Need your help with my BMW wheels

[grambow]

I am looking for some recommendations on how to “correct” the wheels on my 2007 BMW X3. As you can see from the pictures, I have a fair amount of embedded contaminants and discoloration in the corners of the wheel spokes. The faces of these wheels are pretty clean. My main concern is corners and the “inside” of the wheel.

So far, I have been using CG Diablo Gel for weekly wheel cleanings. I have used PS21 in the past and didn’t notice much of a benefit for the higher cost. Honestly, I believe there is only so much a wheel cleaner can do. The rest is up to elbow grease and a sore lower back.

I’ve tried regular grade clay to remove the contaminants without very good results considering the time it took. Do you think upping to an aggressive clay would do much better? Or, has anyone tried the FK rail dust system for paint specifically on their wheels? What about Megs Wheel Brightener? I have kept my distance from this product because I am afraid to do more harm than good. However, I am willing to give it a go if folks here think it would make a difference.

I have seen some pretty impressive restores on the AG boards with wheels that seem worse than mine. I’m not sure what I am missing. I am really looking forward to your input. Thanks!

(Note: These wheels were cleaned the day before the pics were taken. So this is about as good as they get.)
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_3myfGalx8aA/TcfuTxRiNPI/AAAAAAAAADU/N4a6ONmnhKQ/s576/wheel2.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_3myfGalx8aA/TcfuT8zpBZI/AAAAAAAAADY/fY6AXt_XDdU/s576/wheel1.JPG

[DLaw]

I have had really good results with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on painted aluminum wheels. Follow-up with a good wax (I prefer Colinite 845).
This is just my 2 cents.


Dave

[jamores23]

I used megs WB on those wheels before with good results!

[Y&R Detailing]

I have used Meg's Wheel Brightener too and had good results.

Raul
Y&R Detailing

[grambow]

I used megs WB on those wheels before with good results!


I have used Meg's Wheel Brightener too and had good results.

Are you saying that WB will literally take that stuff off? What dilution ratio are you using? You wouldn't happen to have any before and afters would you?

[jamores23]

before
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd477/jamores23/wheelbefore.jpg


after
http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd477/jamores23/wheelafter1.jpg

[FRC Z51]

You can use an acidic based cleaner at full strength on those and be perfectly safe, just don't leave it on for more than ~ 1 minute. Megs WB would work well. Also try a clay bar to remove the imbedded contaminants. Follow up with a quality sealant and you're good to go.

[AeroCleanse]

You could try IronX

[jlb85]

Wheel Brightener will work much more than anything else. BTW, I was not satisfied with the Diablo as a cleaner, and I hate the bubblegum smell ;) Once you get them clean with WB, Diablo should suffice to keep them clean during subsequent washes.

[serenity]

Iron X failed to remove embedded brake dust for me. Only thing worked was a lot Megs wheel brightener and a stiff brush.

[grambow]

Thanks for the replies. I am all over the Megs WB...I will be sure to post before and afters.

[jlb85]

Thanks for the replies. I am all over the Megs WB...I will be sure to post before and afters.

use a respirator or good ventilation, and rubber gloves ;)