Cleaning the black plastic trim

[tiger333888]

I'm new to Mini, and plan to wash my new R56 this weekend. I'm aware the black plastic trim needs special attention to get in looking good - I've had my car less than a week and already there are marks on it.

What do you guys recommend to keep the plastic trim looking good? I've read peanut oil works??? What else do you mini lovers use?

tiger

[jamski]

I've used a Maguires product (can't remeber the exact name and it's very dark and cold outside now to have a look!) that works very well. Kind of like a 'back to black' but doesn't leave the plastic feeling horrible and sticky and really brings out the colour. I have found the rain has a big impact on it this time of year, and the marks do come back, but i'm hoping with a bit more time it will build up and really clean the plastic. Halfords should do it, I've heard the whole Maguires range is very good. Anyway hope that helps!

[jimmy_racoon]

I'd go with Aerospace 303 Protectant.

Best $20 you'll ever spend.

Detailers Paradise: Premium Car Care Products, Auto Detailing

Motor on.

[tiger333888]

thanks guys - really helpful. i'll look into both products. Funny, I purchased a can of 'back to black' last night to restore the tire shine. Not used it just yet, but I found Armour's 'tyre foam' product brilliant for my last motor. I won't be using the BtoB on the plastic trim as I think it is not refined enough.

thanks again

[Chris.F]

Suprisingly good. (Part of BMW Seal & Protect Kit)

Tyre Shire Easy to apply, cleaned well but not too shiny, doesn't leave a streaky finish.

Bumper Shine Used a tiny drop on a polishing cloth and did the whole car, black trim, streak free, cleaned but no oily film. Impressed.

Plastic Care Emulsion - tried a tiny bit on edge of wheel arches again easy to use and looked good.

For anyone with Blasters. They are so easy to clean as you can do the inside of the rims through the big gaps very easily. They are now spotless on all faces.

NOT saying these are better than anything else but worth consideration.

Having said that I have given the car 4 coats of Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection - Having first cleaned the car meticulously and polished with an extra coat of BMW Hard-Wax.

Looks good!

[tiger333888]

cheers chris - i'll look into these products too

[tiger333888]

Quote: Originally Posted by jamski (original)

I've used a Maguires product (can't remeber the exact name and it's very dark and cold outside now to have a look!) that works very well. Kind of like a 'back to black' but doesn't leave the plastic feeling horrible and sticky and really brings out the colour. I have found the rain has a big impact on it this time of year, and the marks do come back, but i'm hoping with a bit more time it will build up and really clean the plastic. Halfords should do it, I've heard the whole Maguires range is very good. Anyway hope that helps!

after some consideration I bought a bottle of Maguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer for the plastic trim on my car - can you kindly confirm this is what you use Jamski? thanks

[RCMini]

I don't use anything fancy at all. Just a rag and some good old armorall. The mini is three years old and the plastic looks good as new.

[*Vikki*]

i use the bumper care stuff from MINI works great on it

[tiger333888]

thanks guys for all the feedback - seems like there are several effective solutions to keeping the black trim pristine.

I tried the Maguiars Trim Detailer lotion last night and it delivered a streak-free, deep shine. It was easy to apply too. I'm impressed.

[Purple Dave]

Quote: Originally Posted by tiger333888 (original)

thanks guys for all the feedback - seems like there are several effective solutions to keeping the black trim pristine.

I tried the Maguiars Trim Detailer lotion last night and it delivered a streak-free, deep shine. It was easy to apply too. I'm impressed.

The Meguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer is great. I used it on my R53, really easy to apply - especially with the Meguiars applicator pads.

Not used it on my R56 yet, but will do eventually.

[Benmk]

the autoglym fastglass cleaner spray is not just for glass and is suprisingly versatile.

Spray on the plastic and give a good rub with a rag and it cleans nicely.

Then use the bumper care gel and wipe it over and it gives that new look without the overly done shine.

[tiger333888]

Quote: Originally Posted by Purple Dave (original)

The Meguiars Gold Class Trim Detailer is great. I used it on my R53, really easy to apply - especially with the Meguiars applicator pads.

Not used it on my R56 yet, but will do eventually.

Hi Dave, what happens to the finish of the trim when it encounters rain? (I treated mine with the Trim Detailer stuff but the car has lived in the garage for a few days as the weather is so pants - constantly raining - I've been reluctant to drive it after work). Does the trim shine go, and does it go all milky and streaky? Hope not.

[swil00]

The finish that the MegsGG trim cleaner leaves stands up fairly well to rain etc.. I've found the water beads off it very well.. Can't really say I've noticed any runs in the finish after its been out in the rain.. Well nothing like that back to black stuff anyway

[tiger333888]

Quote: Originally Posted by swil00 (original)

The finish that the MegsGG trim cleaner leaves stands up fairly well to rain etc.. I've found the water beads off it very well.. Can't really say I've noticed any runs in the finish after its been out in the rain.. Well nothing like that back to black stuff anyway

cheers for the feedback - gives me great confidence for the weekend when I finally get to drive my MCS - the weather is nasty in London and last thing I want is to have weaping black trim.