Factory sealant turns white engine bay yellow-ish?

[ForcedFirebird]

Lot's of elbow grease, pressure washing, and some OCD, and it comes clean.

We clean every customers' engine bay that comes in the shop, this one was just as bad as yours, you can see slight evidence near the hood hinge.

[RMac42]

You can clean it if you are OCD and want to get rid of the grime.

Cool. Definitely a little OCD, but I might just leave it.

I am local so if you ever need help. Also join azbmw.org

Thanks man, I appreciate that! I'll register right now.

[Mr. Tasty]

I am local so if you ever need help. Also join azbmw.org

[Court M3]

You can clean it if you are OCD and want to get rid of the grime.

[RMac42]

Awesome, thanks so much guys. Any way to clean it up, or best to leave it as is?

[oliver.r]

That's factory cosmoline, I would be concerned with his claims if it didn't have it

[Vivek]

Yes, he's correct. It's cosmoline, the rust-proofing stuff that BMW used on e30's. It's all over the underside of your car too, you just can't really see it.

[RMac42]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a low-milage one-owner sedan that was apparently parked for several years. Interior is mint and the Alpine white paint still shines. The engine bay, however, has gone yellow-ish. The owner says it's a common issue with white E30s that is the result of aging factory sealant. Just wondering if someone could confirm that statement.

I'll attach a photo. Thoughts? I'd appreciate your input, specifically regarding the yellowing but also about the bay in general. The owner is out of state so I have not seen this in person yet.

Thanks!