running board staining issue
 

I just bought my brand new 2007 X5 in June. The first time I had it washed the aluminum running board appeared to have water spots or stains. Any advice?

It's not hard water since I have tried wiping off, washing off, etc.

I have attached a picture

no picture showing...

running board pic
 

The picture should be there now

still no pic

running board pic
 

can someone help me...I am new to this website and don't know how to attach the picture. I thought I did it through the advance options but it is not there. Please help...

I upload using additional options below the "reply to thread" and then "manage attachments". "Browse" to locate the picture then "upload". Note the size limits for the file types.

I have read about staining being an issue on the running boards but have not had the problem myself. I wash the X5 myself. I do not recall anyone posting about a solution to it either.

If it is white looking "clouding" it is more likely the wash chemical they are using. I took my vehicle through a touchless carwash last week (which is usually a no-no- for me, but I had to remove coal residue immediately). Anyway, I got this white residue that stained my running boards after the wash. I suspect it was from the wax sealer. I tried several automotive cleaners and nothing seemed to work. I then went to the trusty Flitz Metal Polish. With a little elbow grease and muscle it finally came off. You can try this, hopefully it will work for you.

hmmm, i'm starting to think maybe i shouldn't get the running boards....

question: do you get ANY greater ground clearance on the sides without the running boards?

I would say no additional ground clearance. I think most would agree that they are for looks only. I never step on mine even when washing the roof. It is an awkward width and placement to use but I sure like the look.

I love my new X5...the running board looks great. Love the blue tooth and ipod auxillary....the vehicle rocks!

I just don't want any imperfections with these "stains"

here is the picture finally
 

any comments on the stain?...see attached

they should replace that under warranty if they can't clean it off themselves.

not sure on warranty
 

BMW has offered to try and get it off but not sure they would replace under warranty. I have an email to them now.

pic of whole vehicle
 

here is a pic of my new Beamer

if their paint started to discolor so quickly, they would correct it... this should be the same thing.

Well but they are going to say I took it through the touchless wash and that it was the soap or sealer that caused it...won't that affect warranty? When I picked it up brand new...it was flawless.

the touchless wash doesn't affect most of the other cars out there, and shouldn't affect yours either. it shouldn't change color like that. and i wouldn't mention the car wash if you don't have to...

I just got the email reply from my salesman and he said the running board is covered under the warrantly. He has to see the spots to see if the Service Manager will cover it. Unfortunatley he knows that I washed the car already..

But you are right...I can't believe the soap, waxes, or sealant from the touchless place would cause this....this place gets all kinds of luxary vehicles. It would put them out of business.

Any other thoughts or comments?

That's some nasty stain. I agree with the rest of the forum, I would fight it 'till death until the dealer replaces the boards under warrantly. It is a brand new car and the stain is not considered common wear and tear. I have a fairly new C230 and the arm rest was replaced by MBZ twice already because the coating on the arm rest kept peeling from rubbing my elbows. That is something that should not happen to a new car. This is the same thing. The running board should not stain just because you took it to a car wash. Who knows, there might be a problem with the coating of the running board. Goodluck!

Thanks guys/gals for the comments. I plan to go to BMW of San Antonio Friday and talk to them. I agree for $60K car...the running boards should be able to withstand soap, etc.

Someone else pointed out that coating could be an issue

They should fix it for goodwill sake. An auto that can not go through a car wash because the running boards will discolor seems far fetched.

I do not know who makes this part for them but it seems to have some issues. I hand wash and then use a leaf bower to blow them off as well as the wheels. Then again I have treated each rubber spot with trim treatment on a Q tip so take that into consideration. But they still look fine.

I have the 'exact' same stains on my X5 running boards after I ran my car through an automated 'hand' car wash (SPLASH) this past weekend. (This is the first time I took the car to a car wash since I bought it - about 2 months ago.) I am going to raise the issue with my dealer too. I tried to remove the discoloration by using a paste cleaner/wax that is made for aluminum - the stains mellowed a bit but still show. Let me know how you make out with your dealer. Thx.

Just had new ones fitted here in the UK. Same type of marking.
BMW replaced them, but did`nt really want to,` because they all do that!`.

Hey Dean,

did you wash your car at a touchless car wash?.....give me some details on how long you had the car and what caused the running board to tarnish....thanks

does anybody know if the running boards this style are new for 2007?

This issue has been resolved. I went to the BMW dealer and they got it out with a polishing wax....basically it's caused by the touchless car wash soaps and water...it comes out thank God....but it's something to know when getting your car washed.

They told me any polishing was takes it out and I worked on it myself and agrees it comes out.

hey the issue was resolved....I was planning on ordering the stuff you mentioned but I first wanted to go by the Dealer to see what they had to say. My service guy, Andy, for the last 8 years helped me out. He took a polishing wax and I watched how it "easily" came out. He said just take any brand and it should do it....he has seen in on cars not just Beamers. He says it's the soaps/products from the touchless car places.