Foggy Chrome

[livelong]

I just got a 2002 330Ci and one of the things I noticed is that the chrome that lines the top of the windows is like foggy, like water marks but it doesn't seem to come off. It is also appearent on the plastic above the side mirrors. I tired using some Nu Finish but it didn't quite do it. Can someone help me?

 

[dm_longhorn]

I've experienced the same thing.. can't get rid of it... HELP!!

 

[bobbydonathan]

I have the same issue.... it sucks doesn't it. I tried all kinds of chrome cleaner... nothing works so far...

 

[livelong]

help us please?

 

[Big Daddy]

Is this real chrome or plastic chrome? Have you tried stripping all wax etc off the car, than using a polish? I am just throwing questions out because I really have no idea whatyour talking about. Can someone post a photo of this?

 

[dm_longhorn]

Chrome trim such as this.. I couldn't tell you if it's actually "chrome"...

http://cgi.ebay.com/CHROME-WINDOW-S...ryZ43118QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[livelong]

Well here are some pictures. It may be kind of hard to see at first but if you look closely you can see what appears to be water spots but that is what we are talking about.

 

[tazza0712]

Is there any way to perhaps buff the chrome finish like you would a car's paint job? I have no idea really, but just suggesting.

 

[Big Daddy]

The reason I asked about "plastic chrome" is that GM had a problem with it looking bubbled and it was in the finish, not something you can fix. I would take it to the dealer and have them look at it, either that or a good detail shop, maybe they can recommend something. Sorry I wasn't any help!

 

[jrt67ss350]

I have the exact same problem with my '87. It's actually either stainless steel or aluminum, not chrome. I have tried every kind of chrome/aluminum polish on it, rubbing compound, cleaners, etc to no avail whatsoever. I have even tried steel wool on it, and it didn't do a damn thing. I had the same problem with the stainless steel trim on my Camaro, but it shines right up with steel wool and a little elbow grease.

I have no idea how to get rid of the water spots - I've tried everything I can think of.

 

[dball711]

Try this stuff, Finish Restorer (Professional Formula) by 3M. My car has the high gloss shadow line trim (black chrome?) and I have noticed something that looks like water spots and gives a foggy appearance on mine. Have tried various waxes, polishes and rubbing compounds and this product was the only one that worked. Just put a little on a rag and rub real hard.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Also try to use something like "Silvo" which is a silver-polishing liquid for silver plates, goblets, jewelery etc... It won't scratch your car either because silver is quite soft.

 

[livelong]

Where did you get this 3M Finish Restorer at?

 

[bmwrocks]

I looked closely at my chrome today and noticed it is foggy and the fog won't wipe off. I am so mad. Really getting sick and tired of these stupid little problems. Love the way the car drives, but SO many little things go wrong with these cars.

 

[bcoleman]

I know this thread is old, but the problem is not. I have a 2000 328ci and I have the same exact "foggy" look to the chrome. My friend wants me to replace it but I am not convinced that I can't bring it back to life. If anyone has had luck with a new solution since this thread was originally posted back in 2005, please start posting again.

 

[Big Daddy]

I am not sure it is chrome, it looks like the plastic chrome I was talking about. If that is the case I would use a plastic polish/cleaner like 3M cleaner, like this http://www.autogeek.net/3mplasclean.html or http://bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17805

 

[William330]

On my 2003 330, it's definitely metal, but I don't think it's chrome plated.

Looks more like polished aluminum. However, there's a good chance BMW
applied a clear coat over the metal, so the surface to clean is probably
clear coat "paint."

I've used "Rain Dance" cleaner wax on them, and it helped, but mine didn't
have too many spots since the car is garaged.

Some paint rubbing compound (or perhaps something milder like MacGuire's
Scratch-X) would probably help tough spots, and not damage either the
clear coat or the metal.

 

[bcoleman]

Tried Scratch-X, tried three types of steel wool, tried a Scotch Brite pad (not recommended). I wish BMW would monitor these forums and address these persistent issues.