New Ytest
Sign out
Bimmerpost
Login
BMW E39 5-Series Forum | 5Post.com
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts  
Go Back   BMW E39 5-Series Forum | 5Post.com > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > Cosmetic Care & Detailing (PPF/Wash/Wax/Detailing/Restoration/Repairs)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-06-2024, 10:36 PM   #1
exi
New Member
6
Rep
5
Posts

 
Drives: 2021 BMW M850i coupé
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Removing etching (?) from interior aluminum trim?

Recent owner of a CPO M850i coupe.

There are a few areas of stained or etched interior, aluminum trim, demonstrated in attached photo, that do not clean off with typical quick detailer interior products.

Seems like somebody used an inappropriate product, but I'm not sure.

Before trying more harsh things, wanted to check in and see what was most effective for folks these days. Formerly spent a lot of time detailing cars when I had the time to do so, but I am not quite up to speed on most recent/best products lately.

(Also a few areas of staining on interior surfaces, like the glove compartment panel, also stubborn to remove; currently preferred products there?)
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2024, 11:09 AM   #2
John in VA
Colonel
1160
Rep
2,398
Posts

 
Drives: 2015 228i M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Leesburg, VA

iTrader: (6)

It certainly looks like overspray, possibly from glass cleaner. You might try a MF towel moistened with warm water before trying a polishing compound.
__________________
____________________________________________
2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2024, 12:39 PM   #3
David70
Colonel
1755
Rep
2,833
Posts

 
Drives: 20 AM Vantage -13 Cadillac ATS
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cincinnati, OH

iTrader: (1)

If it's actually etched into aluminum it isn't coming off. Can you feel it in the material?

If it's a stain and you have used standard cleaning products I will also be amazed if going with something harsher will remove the stain but also not change the finish of the rest of it.

If you use something to polish it out it won't have the same matt finish the rest of it does when you are finished.
__________________
2006 Z4M Coupe - ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
Appreciate 1
      10-07-2024, 02:09 PM   #4
tracer bullet
Brigadier General
tracer bullet's Avatar
United_States
3667
Rep
4,209
Posts

 
Drives: '25 Z4, '15 X3 35i (135i sold)
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Saint Paul, MN

iTrader: (1)

Agreed to all the above.

Some (most?) Interior cleaners are water based, and so water tends to get them off afterwards. Next step up could be IPA / isopropyl alcohol - usually safe and can undo things that water has left behind. After that... you might try a citrus cleaner like one of the goof-off versions.

Down the rabbit hole things do get more harsh. Acetone, xylene, and so one are probably going to melt the plastic.

A scratch remover like the Meguiars "Scratch X" could indeed work, but only if there's a layer of clear coat on top that's smooth and can be polished into a little bit. If it is matte on the top coat then yep all you'll do is shine it up.

Worst case consider shopping for interior trim and DIY's on how to get access to it.
Appreciate 0
      10-07-2024, 03:43 PM   #5
omgzirra_exe
Lieutenant Colonel
omgzirra_exe's Avatar
United_States
1678
Rep
1,885
Posts

 
Drives: 4.4L M3, IS300
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (0)

something acidic like drain cleaner, such as drain-o or a pure vinegar based solution.. wipe and clean off immediately.

works well with water spots stain on windows too.
__________________
Build: ZillaSpec M3 N1 Build
M3Post Track General Discussion: Discord
#fakeGTS
Appreciate 0
      10-10-2024, 04:33 PM   #6
exi
New Member
6
Rep
5
Posts

 
Drives: 2021 BMW M850i coupé
Join Date: Sep 2024
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

So far, I've tried:

1. Usual interior quick detail products;
2. Chemical Guys APC ("Nonsense"), undiluted;
3. Household white vinegar, with dwell times between 0-30 seconds.

No significant change.

I even spot tested -- very carefully, and with very short contact time -- CLR, which didn't help.

No damage appears done, but the spots remain. Have yet to try the abrasives in hopes I'd find a chemical option and not have to worry about scratches.

Any other product suggestions?
Appreciate 1
      10-10-2024, 05:05 PM   #7
Raimo5
Captain
363
Rep
657
Posts

 
Drives: BMW 740d xDrive (G11)
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Estonia

iTrader: (0)

Try melamine. If the stains are aluminium oxide caused by chemical etching, then melamine might remove them without altering rest of the surface too much.
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2024, 07:09 AM   #8
Snave01
Lieutenant
Snave01's Avatar
326
Rep
489
Posts

 
Drives: ‘25 X5 40i
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Cincinnati

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raimo5 View Post
Try melamine. If the stains are aluminium oxide caused by chemical etching, then melamine might remove them without altering rest of the surface too much.
Mr Clean magic erasers are melamine I think...handy little things
__________________
*SOON* - '25 X5 M40i Carbon Black Metallic / Silverstone
Current - '22 X3 M40i
Appreciate 1
Raimo5362.50
      10-11-2024, 07:17 AM   #9
Raimo5
Captain
363
Rep
657
Posts

 
Drives: BMW 740d xDrive (G11)
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Estonia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snave01 View Post
Mr Clean magic erasers are melamine I think...handy little things
That is correct. All magic eraser type cleaning foams are made from melamine. I just prefer to use term melamine sponge/foam, as magic eraser is a product name, not a category. But I think for more people it is far more recognizable name than melamine.
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2024, 09:43 AM   #10
John in VA
Colonel
1160
Rep
2,398
Posts

 
Drives: 2015 228i M Sport
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Leesburg, VA

iTrader: (6)

Melamine/magic erasers are abrasive. I read of owners using them on leather seats, steering wheels, etc., but instead of "cleaning" they are actually removing the surface finish (similar to polishing paint, I guess). Can be dangerous in the wrong hands!
__________________
____________________________________________
2015 BMW 228i in EstorilBlau II Metallic / Terra Dakota Leather - 6-speed manual, M Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Lighting Package, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound, Anti-theft alarm system, Blue Metallic Matt Accent Moldings, Aluminum Hexagon Interior Strips, Anthracite Headlining
Appreciate 1
David701755.00
      10-11-2024, 01:18 PM   #11
David70
Colonel
1755
Rep
2,833
Posts

 
Drives: 20 AM Vantage -13 Cadillac ATS
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cincinnati, OH

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by John in VA View Post
Melamine/magic erasers are abrasive. I read of owners using them on leather seats, steering wheels, etc., but instead of "cleaning" they are actually removing the surface finish (similar to polishing paint, I guess). Can be dangerous in the wrong hands!
Agree and count me out on using them on something that is somewhat fragile. Scrub a dark colored wall with one and watch the sponge turn the color of the wall as the paint comes off.

Quote:
If you've ever had a cleaning job that was almost impossible you may have turned to Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. This might blow your mind but Mr. Clean Magic Erasers and generic melamine foam don’t have a chemical cleaner or soap inside them, it’s literally just an abrasive foam that makes them work. Unless of course, you get the kind that specifically comes with soap in it.
https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/n...the-same-thing
__________________
2006 Z4M Coupe - ZHP knob, stubby antenna, clutch delay delete
Appreciate 1
John in VA1160.00
      10-11-2024, 01:40 PM   #12
DrVenture
First Lieutenant
DrVenture's Avatar
1194
Rep
362
Posts

 
Drives: M550i 2022
Join Date: Jul 2024
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2022 BMW  [0.00]
I won't even use them on my walls. They take a small mark and make it even more of an eye-catcher by altering the texture over a larger area.

One might be useful for lightly scuffing something like plastic, before painting. Or cleaning a sink.
__________________
Carbon Black - Debadged|Mocha Nappa|DHP|DAP|Executive|Luxury Seating|M668 w/ DSW06+
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:20 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST