M5 Window trim

I have a friend who owns a 06 M5, and the black window trim is discoloring. It is like black paint oxidizes in that you can see the random disfigurization. He has attempted to clean, rub, wash, wax, etc etc the tirm areas, but to no effect. The problem disappears momentarily, but then returns. My advice was to return it to the dealer, but we both live some distance from the BMW store. In the interium, has anyone experienced this, or simular, and is there a cure? Thanks,
vz

Originally Posted by von_zoom

I have a friend who owns a 06 M5, and the black window trim is discoloring. It is like black paint oxidizes in that you can see the random disfigurization. He has attempted to clean, rub, wash, wax, etc etc the tirm areas, but to no effect. The problem disappears momentarily, but then returns. My advice was to return it to the dealer, but we both live some distance from the BMW store. In the interium, has anyone experienced this, or simular, and is there a cure? Thanks,
vz

So far, I only heard of problems with the area between the front and rear side-windows (you know, the exterior area where the front safety-belt is mounted on the interior). This area fades out quite fast (some dealers say due to the car-wash chemicals and BMW recommends washing by hand..). Mine shows some 'drops' on it and some areas with a slightly different contrast. So far, you don't notice it unless you're looking for it.

I can only assume this is a similar problem on your friends car. I don't know if there's a cure..

Sure sounds like the same thing. Its strange, all the black trim (is it black chrome?) shows the discoloration. You can rub it with your hand or towel (parallel with the ground) and it will momentarily disappear, but them bleeds back to about the same intensity. Strange. There is nothing like this on my 750i or 550i, but then, I rarely take them to a car wash. In fact, hardly ever use soap of any kind on them, other than rims and tires of course. I think a trip to the BMW store is in order for him.
vz

von zoom, this problem has been noted frequently by members on the M5board and the dealers push it to improper washing. However, dealers have been very liberal at replacing the trim under warranty, as BMW apparently knows about is as an issue. Because of this issue, I make a point to wax/seal the door trim pieces more frequently. Only takes me an extra minute to throw a quick coat of P21s on the door trim and wipe it off after a hand wash, and I probably do that every other wash. After just over a year, my trim still looks like new.

Thanks for the info, which I will pass along to my friend. Plus, I will pay close attention to the trim on both the 550i and the 750i. Thus far, no problems thank goodness. (I wonder what kind of improper washing - I use plain water and dry with a clean damp towel.)
vz

I had the same problem with my M5. The dealership told me that they had a very extreme case and they took the molding off and wrapped it in the same clear coat used on the clear coat protector for the front of car's hood. I told them I did not want that so they had it waxed and polished and buffed and it has been fine since. Just my two cents.
HR