Stains on brushed aluminium trim

davea300 · 08-10-2009, 07:05 AM

Just picked up my 318 at the weekend. I understand why everyone likes the 3 series so much. Brilliant car, wish I'd bought one years ago!

One problem that's annoying me. There are some stains on the aluminium trim around the gear lever. I think it might be ink or oil. I've tried autoglym leather/interior cleaner but didn't work at all. Anyone got any ideas what I can safely use on it to try and get these out? Interior is perfect apart from these!

I've got some really strong stuff I used to get lead based paint off my other car but not sure if it will be safe on the aluminium trim.

Carrera RSR · 08-10-2009, 08:27 AM

It all depends on what the gear lever has been used for and what has dripped on to the trim!

Try Bar Keepers Friend. My wife uses it to keep all our stainless steel/metal items clean and grease/oil free.

davea300 · 08-10-2009, 08:44 AM

Sorry should have said, it's the plastic, aluminium coloured, trim that is on the whole of the centre console and on the dash.

Would that be safe to try on it?

p.s. just read your thread on suspension noise, hope they fix it this week! Sounds like a pain!

Carrera RSR · 08-10-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davea300

Sorry should have said, it's the plastic, aluminium coloured, trim that is on the whole of the centre console and on the dash.

Would that be safe to try on it?

p.s. just read your thread on suspension noise, hope they fix it this week! Sounds like a pain!

No only use BKF on metal or glass as it is slightly abrassive. If it is a plastic trim try light rubbing with Auto Glym Super Resin Polish. Very slightly abrasive but will polish out any surface marks to a smooth finish. If the plastic isn't smooth then I am unsure what to use other than warm soapy water.

davea300 · 08-10-2009, 12:02 PM

Yup it's the smooth trim around the gear stick. Might try the resin polish tonight. Got loads in the garage.

Thanks

mds82 · 08-10-2009, 12:27 PM

Try rubbing alcohol too. that is good at getting most things off.

Dr Dave · 08-10-2009, 03:18 PM

I've seen some very abused gearsticks in my time on the internet (of course) not all stains are what they appear to be. You have been warned!

08-10-2009, 07:05 AM	#1
davea300 Private 11 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X3 2.0d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Stains on brushed aluminium trim Just picked up my 318 at the weekend. I understand why everyone likes the 3 series so much. Brilliant car, wish I'd bought one years ago! One problem that's annoying me. There are some stains on the aluminium trim around the gear lever. I think it might be ink or oil. I've tried autoglym leather/interior cleaner but didn't work at all. Anyone got any ideas what I can safely use on it to try and get these out? Interior is perfect apart from these! I've got some really strong stuff I used to get lead based paint off my other car but not sure if it will be safe on the aluminium trim.
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08-10-2009, 08:27 AM	#2
Carrera RSR Colonel 75 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location: Location: iTrader: (1)	It all depends on what the gear lever has been used for and what has dripped on to the trim! Try Bar Keepers Friend. My wife uses it to keep all our stainless steel/metal items clean and grease/oil free.
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08-10-2009, 08:44 AM	#3
davea300 Private 11 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X3 2.0d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Sorry should have said, it's the plastic, aluminium coloured, trim that is on the whole of the centre console and on the dash. Would that be safe to try on it? p.s. just read your thread on suspension noise, hope they fix it this week! Sounds like a pain!
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08-10-2009, 12:02 PM	#5
davea300 Private 11 Rep 64 Posts Drives: X3 2.0d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Yup it's the smooth trim around the gear stick. Might try the resin polish tonight. Got loads in the garage. Thanks
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08-10-2009, 12:27 PM	#6
mds82 Major General 372 Rep 5,842 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: South Central Connecticut iTrader: (40) Garage List 2006 325xi Snow Pics [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00]	Try rubbing alcohol too. that is good at getting most things off.
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08-10-2009, 03:18 PM	#7
Dr Dave Zummerzet Zyder Drinker! 114 Rep 5,541 Posts Drives: '06 330D Le Mans Blue Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somerset iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 330d M Sport [0.00]	I've seen some very abused gearsticks in my time on the internet (of course) not all stains are what they appear to be. You have been warned! __________________
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