help! wheels are seriously Fd up
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 1
2005 E500
help! wheels are seriously Fd up
I, unfortunately, had to move back East this winter from Cali and shipped my E500 to be with me. Not knowing anything about winter out here I was lazy and it snowed like 100 times and didn't wash my car all winter pretty much. This is crazy because in Cali I got it washed and detailed once a week.
Anyway, today I got all excited to wash my car now that it's nice and when I cleaned my wheels I was horrified to find black **** was caked all over them and will not come off (with soap and water or even scratching with fingernail.) There is what appears to be tar/break-dust all over them and the wheels in general now have a sort of brown tone to them. It almost seems to be part of the paint as you cannot feel it or scratch it off. I just got them last spring!
Can someone recommend how I can try getting this off without ruining the finish? There is no "pitting" if that helps.
Thanks so much.
before winter:
Now:
and even where there is not obvious black stuff the rims are still crappy looking and look brownish.
Anyway, today I got all excited to wash my car now that it's nice and when I cleaned my wheels I was horrified to find black **** was caked all over them and will not come off (with soap and water or even scratching with fingernail.) There is what appears to be tar/break-dust all over them and the wheels in general now have a sort of brown tone to them. It almost seems to be part of the paint as you cannot feel it or scratch it off. I just got them last spring!
Can someone recommend how I can try getting this off without ruining the finish? There is no "pitting" if that helps.
Thanks so much.
before winter:
Now:
and even where there is not obvious black stuff the rims are still crappy looking and look brownish.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 499
Likes: 2
From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
I’ve been using Sonax Wheel Cleaner for a couple of years on my BMW rims which occasionally have had a similar problem and it does a great job removing marks I can’t shift by any other means.
It would definitely be worth a try for yours.
http://www.detailersdomain.com/sonax-wheelcleaner.aspx
Once you’ve got them clean, wipe on Optimum Optic-Seal for improved protection.
http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/product/optimum/opti_seal
.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 16
From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
I used Mother's polish. It got out the yellow/brownish streaks very well, but not the black tar spots left behind. It's cheap enough to try it, but does require you to sit there and rub.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Land Down Under
W211 E320, W209 CLK 200K
A clay bar might just work. Remember don't be afraid to use polishes/car body products on your wheels, if its fine for your paint its fine for your wheels =)
I had this happen to me once, I know it sounds a little extreme but I used mineral turpentine and turns out great! BUT remember to wash your wheels off with water and soap after that or the clear coat on your wheels will fade!
Happy elbow greasing=)
I had this happen to me once, I know it sounds a little extreme but I used mineral turpentine and turns out great! BUT remember to wash your wheels off with water and soap after that or the clear coat on your wheels will fade!
Happy elbow greasing=)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
If its tar, VM&P Naphtha (from the paint store/Home Depot) will remove a ton of stuff from the body, tail pipe tips, brightwork... even makes a great spot lifter from the carpets. DO NOT USE ON SEATS OR DASH/DOOR INTERIORS.
http://www.amazon.com/Rockler-VM-P-N.../dp/B001G9TGQI
http://www.amazon.com/Rockler-VM-P-N.../dp/B001G9TGQI
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
Barry, just to confirm, you're using VM&P Naphtha to shine your exhaust tips?
If its tar, VM&P Naphtha (from the paint store/Home Depot) will remove a ton of stuff from the body, tail pipe tips, brightwork... even makes a great spot lifter from the carpets. DO NOT USE ON SEATS OR DASH/DOOR INTERIORS.
http://www.amazon.com/Rockler-VM-P-N.../dp/B001G9TGQI
http://www.amazon.com/Rockler-VM-P-N.../dp/B001G9TGQI
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
You're not supposed to put a flamable liquid on exhaust tips. But you can clean the road crap off cool pipes last thing at night. Besides, the tips are fake pipes & don't handle exhaust directly.
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Apr 14, 2010 at 11:07 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
