[Rag9000]

Sooo I’ve never really washed a car by hand before. I watched some YouTube vids and bought this cool stuff called tar and bug remover. It did an amazing job removing all the little black specks from the side panel, so I decided to spray it all along the front. Well, long story short, it’s obviously a pretty powerful solvent and it damaged all the plastic bits but mainly the ones that are replaceable for the shadow line package.

The worst damage is on the grill, which is ~$180 and I can probably DIY it. But the other stuff… I dunno. So I had two questions:

1) Is there a manual somewhere that shows how to do this stuff (remove the grill, remove the ducts, etc.)? How do people know how to do this?

2) Is there a place that has the G42 parts labeled with part numbers so I know that I’m getting the right parts from these supply websites? Basically, unless it’s a major part, they don’t have pics of the part.

3) Should I just have the dealer do this stuff? I’m thinking it’ll be a ~400 in parts maybe? BMW charges labor by the hour, maybe I can get this done for $1k? Anyways I’ll get a quote from em. Or maybe I should just replace the grill and live with the other stuff.

[P_Chris]

I would talk to a detailer or body shop. Looks like it could be wet sanded and polished back? Idk what I’m talking about but worth a professional opinion

[TheGeekGuy]

A vinyl wrap of the parts might be cheaper if you can't polish out the stains/marks.

[Bimmer Pleaser]

It is just plastic. Tape up everything real well; start from 1000 grade sand paper and work your way to 3000 + water. This is basically the same way they restore headlights.

[Bandit009]

Originally Posted by P_Chris

I would talk to a detailer or body shop. Looks like it could be wet sanded and polished back? Idk what I’m talking about but worth a professional opinion

I second this. Take it to a detailer and see what they can do first.

[MPR]

You have an excuse to buy CF replacement parts.

I'd personally buy replacements and DIY... The labor for getting those parts to look new again will likely exceed just replacing them, and new parts will look new.

[Ruebarb]

Just so you know where this went wrong, most Tar removers are not safe for plastic. If you need to remove bugs, only use a bug remover, they are safe for entire vehicle, always research before use. Tar removers are to be used only if really needed, again ensure you research the mfg to find if it is safe for plastic, most are not safe for plastic.

[XC3LLR8]

Maybe a good place to re-mention that Chemical Guys Hard Water Stain Remover will damage your mirrors.

I used some for the intended purpose (read instructions) on the passenger mirror and it left a haze. I buffed and buffed and buffed and finally removed about 90% of the haze, but still have some on the corners.

I assume it's safe to use on clearcoat, but now I'm afraid to use it.

[XC3LLR8]

Originally Posted by Rag9000

Sooo I’ve never really washed a car by hand before. I watched some YouTube vids and bought this cool stuff called tar and bug remover.

Can you be more specific on the brand name? The bug and tar name-brands I just looked up on Amazon and Walmart all stated they're safe on plastics.

[Ruebarb]

Originally Posted by MPR

You have an excuse to buy CF replacement parts.

I'd personally buy replacements and DIY... The labor for getting those parts to look new again will likely exceed just replacing them, and new parts will look new.

I'll 2nd replacing them, FYI none of these were designed to be removed from the front of the bumper, if you only needed to replace one piece, maybe fight through getting it removed from the front, since you have all of them, this is going to require a bumper removal. The clips are designed to be released from the back side of the bumper.

[danallxt]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Pleaser

It is just plastic. Tape up everything real well; start from 1000 grade sand paper and work your way to 3000 + water. This is basically the same way they restore headlights.

agree totally if you are a DYI person. Probably less work to sand and polish as mentioned above than removing. Also if you don't like the results you can always replace, you are only out a bit of time sanding and polishing but make sure you protect adjacent surfaces.
Trying the chemical guys stuff mentioned is also worth a try.

[tdfn426]

Since the pieces are plastic, I might suggest trying to apply a plastic restorer and see if that helps before sanding/replacing. I’ve used car guys one before to good results, it’s available on Amazon. CAR GUYS Plastic Restorer | Bring Plastic, Rubber, and Vinyl Back to Life! | User Friendly Trim Restorer | Safe Auto Detailing Supplies | 8 Oz Kit with Foam Applicator https://a.co/d/8ftVUw3

[marcsg42]

I see a lot of guys on YouTube restore plastic with ceramic coating worth a try