spots on my dark blue BMW - what did they do?

[tbchristiansen]

We recently purchased a beautiful dark blue 330ci (with the navy top) but soon discovered that the previous owners did something that left the entire car (paint, glass, mirrors...) with small spots. They aren't white like hard water, but clear. We've tried washing, gently rubbing with no luck. Any suggestions, short of a new paint job would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[SkateForGirl]

Pictures would help us in determining whats going on with the finish on your car.

[Y2KSVT]

Welcome to AutoGeek! You've come to the right place for your issue. Would you by chance be able to snap a few pictures and post them for people to make a fair assessment? Even if all you have is a camera phone.

Can you feel the spots with your fingers? If so, are they above or below the surface?

[tbchristiansen]

Thanks for all who have looked. Per the request I've uploaded a picture. You'll see that the photo is actually the back window, but it's easiest to see on the glass - even though the spots are all over the car. You can just barely feel the spots, they seem to be on the surface. Hold on to your hats but I was able to get some off the side mirror (couldn't use it well it was so bad!) by using a non-abrasive cleanser but it took some real elbow grease and I don't want to do that on the paint! We tried a polishing compound with no luck. Again, thanks!

[rider9195]

Welcome!! From the look and sound of what you described, you seem to have have type 2 water spots.

Here are some articles I would read.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/33499-3-types-water-spots-type-i-type-ii-type-iii.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/31000-how-remove-sprinkler-water-spots.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29134-how-remove-water-spots-hand.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29134-how-remove-water-spots-hand.html

[Hammondc]

+1 on water spots.