Question on windshield cowl - is this dirt or a protective coating? PICS

[CurrusDei]

I'm changing the wiper motor on my E30 M3 and saw that the inside of the cowl is very dirty. Not rusty, just looks dusty. Before I go nuts with the cleaning products I wanted to make sure it isn't some kind of anti-rust coating. Thoughts?

[15Michaeljoseph]

well you could always clean it out and spray fresh clear rubber underbody protectant, like Wurth, in there?


--Mike

[ELVA164]

Just grab some glass cleaner and wipe it. If it comes off, it was either dirt or not very effective rust protection. My bet is it comes off.

[CurrusDei]

I'll just clean it up. Will post after pics

[thealbert]

Looks like dirt to me.

[CurrusDei]

Part was dirt, part wasn't. This is after a relatively gentle pressure washing.

[ELVA164]

Almost looks like some sort of adhesive residue now...could cosmoline get in there?

[efficient]

looks like mold

[AndrewBird]

Looks like the paint flaked off to me. Something at some point got in there and ate the paint.

[15Michaeljoseph]

Go get some clear rustoleum flex seal and spray in there when you're all done... better to be safe than sorry.


--Mike

[CurrusDei]

Edit - this was body cavity wax. Leave it alone. I cleaned out the dirt in mine and am having fresh body cavity wax put on where i removed some of the old wax

[1843lamp]

It is body cavity wax as others have said ,I cleaned the whole area out ,it was in like new condition so I just put a heavy coat of wax on it and forced it in to the cracks .I did not like the look or rough texture of the old BMW protectant and wanted a smooth surface for the water to escape out.

[TobyB]

...cosmoline from shipping...

t