Rusting Running Board
 

Both running boards on my 2009 BMW X5 35d were showing signs of rust spots all over the so called aluminum.

Both sides were replaced under warranty by dealership.

Sorry I did not take any photos before it when in for service.

Its not the aluminum thats rusting, its rust from debris on the road. Use a product calle IronX to remove it

To revive an old thread:

I used Iron X, but it did not work for me. The rust spots remain. Works great on rims though.

Its from the bolts and the road - Not the aluminium

Pics of my running boards after using Iron X and washing. I'm going to try to get them replaced under warranty.


http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1168/boards1.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2231/boards2.jpg

they really look like rust spots... interesting, alulminum that we are using for consumer purposes (outside of lab applications) is already rusted - it is covered by the aluminum oxide, a thin layer of corund (same material from rubies, sapphires and emeralds, one step below diamond in natural hardness)... if you scratch the surface of aluminum, it will be bright and shiny... it is aluminum, the shiny part... in a few hours it will be dull again, covered in that clear oxide film, that actually protects the rest of the metal from oxidizing...

so, Al is not supposed to develop iron-like rust spots... could they really be from the road debris? or, imperfections in the aluminum boards?

very strange, indeed...

I have the same rust spots on my running boards. I did a search and thought it was due to brake dust rusting. I will try specialized cleaning products soon.

I never imagined it would be possible to have them replaced by the warranty when it is due to my lack of cleaning during winter.

This turned out to be a non issue for me. 10 mins with mothers aluminum polish and rust spots were gone.

Prior to June 2009, there was a known issue with discoloration. See attachment.