Has anyone noticed defects with there window trim finish?

tims210 · #1 09-13-2008, 12:03 PM

I just started looking at used 2000-2005 X5's and all of the one's I have inspected have had a stained appearance to the black trim around the door windows (see photo, and sorry for picking on your car Michelle). Is this a regular occurance? Can this be worked out of the paint or am I stuck with trim replacement?

Thanks,

Tim

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mrbmwx5 · #2 09-13-2008, 12:07 PM

yeah mine turned to gray looking.

primetime · #3 09-13-2008, 12:10 PM

I use Mother's Hand wax with a microfiber towel...it takes it right out..or it covers it up, either way it makes it look invisible... that discoloration is usually due to soap from car washing...its a pain in the ass...you can also use a buffer to buff it out too. but if you don't have a buffer just use hand wax..it works..

Bimmer Ese · #4 09-13-2008, 01:24 PM

I notice many X5's have that "glossy" finish. Mine are basically flat black (stained too).

Daniel

dkl · #5 09-13-2008, 02:23 PM

I think the 4.4i have the glossy finish while the 3.0i have the flat finish. My flat finish trim pieces are all staining pretty badly as well. The roof rack is fading to a gray-ish color as well. Mother's back to black didn't help much on these trim and roof rack, but does wonders for the rest of the plastics. If it bothers you that much, the carbon finish trim may be an alternative. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than having all the trim pieces replaced.

Bimmer Ese · #6 09-13-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkl

I think the 4.4i have the glossy finish while the 3.0i have the flat finish. My flat finish trim pieces are all staining pretty badly as well. The roof rack is fading to a gray-ish color as well. Mother's back to black didn't help much on these trim and roof rack, but does wonders for the rest of the plastics. If it bothers you that much, the carbon finish trim may be an alternative. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than having all the trim pieces replaced.

I ended up painting my roof rack with black charcoal grill paint. Looks pretty awesome too! It gave it that flat black finish. And it's good with the heat too.

Brit6 · #7 09-13-2008, 08:54 PM

The article below has a good read to tell what options you have.

Like said above, most of the discolouration or stains can be removed or buffed out

Good Luck!

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/g...tml#post321572

tims210 · #8 09-13-2008, 10:46 PM

The one's I looked at where 4.6is models and the trim was glossy. From the link to the article above I guess they are anodized aluminum with a clear coat. If the deterioration is coming from the anodized level than all of the polishing and compounding in the world will not bring them back. Can anyone confirm this?