Rubber Molding/Trim Around Windows

Originally Posted by GatorACE

Yes they are minor, but the first year design of the Honda Accord coupe i bought (2003), did not have any issues....and it was 20,000 less! Not to mention the recall of the auto-stop feature....that's pretty big.

Once I received the recall for the headrest, I made and appointment to fix that, test the steering wheel and the rubber issue. The appt was made for 2 weeks in advance. The results of the service was "we need to order parts for the recall, and the steering wheel and rubber is just the way it is".....really??? Ample time to order parts for the headrest and they didn't even call to say "hey we don't have the parts, can we reschedule?" I live 60 miles away from the dealership.....great waste of half a day.

I thought that spending more for "premium" and luxury would have ensure better satisfaction? Hopefully they can fix my concerns.

Does it have the same drive and handling characteristics as your Honda Accord? Would you enjoy driving your Accord down the autobahn at 140 miles per hour?

Originally Posted by jeremy480

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but this seems to be a new issue for BMW. I just looked at an E90 and E46 that my coworkers drive and the rubber trim still looks pretty good considering they've never treated it. There is definitely a difference from my 2012 F30.

Consider yourself corrected. This is not an uncommon rubber issue for BMW. This particular example seems a little worse.

It is cooler and wetter in Germany and Europe than some other parts of the world. It took the European manufacturers quite a long time to grasp that their air conditioners were not robust enough for the U.S. They are still a little bit weak in that area. BMWNA sent Big Gulp cups to Germany when this latest round of redesigns began (F01/02 and since) to get them to understand why cupholders are such a big deal in the U.S. Many E90s produced for markets other than the U.S. do not have those ubiquitous pop out cupholders. They have NO cupholders. Germans do not see a need for cupholders. After all, why would one be drinking something while they are blasting down the autobahn at over 100 mph?

Interesting that you guys have experienced this. I didn't have this issue until I dropped my car off at an Off-Airport parking over the weekend. I've usually had great service from them but I believe that this time around, I had them wash my car for me while I was gone for two days. I made the mistake of not telling them indoor parking. When I came back I noticed the same issue with the rubber trim.

I'll pick up some Gummi Pflege on Amazon and hopefully that'll help.

Originally Posted by jeremy480

Thanks for the link, I have the same problem on my new 328. I just picked up the same stuff from Amazon for $8 shipped (gotta love Amazon Prime).

http://www.amazon.com/einszett-91480...QG/ref=lh_ni_t

I could kiss you ... I would like mine a tad darker

Originally Posted by TheSunTheSea

Interesting that you guys have experienced this. I didn't have this issue until I dropped my car off at an Off-Airport parking over the weekend. I've usually had great service from them but I believe that this time around, I had them wash my car for me while I was gone for two days. I made the mistake of not telling them indoor parking. When I came back I noticed the same issue with the rubber trim.

I'll pick up some Gummi Pflege on Amazon and hopefully that'll help.

Let me know if it helps.

My dealership called me saying that they have my part for the headrest recall. since I made a fuss about them making me waste a trip the last time for hot having the parts, they will replace the rubber trim. I told them it was highly unacceptable for a car that has been driven less than 1000 miles in two months and garaged when not in use to have rubber in that state. My appointment is next Saturday.

I have a feeling the new rubber will have the same issues, so please let me know if the gummi works.

As far as my accord vs BMW on the autobahn, no question BMW wins, but I expect BMW to use the same quality material and customer service of Honda.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Originally Posted by GatorACE

I have a feeling the new rubber will have the same issues, so please let me know if the gummi works.

I have a few spots I don't like from it being outside from 7-5pm everyday at school, but I'll take some pics wednesday and let you know. Just ordered some from amazon.

Originally Posted by GatorACE

Let me know if it helps.

My dealership called me saying that they have my part for the headrest recall. since I made a fuss about them making me waste a trip the last time for hot having the parts, they will replace the rubber trim. I told them it was highly unacceptable for a car that has been driven less than 1000 miles in two months and garaged when not in use to have rubber in that state. My appointment is next Saturday.

I have a feeling the new rubber will have the same issues, so please let me know if the gummi works.

As far as my accord vs BMW on the autobahn, no question BMW wins, but I expect BMW to use the same quality material and customer service of Honda.

Thanks for listening to my rant.

That's good news! Definitely try out the Gummi Pflege on the new rubber trim. I picked up my car in April on ED and took redelivery a couple weeks ago, so I am not sure exactly how long my car has been outside in the sun. Before applying the Gummi Pflege the rubber did not look as nearly as bad as yours, but it wasn't uniformly deep black and didn't really meet my standards either. After the application, the rubber looks fantastic and like it should. I will continue applying Gummi Pflege and hopefully it continues to protect the trim and will keep it looking like new.

I'd buy it! Just did it all around the car... Really does make a difference, a few spots not so much but it really does work! I'll put some pics up this week.

Thanks for the rec guys

Just a quick tip on using the Gummi Pflege or any similar product. If you have not used it before, it can be tempting to go balls out on applying the stuff. This is the wrong way to proceed in most cases. The best thing to do is apply multiple light coatings to rubber seals and molding. The stuff will actually be absorbed by the rubber. Allow it to dry, and reapply as needed.

My wife's Honda took 3 to 4 applications before I was happy with it, however the stuff really works. I now use it as part of my routine car care. Anytime I do a really good cleaning of the car inside and out, I apply a layer of this stuff. But I have found that it easily protects and keeps things looking good for at least 6 months when applied correctly. Both of our current cars spend significant time in the sun as well. You will not be dissappointed

I'm waiting for redelivery on my 2012 335i Sport and I came across this post about how bad the rubber was and I thought I would get all the information about ordering the Gummi Pflege from Amazon in case the rubber on my car didn't look so good. In the mean time I checked the rubber on my 2006 X3 that has never been garaged kept since day one and the rubber looks great.Who ever is saying European rubber is faulty. not so.As a matter of fact to the best of my recollection I never had rubber problems on any of my BMW's. Good luck
cheers
vern

Rubber is fine on my car of 9+ years. Must be a change in materials/suppliers issue.

So they finally replaced the rubber molding on my car.

Looks new. I'll update you guys if it fades the same way as the original rubber. Hopefully it doesnt'!

If the same issue returns, I will buy the gummi pfledge!

Originally Posted by rclarke

Hit it with 303 aerospace protectant or gummi pflege...it'll be fine.

Agree - 303 will fix it. Back to black will keep it good. Had no such issues with mine after 3500 miles.

I just noticed this thread. Two comments to make:

1) Japanese rubber is the best rubber in the world. As a lifetime surfer you know about this stuff when you have to but a new wetsuit every year..
2) I have noticed the problem mentioned by the OP on several new F30s that I have sold -- at delivery. I was not happy about it. I had to use a lot of elbow grease and detailing spray to make it look acceptable. I suspect this will be a noteworthy ongoing "problem" unless it is due to a "bad batch" or another supplier is contracted with..

These are just my personal obeservations/candid thoughts. I does not make me think less of this amazing new product. I will still be taking delivery of my new 335i when it arrives in 2 weeks.