Weird coating /oxidazation on ac vents?

[andreadaly]

I have what seems to be baked on dust (possible oxidation)on ac vents in my 2011 128i. I’ve tried surf city dash clean using a toothbrush and it greyed up the vents, parts look like remnants of a film on it. Maybe its dust that's essentially been baked on there? Or did I oxidize the freaking things? I tried Meguirs wipes, slightly better cleanu. I want to maintain the original look with no residual scent. Any suggestions? Will also have to use on side panels and dash.

Thanks!

[chops1sc]

Personally I would try a fine steel wool to see it it will come off/sand off.


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[RaskyR1]

Looks like a strong cleaner was used on them or may steam incorrectly. May need to be replaced.

[PA DETAILER]

:iagree: Look's like a strong cleaner was used and trashed the surface.

[GSKR]

No steel wool.

[MoBenzOwner]

Just a weird idea here. Maybe and electric toothbrush and baking soda or some other lightly abrasive product would clear it up some. Don't think you can do much other harm to them at this point.....

[chops1sc]

^my thoughts exactly. The damage is done. Try something, anything. If it doesn't work, try something else.


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[GSKR]

Spray some silicone and see if it clears up ,I doubt it but worth a try.

[shadwell]

Rub them down and disassemble and spray paint...

Or a breakers yard for replacements...

[expdetailing]

Mother's sells a trim cleaner kit here:
Mothers Back to Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner, best car wax remover plastic trim (http://autogeek.commerce-search.net/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fbest-car-wax-remover-plastic-trim.html)

Then, try coating it to restore the black coloring:
BLACKFIRE Total Trim & Tire Sealant, plastic trim restorer, tire coating, long lasting tire shine (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-trim-sealant-trim-restorer.html)

[Eldorado2k]

Mother's sells a trim cleaner kit here:
Mothers Back to Black Heavy Duty Trim Cleaner, best car wax remover plastic trim (http://autogeek.commerce-search.net/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autogeek.net%2Fbest-car-wax-remover-plastic-trim.html)

Then, try coating it to restore the black coloring:
BLACKFIRE Total Trim & Tire Sealant, plastic trim restorer, tire coating, long lasting tire shine (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-trim-sealant-trim-restorer.html)

This.👆🏽

From what it looks like, it seems like maybe you went at it with the toothbrush before removing as much of the dust as possible? I could maybe see that happening on a hot day, which might explain the baked on result? Just a thought.. It's unfortunate as caked on dust always requires more than just a normL vaccum pass to get the job done.. My go to for caked on vents is always an SM Arnold horsehair detail brush and some diluted APC. It's gentle, yet powerful enough at the same time.