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I have plastic (leatherette NOT LEATHER) seats in my leased 2007 BMW 328i. A mechanic (when getting my run flat fixed, not a BMW mechanic), or someone put some kind of grease substance on my seats and armrest. It only seems to show up under the sun. When the sun beats on it, it becomes all shiny and feels oily. Under the shadows you can barely see it, but it is there. I have tried many different cleaning solutions with no success. A friend suggested using a brush to really scrub the substance off. Can anyone help me? What can be used to get this grease like substance off the plastic (NOT leather) seats? I am at a loss. It is almost like this substance has changed the molecular composition of my seats. It has already destroyed a part of my drivers side seat (under the sun the grease made the plastic harden and eventually crack), I want to save the rest. PLEASE HELP!!
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
I have a 2008 BMW Z4 with the same material. I use Megiuars interior cleaner but if you have an oil stain I wouls call your local BMW and ask them what they would suggest. I only say this because you said you have tried may solutions without any luck. I have not had to deal with oil so I really dont have a solution for you other that call and see what they tell you to try. -
Re: Cleaning leatherette
Man that will be tough I'm interested in the solution for this as I've never found a good product to remove oil stains. Have you tried taking the car back to where the stain was obtained and argued to them about it? I'd be upset to see that on my car.
[Edited for non family friendly language. Please refer to the Forum Rules, thanks, Tim]Detailing EnthusiastComment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Originally posted by TxRado View Post
I agree with you! Maybe even better to take it back like TxRado saidComment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
The thing is that I can't prove that the tire guy even did it. I have a 2007 328i which has run flats. I got a nail in one of the tires, and since most major tire places will not repair a run flat (and I wasn't about to pay $200-$400 for a new tire after I only had the car for a few months), I had to go to a smaller tire place. I'm almost sure that the idiot that drove my car had this substance all over his clothes (I remember my pedals were slipperly after they gave the car back), but I can't prove it. As I said, I really didn't even notice it till after I left my car out in the sun and the seats became all shiny. BMW is going to replace the drivers seat under warranty (bless them), but since then I have noticed other spots getting shiny under the sun. The material has not been destroyed yet, I just want to get this stuff off before it is. There has got to be something!! I am really mad about this, I can't tell you!!Comment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Man that is terrible Karmal. I'm glad to hear bmw is taking care of the seat though. Do you have any pictures? I'm just curious to see what extent the stains are at.Detailing EnthusiastComment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
TxRado, I'll get some pics of the drivers seat for you. The damage is pretty extensive. Like I said the other stains don't show up unless they are under the sun. I'm trying to save them before the turn out like the drivers side. By the way, love the Z. I had one before the BMW.Comment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
This is kind of a tough problem to fix because you need to be careful that the cleaning process doesn't remove the stain but at the same time harm the material.
It's difficult because when a chemical stains a material the offending chemical is penetrating into the material, so then the trick is how to get the offending chemical out of the material and sometimes that's just plain difficult to do, for example removing an ink stain out of leather.
If the oil is not topical, that is it's not sitting on the surface and has in fact penetrated into material then you're going to need something that like the staining chemical can go into the material, dissolve the stain and then somehow bring it to the top where it can be wiped off.
Sounds kind of impossible huh?
This is where some kind of extractor might be the way to go, something that has the ability to **** out a liquid.
Maybe the first step would be to call one of your local reputable detail shops and ask them if they can get stains our of the material?Comment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Thanks Mike. I contacted Meguiars and they recommended a product from their professional line. Hopefully that will work. I will provide updates as this is something that could happen to any of us!! I'm just grateful BMW recognizes me as a repeat customer, otherwise this would cost me thousands of dollars to fix.Comment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Let's hope it works, if possible take a before and after picture.Originally posted by KARMAL View Post
If you're successful this information might help BMW owner in the future...
"Each one teach one"
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
I know this isnt a megs product, so please no flamage, just trying to help him out. http://www.leatherique.com/
Best leather product, hands down. Ive used it from Ferraris to honda helmets. PM me if you have any questions on it. Pakshak is more expensive as is AG, buying straight from them saves you quite a bit of money.Comment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
I'll take an after photo of the drivers seat after the grease was baked on by the sun. I didn't realize the damage was being done until it was too late. The other spots where the grease is located have not been subject to the sun yet, hence the reason I want to get it off before the sun does it in like the drivers seat. I'll definitely get leather next time. I got a BMW for the performance, not for the luxury accouterments, but after driving a a leather clad BMW there is simply no substitute for the quality of the leather interior. I'm also very disappointed with the general quality of the sports seats, they squeak and rattle after only 12K miles. If it wasn't for the performance of the car I would be quite upset. I know, I digress these are not detailing issues.........
For the record, here is the stuff I ordered-
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Not that we can fix the damage but just to note you're right down the road from Meguiar's Headquarters so you might stop by one of our Thursday Night "Open Garage" classes.Originally posted by KARMAL View Post
"Open Garage" this Thursday Night!
On Thursday nights, starting at 5:30pm and going until around 10:00pm, Meguiar's will host an Open Garage in which registered members of our Meguiar's Online Discussion Forum can sign-up to try out Meguiar's complete arsenal of products and tools with experienced and trained experts on hand to help you as well as show you the proper techniques for getting show car results!
Click here to sign-up or get more informationComment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Thanks Mike, there are many more things I would like to address other than the seats (I am obsessive when it comes to taking care of a car), namely the wheels and tires (haven't found a good product yet to combat the notorious BMW brake dust problem). I knew I was close to the Irvine office, but had no idea these classes were being held. I'll definitely attend one. Beautiful Cadillac in that second photo by the way......Comment
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Re: Cleaning leatherette
Cool.Originally posted by KARMAL View Post
Just be sure to "Reply" to the sign-up thread for any class you plan on attending.
Here's the link to tonight's class
Here's the link to the schedule for the year
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