Are your exhaust tips getting this dirty ?

[SkipSauls]

My 2007 335i had the same issue, and it seems to be related to the N54/N55 turbo engines. If you don't clean it every now and then it can really bake on and become very hard to remove. I found that chrome polish worked okay, but an even better solution is this stuff:

I've been able to find it at my local AutoZone, and a single can lasted a long time. You simply grab a piece of the cotton wadding and rub it on the exhaust tips, then wipe off the residue. The solvent (or whatever) in the wadding makes quick work of the soot, dirt, etc.

My X5 35d always has very clean exhaust tips. I know that diesels aren't completely clean and green, but I don't mind having relatively maintenance-free exhaust tips.

[jeremym]

Originally Posted by SkipSauls

The solvent (or whatever) in the wadding makes quick work of the soot, dirt, etc.

How's that stuff on the paint? I imagine it's a bit tough to get everything given the cut out in the bumper doesn't allow for a ton of space. I'm interested, but I have large hands and really don't feel like having super shiny tips with paint marks around them.

[SkipSauls]

Originally Posted by jeremym

How's that stuff on the paint? I imagine it's a bit tough to get everything given the cut out in the bumper doesn't allow for a ton of space. I'm interested, but I have large hands and really don't feel like having super shiny tips with paint marks around them.

On my 335i the bumper was similarly close to the tips, and I also have large hands, but it was no problem using the wadding to clean things up nicely. The wadding is cotton and is only as thick as the piece you tear off , and the solvent doesn't rub off or otherwise damage the finish on the bumper. I simply wiped off any that got on the bumper, and after four years of it the paint was still perfect.

[JCL]

I've used Autosol ever since my motorcycle days. A very small dab, and a rag, works perfectly.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by JCL

I've used Autosol ever since my motorcycle days. A very small dab, and a rag, works perfectly.

neat, do you know if it helps prevent build-up too? I'm also hoping it can somehow lead to keeping the drip to a minimum.

[Jordo]

15 years ago you would not have had this issue. The quality of fuel today is less then bad. What you are seeing is all of the "fillers" in the fuel collecting on the tip. (ethenol)

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by Jordo

15 years ago you would not have had this issue. The quality of fuel today is less then bad. What you are seeing is all of the "fillers" in the fuel collecting on the tip. (ethenol)

this ethanol is crap. Where can i get pure quality gasoline?!

[Jordo]

There is a "Getty" gas station close to my house. They even put up a sign, "No Ethanol" ! (picture is not current, but sign is still there)

[soldmystang]

i hate it when soot collects on the tip. i just bang it on the bedpost and that usually knocks the slag loose.

[Naz24]

The worst are the X5/6Ms. If the owners arent on top of it, those tailpipes get TRASHED! I've seen some with ~1000 miles that are done-zo