[kingston]

Hi All,

I have a 2011 X3 M-Sport that I bought used at 8 months old. Ever since I've had the car, I've noticed that parts of the finish on the wheels have gotten dull, as opposed to the glossy shine that is normally on the wheels. It just looks like dirt but it does not wash off, and the finish seems to have been stripped. I'm guessing this was due to neglect by the previous owner, but has anyone else experienced this on their wheels? If so, any solutions on how to take care of it? This problem is on 3 of the 4 wheels.

Pictures are attached: The first pic shows it on the right and lower left corner of the wheel. Second pic is an up close shot.

Thanks!

[scotta2]

I've just had my car for four weeks so can't comment if its an engineering defect. If I was to hazard a guess I would suggest that it may be poor repairs to previously kerb damaged wheels? If it was me I would take it back to the dealers and ask for it to be repaired under warranty.

[sfax]

Is it definitely not just on the surface? What have you used so far to try to clean them? I've always used Bilberry wheel cleaner but mine get cleaned regularly.

Could be that owner 1 never cleaned them or used something abrasive

[Want the thrill]

Have you tried using a really good cleaner like Sonax full effect? Worth a shot.

[Vector Pilot]

No doubt the wheels appear dirty, especially the look you get after a commercial car wash. I too recommend buying a good wheel cleaner, and apply and rinse as directed.

[slyfox]

I would do as above PLUS maybe get them clear coated or lackered to protect them in the future.

[Teemo Panda]

Ohh wow damn, last time I saw those was on my 2002-2010 x5, which I always wash my car at the automatic swirl-o-Matic.

[pokerface]

Its just dirt. I brought out a second set of wheels identical to the oem ones for winter purposes and they look much more bling than the ones the car came with. Our x3 is already 13 months old by the time I swapped for winters.

[czarmar]

It looks like a poor curbing repair attempt to me. It looks like they ground off some of the material to smooth the surface, and airbrushed it. I can see a sharper transition between the spoke and the rim edge in the damaged area than near the other spokes. Unfortunately no cleaner is going to help that.

[stinster]

The only way to determine whether or not there is an issue with the finish on the wheels is to attempt to thoroughly clean and polish them. Here's a pretty detailed guide to cleaning your wheels:

http://www.autopia.org/forum/detaili...els-tires.html

Another tip is to use a light-cut polishing compound to polish off the brake dust residue, if that's what it is.

[skibuddy]

I use a PH neutral wheel cleaner called Auto Wheels by Bilt Hamber. Seems really good and safe. Maybe worth using clay as well to get them smooth and possibly use a good wheel sealant like G-Techniq C5 Wheel Armour.

FYI, I have the same wheels on my M Sport

[Bollinger]

Looks like they have just had a bad refurb on them !!!