[dpilat8588]

My e92 has the black shadowline trim and there are a few spots that have oxidation and/or UV damage. Any tips on how to restore my trim to like-new condition?

[Tom K.]

You might try Gummi Pflege. And if it doesn't work, it's still good for protecting the rubber seals.

http://www.amazon.com/einszett-91480.../dp/B004B8GTQG

Tom

[Noncom23]

Originally Posted by dpilat8588

My e92 has the black shadowline trim and there are a few spots that have oxidation and/or UV damage. Any tips on how to restore my trim to like-new condition?

I have this too. Periodically I
clean it with Plexus. Follow that
with a wax. It looks good for
about a week and returns.

We need to seal it like a
UV damaged headlight and
I just haven't done it.
Thoughts?

[cchong4]

i have this same problem except now my trim on the top looks like its chipping from the edges.

Does factory warranty replace this? I believe I still have about 6k miles till mine expires and hopefully I can get this whole unit replaced

[SHEEDI]

Please post some pics

[Noncom23]

Originally Posted by Verve

i have this same problem except now my trim on the top looks like its chipping from the edges.

Does factory warranty replace this? I believe I still have about 6k miles till mine expires and hopefully I can get this whole unit replaced

Yes, I believe they will. I am taking mine in for service
soon and plan to ask about that.

[Noncom23]

Ok. Got it back from service today, this is a common
problem. Not covered by warranty, but an issue of
oxidation, staining by soaps, etc...

I was told to use a polish like " Meguiars # 9".
Clean and seal I guess with a wax.

Here are some others who have complained.

"CAColtsFan
11-12-2011, 12:00 AM
Guys Im telling you its not painted metal, Its plastic thats why it oxidizes so bad, paint would never do that, unless you have non sport trim that was painted.

Newbie here so hello all....I used to paint cars and this trim is not painted. My 135i is 2 months old and the shadowline trim looks like an old bumper on crappy Ford escort my dealership is going to replace the trim one time and I am taking it in to get clear coated. The BMW service advisory they sent definitely says the trim is anodized not painted

SI B 51 53 02
Body Equipment September 2006
Technical Service
This Service Information Bulletin This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B51 53 02 dated October 2002. designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Discoloration of Shadowline Trim

MODEL
E46 (3 Series), E60, E61 (5 Series), E64 (6 Series), E65, E66 (7 Series), E83 (X3), E53 ( X5) Equipped with Shadowline exterior trim

SITUATION
The optional glossy black Shadowline exterior trim may become discolored.

CAUSE
Analysis has determined that the discoloration is due to a film deposited on the trim which distorts the light reflecting off the trim. These deposits may come from car washes, hard water, or other environmental conditions.

CORRECTION
Deposits that cause the discoloration can be easily removed by polishing with a quality swirl removing polish, such as Meguiars #9.

Note: The glossy black trim pieces are anodized, not painted, and the discoloration does not mean that the surface has been damaged. Therefore, the trim pieces should not be replaced for this complaint.

and man I am ticked off the least they can do is let you know when you buy the dang car".

[dpilat8588]

Noncom23: if you decide to polish them, would you mind posting some before and after pics?

[Noncom23]

Originally Posted by dpilat8588

Noncom23: if you decide to polish them, would you mind posting some before and after pics?

Ok. Got it done today. Ran out
of sun and will try get pics tomorrow.
Looks good so far. Went in this order
with three products, three times.

Meguiars #9

Plexus

PlastiX

[DetailersDomain]

yes the shadow line trim can be polished out, I'll have to run thru some old write ups to find some.

[DetailersDomain]

found one

take a look

before


after polishing with menzerna sf4000 and a random orbital polisher

[Noncom23]

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain

yes the shadow line trim can be polished out, I'll have to run thru some old write ups to find some.

So we are stuck to do it by hand
on the trim a the window base.
I wonder how aggressive we can
get. Still don't have pix, but
mine is only about 50% better
with preliminary work.
I may go to compounding
next.

I did, in my eval on my service,
write a caption that if they design
this stuff they should warranty
it.

[Noncom23]

Sorry for the delay. As above, Started with
Meg Polish#9, 3 coats and buff. Then,
Plexus, 3 coats and buff. Then
Meg PlastiX 3 coats and buff. All
by hand with MF only.
Car is not clean today. Did a QD and
took these pix. The befores were disgusting
and these are the afters.
So we will see how long it lasts.

[DUI Elite]

What about the non-shadowline trim?

like the kind on 328's thats just the flat black plastic?

It kind looks ugly sometimes, like it changes to a faded 90's honda bumper gray sometimes.

[Noncom23]

Originally Posted by DUI Elite

What about the non-shadowline trim?

like the kind on 328's thats just the flat black plastic?

It kind looks ugly sometimes, like it changes to a faded 90's honda bumper gray sometimes.

If you could post a pic or two, I
would like to see the trim.
Thx.