Chrome trim, real or faux

[Grifffx4]

I have a coworker whose father has a 2001 BMW 740. He has some type of film or residue on his chrome trim around the door windows. It's white-ish clear. I only was able to get a quick look a few days ago. It's almost like oxidation but I was able to touch it and see my finger print almost as if the oils in my finger reduced the haze...

My question what should I use to clean this trim?

Also, I don't know if it's real metal chrome or that fake coating stuff. What will work on both or is safe on the fake chrome?

 

[Rsurfer]

I have a coworker whose father has a 2001 BMW 740. He has some type of film or residue on his chrome trim around the door windows. It's white-ish clear. I only was able to get a quick look a few days ago. It's almost like oxidation but I was able to touch it and see my finger print almost as if the oils in my finger reduced the haze...

My question what should I use to clean this trim?

Also, I don't know if it's real metal chrome or that fake coating stuff. What will work on both or is safe on the fake chrome?

It sounds like mineral deposits. Duragloss Nu Glass will remove it.

 

[allenk4]

Careful.....there is a thread on here somewhere about special trim.on some high end euro lux that is really sensitive and has a special finish on it

Hopefully, more Forum Members with direct experience with this particular vehicle will chime in.

Close-up pictures will greatly improve your chances of getting accurate input

 

[wdmaccord]

I just did a Lexus RX this weekend that had plastic chrome strips near the bottom of the doors. They had rust spots on them. IronX did nothing, so I tried M105 on a MF hand applicator, and viola! Came out perfect and I didn't need to follow with a polish or anything. They looked brand new. Sealed em up with BFCS along with the rest of the car.

 

[Kingston]

Again, simple. Light compound first. Heavier if needed. Then polish. Its just oxidation.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online

 

[swanicyouth]

Do they look like this:

If so, IME abrasive polishes will only make them worse. These are plastic bits and the finish is oxidized and failing. No abrasive polish will bring them back - because it's not paint. It's plastic with a chrome coating/plating that is failing from environmental exposure, acid rain, & UV light. This is a common problem on 2000s BMWs.

Some options:

1. Replace them (major $$$)

2. Tape them off, sand them - then paint them satin black. Popular fix.

3. Wrap them in satin black vinyl (removal requires a lot of labor)

4. Bavarian Auto sells a kit just for this problem. It involves wet sanding and reapplying a coating. See pic:

Probably easiest fix.

 

[Kingston]

That "fix" is a joke. Been there many times. Light compound first. Man, I need to start selling miracle products for $60 that take the place of products we all already own. If compound doesnt work, nothing will but replace or repaint. Seen it 1,000 times before. Yes its clear plastic coated trim. The "fix" is just temporary clear coat. Lasts no time at all.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online

 

[swanicyouth]

That "fix" is a joke. Been there many times. Light compound first. Man, I need to start selling miracle products for $60 that take the place of products we all already own. If compound doesnt work, nothing will but replace or repaint. Seen it 1,000 times before. Yes its clear plastic coated trim. The "fix" is just temporary clear coat. Lasts no time at all.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online

I didn't think it was a joke. A lot of people have used this kit on BMW forums and tend to like it. I don't believe the "coating" is supposed to be a permanent fix - but reapplied prn like any trim restorer product. I'm also missing how it replaces a product you already own?

A quick search led me to these photos. Pretty impressive looking way of restoring the factory look if you ask me...

Before:

After:

Here is some chit chat on this kit on BimmerForums and some users thoughts:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?929152-Good-deoxidizer-for-aluminum-trim

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2113150-Chrome-aluminum-trim-deoxidizer

 

[Grifffx4]

Thanks for the help guys. Those pics do look similar but hard to tell in the pic.

I'm going to have him drive his fathers BMW back to work and get some pics to show later this week.

Thanks again.

 

[2.ooohhh]

The BMW trim around the windows IS NOT plastic. It is anodized aluminum. I use trimcoat's aluminum products on it and the results are typically fantastic.

Trimcoat can be purchased here

Even on full restorations I often suggest use of trim coat to restore BMW bright work so long as it isn't dented or bent.

Before

After

Chris's build thread

 

[allenk4]

I don't know Kingston, but Swanicyouth is highly respected here on the Forum, so I would lean that way heavily.

Whatever you...a Test Spot in an inconspicuous place.

Good Luck

 

[Kingston]

Agree, swancy is great, but we clean about 10 BMW's a week , so I have, at least, a decent idea of what works.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online

 

[Tacket]

Another cheap option if the trim is past the point of no return is Plasti Dip. Super easy to apply via spray can. Comes in all sorts of colors including aluminum.

 

[Kingston]

Almost mentioned this. Plasti-dip is really coming up in the world. So many uses.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using AG Online

 

[swanicyouth]

The BMW trim around the windows IS NOT plastic. It is anodized aluminum. I use trimcoat's aluminum products on it and the results are typically fantastic.

Trimcoat can be purchased here

Even on full restorations I often suggest use of trim coat to restore BMW bright work so long as it isn't dented or bent.

Before

After

Chris's build thread

This is an E30. Last year of production was 1991. They switched to plastic some point after that - I'm pretty confident it was by 2001 (OPs car).

 

[2.ooohhh]

This is an E30. Last year of production was 1991. They switched to plastic some point after that - I'm pretty confident it was by 2001 (OPs car).

My e36, e46, e38(OP's chassis), and e90 ALL also have/had aluminum window trim(now the front grills, and interior trim are plastic)

I've owned a few dozen BMWs and yet to have one with plastic window trim but I've not owned anything newer than 2006.

 

[phens82]

Be careful. I have an '06 Audi and this problem has driven me nuts since the day I bought it (bought it used in 2010)... P21S Polishing Soap was recommended. I taped off and rubbed like crazy... and I think I made it slightly better, but if I was a professional detailer I would have to say that it was not an effective use of time. It's also possible that my technique wasn't good (too little polishing soap maybe?) - your mileage may vary, but I'll say this: don't assume that you should use a metal polish because it looks like metal.

 

[Grifffx4]

I got him to bring his fathers car in today.

Here's the pics I said I would get. It looks as if I can clear some up with rubbing my finger on it. Again as if oils in my finger do something to it. You can see the spots I made on the trim in the 2nd pic.
View attachment 29227

View attachment 29228