F32 4 Series - what are these marks on the steering column?

[MitchT]

I'm just looking at some detailed photos of a 4 Series coupé that I'm interested in, however, I've noticed some strange looking marks on the steering column and I'm wondering what might have caused them? The ones in the upper circle look like liquid has run down the surface. The ones in the lower circle look like bulges in the plastic.

Here's a pic with the marks circled...



Here's the same pic without the marks highlighted, in case it makes it easier to see them...



And here's the equivalent pic of a different car which clearly doesn't have the marks...

[stevemcs]

Could Beas simple as an air freshener that’s melted it

[MitchT]

I was thinking something like an air freshener could have been hanging there and left deposits which, hopefully, could be cleaned off. If the plastic has been damaged I'd want it replacing on a car costing this much. It also bids the question, why has an air freshener been in the car? Has someone been smoking in it? It's 190 miles away so I can't easily inspect it.

[stevemcs]

I was thinking more hand car wash.

Whereabouts is it ? (Location)

[MitchT]

BMW main dealer in Oxford. The car is a hard to find spec which I really want, hence me not simply moving on. That said, it’s a month or so before I’m going to be in a position to buy, so it might have gone anyway.

[SmithCorona]

Without naming names are they near a recently redesigned junction of the A40? Absolute cowboys from my two dealings with them.

One including a "how much is this on for, again" test response where they added 500 to price shown on AUC, but offered to discount to match it!

[MitchT]

Could be the same one, though, for balance, they get 4.5 stars on Google across 616 reviews with some saying they go there rather than nearer dealerships because of the good service.

Essentially it’s the car I really want. It would be taken care of locally once purchased so whatever the dealership are like as long as the car is sound I’m happy.

Really just want to establish that there isn’t a sinister story behind the marks on the steering column.

[d_a_n1979]

Agree; looks like air freshener marks to me and TBH it's the plastic lower part of the cowl; I'd be asking them to swap it out for a replacement as it's unsightly...

[SmithCorona]

It looks like there is also a lot of wear on that steering wheel, parallel to the cowling marks. Though it could also be dried hand sanitiser.

[MarkJS]

Just call them and ask about it. I’d definitely want that changing. The steering wheel does need some attention but should hopefully go back to the matt look.

[MitchT]

It'll be at least a month before I'm actually looking to do a deal, so it might have gone by then, but if it is still there I'll ask them about it. It either needs cleaning properly or replacing if it's damaged and, if it is damage, an adequate explanation as to how it was caused.

[helix402]

Toxic finger juice leakage. (Similar to finger scum on door handles).


Air freshener really.

[MitchT]

If an air freshener has done it, will the two blobs lower down be something that can be cleaned off or has the plastic been permanently damaged?

[helix402]

MitchT said:

If an air freshener has done it, will the two blobs lower down be something that can be cleaned off or has the plastic been permanently damaged?

I don’t think so. The part will be cheap to replace.

[SmithCorona]

Less than 75 quid, plus a colour of clips. Part: 6823467. I think.

[MitchT]

SmithCorona said:

Less than 75 quid, plus a colour of clips. Part: 6823467. I think.

They shouldn't mind replacing it then!

[g3org3y]

helix402 said:

Toxic finger juice leakage

Is a phrase I thought I'd never read in the BMW section of PH.

[Wills2]

Steering wheel leather looks in pretty bad shape for 36k miles as well.

[Somebody]

Wills2 said:

Steering wheel leather looks in pretty bad shape for 36k miles as well.

Sorry for the hi-jack but how does one restore the appearance and feel without replacing the wheel?

[Wills2]

Somebody said:

Sorry for the hi-jack but how does one restore the appearance and feel without replacing the wheel?

Often the wheel is shiny due to oils transferring to the leather so a good scrub with a soft shoe brush and leather cleaner will bring back. If it's worn out then the likes of royal steering wheels will re cover it back to oem standard.