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      09-15-2012, 03:28 PM   #1
torzeck
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Cleaning carbon build up on exhaust tips

Anyone have any good recommendations for cleaning these parts?
Car wash soap and elbow grease alone doesn't do it.

Thanks.
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      09-15-2012, 04:08 PM   #2
Teemo Panda
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Try autosol metal polish, works wonders
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      09-15-2012, 04:12 PM   #3
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Also, Blue Magic Metal Polish is pretty effective.
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      09-15-2012, 04:55 PM   #4
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Thanks to both of you. I will give it a go.
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      09-15-2012, 09:55 PM   #5
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Easyoff oven cleaner works too.
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      09-15-2012, 11:05 PM   #6
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WD-40 works well for me.
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      09-17-2012, 12:22 PM   #7
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Have a look at these "detailed" exhaust tips...

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...tip-detailing/
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      09-17-2012, 08:00 PM   #8
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I spray painted my exhaust tips matt black with high temperature (BBQ grill) paint and don't have to worry any longer
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      09-20-2012, 05:42 AM   #9
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I use Autoglym resin polish on my exhaust tips.
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      11-23-2012, 08:13 AM   #10
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Safari Charlie gun cleaner or Breakfree CLP
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      11-24-2012, 10:23 AM   #11
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Can't get mine clean

My question is why on the new 2013 X3 am I experiencing such carbon buildup on the tips? It doesn't do it on either of our other 2 BMWs. I tried two different metal polishes I have yesterday but could not get it off. The pics are after polishing on them and the rag shows how much I got off of just the end of the tips. This is not right. Got to try some of the other tips in this post.

Does the new twin turbo 4 banger run that rich or could I have an issue. I would think if it were running this rich I would have a CEL of some sort.
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      11-24-2012, 02:37 PM   #12
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My 3.5i has the same issue...
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      05-04-2014, 07:35 PM   #13
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Steel wool (very fine #0000) and wheel cleaner + metal polish will do very good job.
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      05-04-2014, 09:43 PM   #14
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Just paint it matte black!
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      05-04-2014, 10:24 PM   #15
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The first response is what I use, Autosol. It is made in Germany for the auto industry since 1929, it leaves a protective film. In April I was at the Welt, in the gift shop everything is branded BMW except Autosol in its original package with no BMW re-packaging, so odd.
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      05-05-2014, 08:21 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aquamaster View Post
Steel wool (very fine #0000) and wheel cleaner + metal polish will do very good job.
That is my prefer method as well, works like a charm.
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      12-09-2014, 01:37 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X3emist View Post
My question is why on the new 2013 X3 am I experiencing such carbon buildup on the tips? It doesn't do it on either of our other 2 BMWs. I tried two different metal polishes I have yesterday but could not get it off. The pics are after polishing on them and the rag shows how much I got off of just the end of the tips. This is not right. Got to try some of the other tips in this post.

Does the new twin turbo 4 banger run that rich or could I have an issue. I would think if it were running this rich I would have a CEL of some sort.
Any experiences on the carbon deposits on the N20 and what causes it?
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      12-09-2014, 02:39 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aquamaster View Post
Steel wool (very fine #0000) and wheel cleaner + metal polish will do very good job.

x2. I've only ever used #0000 steel wool and water. Makes it look great every time I wash. Have the same carbon build up on both our N55 equipped vehicles.
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      12-26-2014, 09:58 AM   #19
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Autosol...... Best metal polish ever
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      01-13-2015, 07:51 AM   #20
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Carbon on the tail pipe

X4 Guy

I have the same exhaust carbon problem on my N20 (2013 x3). I talked to my dealer SA here in Germany - he says its OK/normal. I really don't buy that. IMHO, the engine is running too rich - but apparently the dealer won't make any changes to it. I have had people following me that they can sometimes see dark smoke coming out of the tailpipe! Perhaps it IS a typical condition of the 4cyl turbo - perhaps is an issue of heat (leaner runs hotter) but my engine has NO issues with running hot (ever) but it seldom gets over 80 degrees here in the summer.

Last edited by Randeyman; 01-13-2015 at 07:53 AM.. Reason: spelling
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