My Wheels (Viewer Discretion Advised)
 

I've only had this car for a few months, and I really need to have the wheels refinished, but in the meantime I'd like to get them as clean as possible. So, I've tried on numerous occasions to get this caked on brake dust off. I've scrubbed for hours, and tried a degreaser on them from CarBrite.

I need tips!
http://i39.tinypic.com/dg2gl4.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/14wq3hi.jpg
(this is the absolute worst wheel of 4)

It might be best to start over with a new set

Doesn't look like they have a sealed surface - I'd go back to the place I bought them and if they are reputable then they should do something for you. If they won't or claim it's you, the wheels are probably low quality and are not going to get better without an investment in repainting or powdercoating.

no way man. these are OEM Style 5's. I bought the car knowing I would need to have them refinished. They're not cheap to get a new set either.

Soon I will be back to this!
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/w..._wheel_005.jpg

I wonder if you can get them bead blasted and have them repainted???

I love the style 5's
The centers look fine - you just need to have the barrels re-polished. I may be able to get my hands on some 16's you can roll on for free while you get them refinished if you want. I am in Connecticut as well.

Thanks very much Amerit. for the offer, did not see it.

I vowed to have the car mechanically sound before spending money on cosmetic repairs. It's hard to do but I'm somehow showing restraint, for once. :angryfire

Have you tried claying your alloys? Claying is a good tool to remove any bonded contaminents from bodywork/alloys?

Alternatively, if it's Tar that's on the alloy, in the UK we have a product called Tardis from Autosmart which is pretty good at removing tar spots.

Looks to me like the clearcoat covering the polished finish has been compromised and this is surface corrosion beneath the clear. This is NOT uncommmon and requires a complete strip, polish and repaint with clear. They can be make to look as new, but will take time and money.
Now, without seeing them in person, I might be wrong and this is just surface buildup, but it looks alot like what I described and have seen in the past.
Good luck with your wheel project and post some pics when they are done!!