Heavy buildup on wheels

Crash86 · 05-20-2021, 12:44 AM

Just purchased a 2018 M3 with 8k miles. I'm 99% certain that the previous owner never cleaned the wheels. The buildup on the wheels and calipers was built up so thick it looked like silver paint.

So far, I have washed and scrubbed the wheels twice with car guys premium wheel cleaner (sonax is my usual go-to, but wasn't even touching the buildup). I also have a bottle of chemical guys wheel cleaner/iron remover in order.

Does anyone else have a safe, effective product that they have used in the past with good results??

hellokitty · 05-20-2021, 01:32 AM

I would try the following:

Carpro Iron X

Clay bar

Machine polishing

Then throw on a high temperature ceramic coating like Gyeon Rim

gabeo · 05-20-2021, 03:54 AM

Yea this might need some kind of acid based cleaner. Is that even safe for the wheels? not sure. I can't believe someone would neglect them like this.

SteveChester · 05-20-2021, 09:29 AM

Bilt Hamber wheel cleaner

irunalot · 05-20-2021, 09:34 AM

I've been using the new Koch Chemie wheel cleaner over Brake Buster from P&S. It works really well but that's some serious build up you've got there. An all purpose cleaner would be what I would try as it's a bit more acidic. Your definitely going to need a good brush as well.

N1rve · 05-20-2021, 10:40 AM

I would send this to a professional detailer and have them see if they can make it like new.

Crash86 · 05-20-2021, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabeo

Yea this might need some kind of acid based cleaner. Is that even safe for the wheels? not sure. I can't believe someone would neglect them like this.

It was a lease return, so I'm going to guess that's why they didn't care. Luckily, there doesn't appear to be any permanent damage.

jasonjo · 05-20-2021, 04:44 PM

+1 for Bilt Hamber Autowheel - I'd not try an acid-based cleaner without getting some local detailer advice first

icegrill · 05-20-2021, 09:57 PM

I'm going to suggest trying a steam cleaner, like the bissel pro shot or something similar.

Crash86 · 05-20-2021, 10:01 PM

Well, just finished another round of cleaning and it is now appearing to be really really shitty repair job, not brake dust.

SteveChester · 05-21-2021, 02:58 AM

Those wheels are diamond cut so either they have been poorly DC or someone has attempted to emulate using normal paint methods

JagR2611 · 05-21-2021, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irunalot

I've been using the new Koch Chemie wheel cleaner over Brake Buster from P&S. It works really well but that's some serious build up you've got there. An all purpose cleaner would be what I would try as it's a bit more acidic. Your definitely going to need a good brush as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by irunalot

I've been using the new Koch Chemie wheel cleaner over Brake Buster from P&S. It works really well but that's some serious build up you've got there. An all purpose cleaner would be what I would try as it's a bit more acidic. Your definitely going to need a good brush as well.

+1

Crash86 · 05-21-2021, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Those wheels are diamond cut so either they have been poorly DC or someone has attempted to emulate using normal paint methods

They attempted to emulate it. I'm now battling the dealer who wants to just attempt a repair with their mobile guy.

SteveChester · 05-22-2021, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash86

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Those wheels are diamond cut so either they have been poorly DC or someone has attempted to emulate using normal paint methods

They attempted to emulate it. I'm now battling the dealer who wants to just attempt a repair with their mobile guy.

A mobile guy will never get it right - needs a full refurb in a workshop with the correct dc machinery...

Or just get them powder coated because even if you get them redone the dc finish is not that long lasting.

Crash86 · 05-22-2021, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash86

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Those wheels are diamond cut so either they have been poorly DC or someone has attempted to emulate using normal paint methods

They attempted to emulate it. I'm now battling the dealer who wants to just attempt a repair with their mobile guy.

A mobile guy will never get it right - needs a full refurb in a workshop with the correct dc machinery...

Or just get them powder coated because even if you get them redone the dc finish is not that long lasting.

Agreed. That's what I told them. I may just have them powder coated gloss or flat black… not sure on color yet. Vehicle is mineral gray.

Ervin87 · 05-22-2021, 11:57 AM

99% of lease returns from BMW have curb rash damage. The auction house will repair them or the dealer will have some mobile shop come out and attempt to repair. On M wheels, they hardly do a good job. That work is so bad, they didn't even take the wheel off and just overspray everywhere.

Good luck.

Crash86 · 05-22-2021, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ervin87

99% of lease returns from BMW have curb rash damage. The auction house will repair them or the dealer will have some mobile shop come out and attempt to repair. On M wheels, they hardly do a good job. That work is so bad, they didn't even take the wheel off and just overspray everywhere.

Good luck.

Yeah. Super frustrating. Fortunately, there is a very good wheel repair shop near me that has quoted me $400 to just powder coat, or $1k to refinish, recut the face and clear coat.

kosd · 05-23-2021, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash86

Yeah. Super frustrating. Fortunately, there is a very good wheel repair shop near me that has quoted me $400 to just powder coat, or $1k to refinish, recut the face and clear coat.

Is that for one wheel?

fanofbmwe46 · 05-23-2021, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosd

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash86

Yeah. Super frustrating. Fortunately, there is a very good wheel repair shop near me that has quoted me $400 to just powder coat, or $1k to refinish, recut the face and clear coat.

Is that for one wheel?

That must be for whole set

Crash86 · 05-24-2021, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosd

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash86

Yeah. Super frustrating. Fortunately, there is a very good wheel repair shop near me that has quoted me $400 to just powder coat, or $1k to refinish, recut the face and clear coat.

Is that for one wheel?

Whole set is around $1k.

05-20-2021, 12:44 AM	#1
Crash86 New Member 21 Rep 27 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Shopping Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Heavy buildup on wheels Just purchased a 2018 M3 with 8k miles. I'm 99% certain that the previous owner never cleaned the wheels. The buildup on the wheels and calipers was built up so thick it looked like silver paint. So far, I have washed and scrubbed the wheels twice with car guys premium wheel cleaner (sonax is my usual go-to, but wasn't even touching the buildup). I also have a bottle of chemical guys wheel cleaner/iron remover in order. Does anyone else have a safe, effective product that they have used in the past with good results?? Attached Images
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05-20-2021, 01:32 AM	#2
hellokitty Brigadier General 2896 Rep 3,726 Posts Drives: '17 M3 ZCP DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (2)	I would try the following: Carpro Iron X Clay bar Machine polishing Then throw on a high temperature ceramic coating like Gyeon Rim __________________ 2017 F80 M3 ZCP / AA GESI DPs / Akrapovic Evo / BBS FI-R 19" / Bend Calibration ECUTEK Flex Fuel \| Bilstein B16 DDC + CS EDC / BMC Filters / BMS OCC / CSF HE / ESS CP / Nitto NT555R2 / PD Crank Hub / SPL Suspension / Uniden R7 / Wagner Top Mount IC 2021 Mini GP3 / BMC Filters / BM3 / Cary Jordan E30 / Wagner IC / Remus Race
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05-20-2021, 03:54 AM	#3
gabeo Private 28 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2018 M5 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Yea this might need some kind of acid based cleaner. Is that even safe for the wheels? not sure. I can't believe someone would neglect them like this. __________________ 2018 M5
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05-20-2021, 09:29 AM	#4
SteveChester Brigadier General 2472 Rep 4,653 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chester iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW F82 M4 [0.00]	Bilt Hamber wheel cleaner __________________ Steve Roberts UK F82 M4 I'm running the 2024 London Marathon for the British Forces Foundation - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sr5/
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05-20-2021, 09:34 AM	#5
irunalot Captain 1518 Rep 820 Posts Drives: Porsche Carrera S Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	I've been using the new Koch Chemie wheel cleaner over Brake Buster from P&S. It works really well but that's some serious build up you've got there. An all purpose cleaner would be what I would try as it's a bit more acidic. Your definitely going to need a good brush as well.
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05-20-2021, 10:40 AM	#6
N1rve Racecar Driver 1285 Rep 1,953 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Beverly Hills, California iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 BMW M4 [9.63]	I would send this to a professional detailer and have them see if they can make it like new. __________________ N1rve 2019 BMW ///M4 - Alpine White \| Sakhir Orange/Black Leather \| M-DCT \| Executive Package \| 19" Black 437M Wheels \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Sunroof \| Active Blind Spot \| Heated Steering Wheel \| Adaptive M Suspension
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05-20-2021, 04:44 PM	#8
jasonjo Private First Class 62 Rep 132 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Comp Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: M Town iTrader: (0)	+1 for Bilt Hamber Autowheel - I'd not try an acid-based cleaner without getting some local detailer advice first __________________ F80 M3 Comp in Sakhir Orange
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05-20-2021, 09:57 PM	#9
icegrill Lieutenant Colonel 2078 Rep 1,780 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Oregon iTrader: (3)	I'm going to suggest trying a steam cleaner, like the bissel pro shot or something similar.
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05-20-2021, 10:01 PM	#10
Crash86 New Member 21 Rep 27 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Shopping Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	Well, just finished another round of cleaning and it is now appearing to be really really shitty repair job, not brake dust. Attached Images
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05-21-2021, 02:58 AM	#11
SteveChester Brigadier General 2472 Rep 4,653 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chester iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW F82 M4 [0.00]	Those wheels are diamond cut so either they have been poorly DC or someone has attempted to emulate using normal paint methods __________________ Steve Roberts UK F82 M4 I'm running the 2024 London Marathon for the British Forces Foundation - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sr5/
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05-22-2021, 11:57 AM	#16
Ervin87 Captain 558 Rep 615 Posts Drives: E92 M3 \| B5 S4 \| E30 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Santa Clara, CA iTrader: (5)	99% of lease returns from BMW have curb rash damage. The auction house will repair them or the dealer will have some mobile shop come out and attempt to repair. On M wheels, they hardly do a good job. That work is so bad, they didn't even take the wheel off and just overspray everywhere. Good luck.
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