RUNNING BOARDS ON 2012 X5 35i STAINED, NEED HELP AND DIRECTION

[okyereis]

The running board on my 2012 X5 are very stained and thought I'd reach out to this community if I could get advice and direction on how to restore this back to it's original state or more decent state than it is now.
Attached are pictures for how stained both running boards or steppers are. Thanks!


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[Bobby B.]

Are they Aluminum? If they are Aluminum try using a good metal polish like Wenol, Menzerna, Mothers and Flitz.

[swanicyouth]

If it was me, I would not polish them - maybe only as a last resort. Since its BMW, I can almost guarantee there is some type of coating on them. Those little rubber nubbys will make it very tedious as well.

If it was me, the first thing I'd try is Trix from CarPro. This is because it's a solvent based cleaner (removes almost anything that can be removed) and it has an iron remover in it. It looks like some of the staining may be oxidized iron to me embedded in the finish.

Another thing I would try is a Magic Eraser. But, I would do a test spot first.



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[Mike lambert]

They are anodized aluminum, do not polish them. Use a strong apc and brush.

[Bill1234]

Probably aluminum with a coating. I would try simple green at 4 to 1 and a softer wheel brush.

[detailsbydennis]

I removed the knobs to clean these running boards belonging to GL500. It only took a couple of hours for each side. I believe BMWs are similar 4960449605

[okyereis]

Dennis, how were you able to remove the knobs? Could you please show me the steps? I believe it may be similar on the X5.

[okyereis]

Mike =, whats an APC? I have no idea. I am detail novice, forgive my ignorance.

[okyereis]

Mike, what's an APC? I have no idea what the APC is. Forgive my ignorance. I'm a detail novice.

[okyereis]

Dennis, what did you use to clean it?

[Sizzle Chest]

APC= All Purpose Cleaner.

[detailsbydennis]

I used a product that auto geek does not sell. If I get permission I will disclose

[Paul A.]

Dennis - what catogory of product to keep it safe. APC? Polish? Machined metal parts? That's a GREAT trick to get them new again. Wish i thought of it. Takes ya like 2 minutes to dis and reassemble.

[detailsbydennis]

First I used a tar remover then a citrus based cleaner. Then I did a small test area with 1500 grit paper wet in the same direction as grain. It looked better then before.

[okyereis]

Awesome!!! I will try that and see how it goes.