I've had my Mini coupe since 5/11. We had a dry summer last year so when I noticed streaks from the door handles and mirrors, I let the dealer's explanation that it was dust do. I think it is graphite from the door locks or some sort of leftover dust from the manufacturing process, coming out of the door handles and in front by the bumper.
I have them again now. I don't wash the car very often. We've had plenty of rain so I don't think it's dust. The streaks are still there. (I have washed it since last year when these pics were taken...) I also see some in front so if it's graphite, is it coming from the hood lock?
Its basically a combination of dust and then muck in the rain, its where the water tends to gather and then run from when the cars standing. A good wax polishing on a regular basis will stop it, its nothing to do with manufacture or graphite.
Agree, I had a similar thing with mine from the lights and door handles, looked from the front like my mini was crying
After a good wax session it has not done it since, that was 3 months ago now.
I get the EXACT same thing in the EXACT same places on my Yellow 2009 Clubman. It's just general road filth and fine dust/particulate that collects in the body joints and joins and then runs out when it rains. The light paint exacerbates the effect.
If you use some high class wax polish once a month, I use a Meguiars Ultimate wax, gives a finish as smooth as a babies bum, streaks no more.
The black could be brake dust, that stuff gets everywhere, that was the only good thing about the old drum brakes, it didnt happen, the dust, oh and neither did the braking.
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