Scratched BMW Wheels - Fixed

I

imported_Totoland Mach

New member
The dealer got this 06 530Xi and the first thing I noticed while prepping for compounding routine was the wheel faces where scratched. Upon closer inspection the recess' were deeply scratched. I think the previous owner tried to use Scotch-Brite pads to remove brake dust...and totally screwed up the surface.







Before's:







530xiScratchyWheelface.jpg








530xiScratchyWheelface2.jpg








So, I used a couple of tools to correct the condition: The spoke faces were easy. Just a 6" wool pad and compound made short work of fixing these (and the lift was a blessing). I used 3M Extra Cut on the wool followed by a few passes with Meguiar's #83 on the wool.







Next, the wheel recess area (lots of damage here...the paint was dulled completely). I have an air-powered rotary 3" with wool and foam pads, so I used wool and Extra Cut. Had to do a lot of careful work because I didn't want the small, hard backing plate to contact the sides of the spokes.







I probably spent 20 minutes per wheel, but they came out superb and fixed correctly.







After's







530xiScratchyWheelcompounded2.jpg








530xiScratchyWheelcompounded.jpg








Now I can attack the body of the car.







Toto
 
great job! were you scared of burning on the recessed parts? it seems like it'd be scary with a rotary that small, in such a small area, but a d/a would have been all over the place.
 
What can be used to polish the inner spokes when a pad (even a 3" pad) is still too big?



What about using polishing bobs?



My wheels are in good condition but I was thinking of using some Scratch X on maybe a dremel with the polishing bobs or felt wheels to revive them a little.
 
Hi Toto,

Great job !

On another thread about a scratched up M3 you mentioned sanding a BMW trunklid with 3000 grit using an orbital. Was it done dry or wet ? 3M Trizac ?
 
Articxscout Never even thought to measure the wheels with a paint gauge! But I will today and make note of the paint thickness (my gauge reads both steel and alum)



Bruce B I used a Blue Point air orbital with a Trizact 3000 pad and AutoMagic Body Shine for a lube (it's cheap and we have gallons of it)



evo77 there are definitely some wheel recess and designs where 3" pads don't fit. I would definitely try some polishing bob's and Scratch X.



8banger scared? No...but careful and work slowly. I kept the trigger on the rotary to spin approx. 1,000 or slower.



dmw2692004 I would charge extra if this was a private detail. But the dealer and I have a fixed set of prices on cars: some are easy and some are more involved. This was more involved and he is pleased by the initiative I took on the wheels.



everyone! The car is done and I'll post pics tonight. Hope to get it outside for some sun shots.



Toto
 
artikxscout said:
Great job, Thank god they clear coated the rims through. I'm curious to find out how thick the CC is on those though. Dying to see the car :).
Click to expand...



Well, I used my paint gauge for non-ferrous and got 9.8 to 10.5 mils on the wheel faces and 3.6 to 4.6 mils in the recessed areas. That's some good working thickness for the faces.



Toto
 
Toto that is some great work, would you mind if i post this thread in some of the car forums im on to show what improper wheel cleaning will do? I will of course make note that it is in fact your work.
 
NCZ13 said:
Toto that is some great work, would you mind if i post this thread in some of the car forums im on to show what improper wheel cleaning will do? I will of course make note that it is in fact your work.
Click to expand...



Not a problem...be happy to help owners maintain a nice set of OEM wheels.



Toto
 
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