove the Cosmoline, or any oils or grease that may have been applied for protection. Most manufacturers now use plastic film and / or a blend of paraffin and synthetic waxes, but mainly paraffin

Notes- Use caution if you use WD-40 as it contains strong hydrocarbon (aliphatic) solvents, which may cause the paint surface to become clouded (opaque) or compromise non-neoprene rubber, it is also highly flammable (easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames) Don’t let it drip onto the brake pads as they will become ineffective and / or grab and squeal (MSDS) – http://bit.ly/7mEGSb

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by TOGWT

Cosmoline

Is a protection that was used on imported new cars during shipment; it is applied to the paint film surface, engine and wheels to provide a barrier against exposure to the elements.
Cosmoline is no longer used in the US as it is not environmentally sound, but it is still used on imports (BMW, Porsche, VW, Mercedes-Benz, etc); using a petroleum-based solvent to remove it can do irreversible harm to the vehicle finish.

By using a non-caustic, acid-free, d-Limonene (citrus) based, biodegradable cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash or Zymöl Strik™ Cosmoline Remover and Engine Cleaner ) will avoid any damage and safely remove the Cosmoline, or any oils or grease that may have been applied for protection. Most manufacturers now use plastic film and / or a blend of paraffin and synthetic waxes, but mainly paraffin

Notes- Use caution if you use WD-40 as it contains strong hydrocarbon (aliphatic) solvents, which may cause the paint surface to become clouded (opaque) or compromise non-neoprene rubber, it is also highly flammable (easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames) Don’t let it drip onto the brake pads as they will become ineffective and / or grab and squeal (MSDS) – http://bit.ly/7mEGSb

It's still a bitch!