how to remove old adhesive from M Contours?

[XOC]

Ok, so I have M Contours, and when I bought the car they had little bits of some sticker or something stuck to 2 of them. Seems it's been on there a long time because every time I wash the car I try to remove it and it won't come off. I've tried soaking it with water and then rubbing it, and I've even tried carefully lifting it with a razor blade, but it's really baked on.

How can I get this crap off w/o ruining the wheels?

[Ben Carufel]

Sounds like residue from stick-on wheel weights. At least they used those rather than the clip-on ones...

I'd try a Dremel with a really soft grinding bit...just grind them as close to the surface as you can...preferrably while they are on a workbench...then try to polish the rest out with some polishing compound...

[XOC]

Hard to believe but I still haven't gotten myself a dremel tool. Seems several mods I'm planning will demand one ... and this is another application for it. Better pick up a kit.

Thanks for the input. :)

[G. P. Burdell]

Have you tried an adhesive remover? I believe there are some that are gentle on the finish.

[XOC]

No I've been afraid to ... hard to tell what's going to do no harm and what is. I wouldn't want to find out too late.

[G. P. Burdell]

I have read tutorials advocating the use of 3M Adhesive Remover, especially for debadging. Click here:

http://www.e46fanatics.com/howto/howtodetail.php?howto_id=1

If you try adhesive remover, use it sparingly, try it on a small, inconspicuous location first, and remember to wax the area when you're done. Like bug and tar remover, adhesive removers will strip wax.

If you try a Dremel, start with the least aggressive bit you can find. The last thing you want to do is grind straight through the clearcoat.

[Hank]

It works!

Hank

[M3 Mario]

Try WD-40 safe for the rims and paint, might take a little rubbing though, but it works on adhesive, tar and road crap.

[XOC]

Cool ... thanks for the tips. :)