[LEDZEP]

For some reason, the birds that are crapping on my black X5 this year seem to be eating radioactive berries or something. By the time I notice the mess in early evening after my wife garages the car, it is nearly impossible to remove them without some etching. I have tried various safe cleaners and techniques, but many of them still leave a residual print.

Be careful using any "rubbing compound", whether it says it is clearcoat safe or not. What makes rubbing compounds work is abrasion. The harder you rub, and the more product you apply, the more abrasion you are causing. You are removing a layer of your clearcoat, albeit very thin. Same goes for any polish.

I use a mild polish and a random orbital with foam pads designed for the polish, but I am still careful not to make this a frequent activity.

Personally, I think the BMW paint is inferior to many in its ability to resist this type of etching. It is also super important to keep a good coat(s) of wax or sealant on the vehicle.