poll: running board stains
 

hi, i know this has been discussed here but we should get an idea how widespread the problem is and what the responses from bmw have been..
please post your experience with dealing with bmw regarding the staining and/or oxidation on the aluminum runnning boards.
my experience is that the bmw rep will not support a warranty claim as he contends that local car wash was the cause.
also please post if you found a PERMANENT solution to cleaning these stains.

thought i would bump this up to see if others would like to vote. thank you.

I have tried several "cleaning/polishing" solutions but none are permanent. The problem persists every time I wash the car. I am not happy about this to say the least. I like my car very clean so this is a big problem for me. I am thinking the boards are a recall item. I have not pushed BMW to replace them...yet! I was told by one guy that Flitz metal polish helped him but I have yet to me anyone who has a permanent solution. My husband definitely thinks it's a huge design flaw. Keep me posted.

i have used meguiars cleaner wax as i was afraid to use what appeared to be harsher metal polishes.
i have not washed the truck since waxing the boards so i dont know the result.
fwiw the bmw rep was extremely uncooperative.
i put up the poll to try to get some anectodal evidence that these are a problem for numerous buyers.

:iagree: The running boards should be a recall item. I just got my E70 a few days ago and this is the first time that I actually got a close look at the running boards. I'm one of the few people who actually got one because I will use it (loading bikes and skis on the roof). I installed my roof rack this weekend and noticed my shoe stains on the running board. It was not easy to remove a simple shoe print. I have to really give it some effort and use an Armour All to get it out. For a part that you actually have to step on, BMW used the worst possible finish on the running board. I can just imagine when it starts to rain here on the Los Angeles freeways and I get all that nasty oil slick and other crap from the road on the running boards. It will be a real pain to get em off. Now I totally understand all these talks about the stain from the car wash. I will definitely complaint to BMWNA about this and hopefully others will do so to make them think about it. I don't think they will recall them since it's not really a safety issue. They might replace them, but they will replace it with the same running boards unless they design a different one for 08 or 09. Will not help me to take em off and demand a refund since I need it and I like the looks also.

3 members claimed to permanently solve this problem.
please come forward with your solutions. thanks!

I think those members had the boards replace and do not go to car washes

or used a cleaner to get off the stains and not go to car washes anymore.

I think they will say the car wash is the issue. I hope they come forward with something easier and better since I don't believe the running boards should be this high maintenance

I wasnt one of these people, but I dont go to the car wash and dont have a problem. The chemicals from a car wash are nasty and besides stripping the zaino from your car leave ugly marks on the painted trim around the windows.

Hand wash your car if you want it to look nice.

I don't think it's the car wash. I'm almost positive it's the finish.

Just to add, my running board has another problem beside staining.

I was stepping on it for an extended period to install a roof rack and when I was cleaning the foot marks, I noticed that the black rubber dimples were sinking. If you look closely, the rubber part comes loose and you can actually push it down. I don't think this is normal since the rubber part is there for safety reason and it would not server it's purpose if they all come loose and sink on the board. My dealer will be replacing them this weekend.

I think the entire design and quality of the running board is pure crap. :thumbdown

can you post a picture of what you guys are talking about