My 2010 XKR has some staining on the alloy wheels. It looks like burned in chemical stain or something, maybe from heated brake dust or greasy fingers. I have used wheel shine/cleaner and used a rotary brush on a drill. Cannot remove. Any ideas what I can do to get this off? I am shying away from acid cleaners, as I have heard them creating more stains than what you start with.

Thanks.

 

If proprietary products won't do it then take it to a specialist, there are a few in Tulsa, this is one:

https://curbrash.com/best-audi-bmw-l...el-rim-repair/

If the repair is purely cosmetic it should be relatively cheap as they'll not have to skim any of the surface off, just acid dip and relacquer

 

So many possibilities here, both as to cause and cure. Mark's advice is sound if you don't want to go further yourself. I would check to see if they would give you some free advice in any event.

If you want to try other things yourself, it would help for you to post pictures.

Best of luck.

 

Have you tried a metal polish paste like those from Mother's or Meguiares? They are lightly abrasive and will normally remove any surface discoloring, and with a drill and a foam cone or felt cone it should be quick work to clean them up.

 

But the wheels are painted. I suspect the paint is permanently damaged.
I never use the wheel cleaning products. A soft sponge, warm water and a little mild detergent is all it takes.

But I am amazed at the number of cars with permanent discolored wheels; my assumption is some chemical reaction and scaring took place.

 

I'll get some photos as soon as I can. Right now, the stain is on the wheel that is against the garage wall and we are having an ice storm right now. I suspect the weather won't clear up for a week or so before I can get it out in the driveway to get a pic.

 

You may have to do a full wheel refurb. A good shop doesn't charge much (relatively), about 100-150 per wheel. That's taking off any curb rash, fixing nicks and a good refinish. May be worth it anyway. I know MY wheels are in need of some help.