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Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
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CondorX5
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Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by CondorX5 » Mon Jan 03, 2011 4:56 pm

Well, decided to put some of the 5l of Wonder Wheel to good use this afternoon. I just used a cheapie kitchen sponge scourer to apply and rub at the horrible pitted spots.

First pic shows the before view (sorry about quality, it was a mobile phone pic)


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This was a work in progress:


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And this is how they came up, much better although I'd still like to get them even cleaner and find some sort of sealant so the salt doesn't get at them so easily.......


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Now to get to cleaning the rest of the car....... :cry: it always seems a mess this time of year!!!
X5 2005 Le Mans Blue 4.8is
Fully loaded but Now semi-retired! 

X5 2012 Alpine White 40d MSport 21" style 215 black alloys, rear entertainment, media package, comfort seats and a load of other options.

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ITBarbie
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Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by ITBarbie » Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:25 pm

Looking good Condor. You can take the plugs off as I said earlier but it's a job for warmer weather. I used an old kitchen knife and levered them up with an old spoon.

Have fun


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2004 Sapphire Black 3.0d SE
MODS
Intravee with KCA, Xennons, Folding Mirrors (enabled with Intravee), Sport Wheels 19's, DVD Headrests, updated SAT NAV, Voice Recognititon with TV in Motion enabled with Resler a

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CondorX5
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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by CondorX5 » Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:00 pm

I bought some fine wire wool when I fetched the Wonder Wheel, so will have another go when the weather improves.....and take out all those little black plugs so the finish is better.......its not good, though, on a car of this price and quality :roll: you'd think the aluminium would have been better sealed or something...... :roll: any ideas on a good sealant once you've got the finish to a reasonable standard???
X5 2005 Le Mans Blue 4.8is
Fully loaded but Now semi-retired! 

X5 2012 Alpine White 40d MSport 21" style 215 black alloys, rear entertainment, media package, comfort seats and a load of other options.

Raj
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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by Raj » Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:12 pm

Looks so much better though even if not 100% to your satisfaction.
Image

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ITBarbie
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Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by ITBarbie » Mon Jan 03, 2011 11:12 pm

I heard Blackfire metal sealant is supposed to be one of the best but have yet to try it.


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2004 Sapphire Black 3.0d SE
MODS
Intravee with KCA, Xennons, Folding Mirrors (enabled with Intravee), Sport Wheels 19's, DVD Headrests, updated SAT NAV, Voice Recognititon with TV in Motion enabled with Resler a

Nessimmersion
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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by Nessimmersion » Tue Jan 04, 2011 9:26 pm

I did the boards on mine last autumn around 10,000 miles ago & they are still looking ok.
1) Pulled all rubber plugs using U shaped trim remover.
2) Rubbed down with Auto sol metal polish.
3) 2 coats of Poorboys wheel sealant. ( It was recommended in the detailing bit of the old forum)

Its lasted well, robably need done again in spring, but that'll be 18 months & 15 K between which isn't too intensive.

swipe
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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by swipe » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:30 pm

On my 4.4 the boards like yours so glad to see that they've come up a treat, think may have to pamper the big ol girl once the weathers better!!

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5wany
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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by 5wany » Thu Jan 13, 2011 11:41 pm

Did mines last year

used this from BMW and a bit of hard scrub
Image
before
Image
after
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another finished pic
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Quite happy with result :)
:music:

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Rick
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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by Rick » Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:27 am

I use a Scotchbrite pad and it works wonders with little effort
2004 4.8is Le Mans Blue
Mods,Speaker upgrade to JL Audio C5 650 CSI Comps,Pioneer TS-WX77A subwoofer,Lazer Pro Park.

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Re: Running Boards...cleaning pitting

Post by Minda » Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:20 am

Good job there 5wany, they look well bad in the before pic's, and cleaned up well, i used to use wonder wheels on my old E53, worked a treat at the time, hell know's what they'll look like now :whistle:
Current 2010 BMW X5 40d Msport E70FL 2014 BMW 435d Cab 2016 Mercedes Vito 119 Sport LWB

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