OliverB

I think it's just TAR !
Actually not possible to get rust on plastic parts.
Did you try a tar remover ??

SolanNo1

Assuming that this is actually rust, doesn't BMW come with a rust/perforation warranty? However, I doubt that this is rust. Most of the body panels (bumper etc) are fibreglass. I don't think there are any pure Fe parts on the body.

As to the other 'disappointments' that you have with the car, you may want to to make sure that you have the latest S/W.

darkside

Try isopropyl alcohol. No, don't drink it. I had a situation with small particulates on my old Volvo wagon. I could barely remove them with a clay bar; it would have taken the rest of my life. Wiped right off with alcohol.

radioham

i started reading looked at pictures and thought rust on plastic not possible .
i had a similar problem once and it turned out to be workmen using angle grinders spraying the car with iron sparks whilst i was parked .hell job to get off burnt into paint and then rust when wet. think about it wetre you near a site were workers usung grinders?maybe

miss525i

sjc550, I doubt that the dealer is going to do anything about this...it doesn't sound like a common problem such as rust. It is definitely sounds like paint or something that you picked up while driving. Do you drive or park by construction sites?
Sorry about the bad experience with your 550i....it sure is a nice car

cattman

Without seeing it in person it's hard to diagnose, but I have a couple of theories, from a distance.

I think I'd need to know if the issue is "on" the paint, or "in" the paint. Since it's not rust (plastic doesn't rust), and you can wipe it off, I think it's "on" the paint. In which case, it's not the car's fault, it's where you park, drive, or:

1.) Might be whatever you are using to dress your tires, given the location, and the fact that from your pics it looks like your tires are very "wet" looking. What product are you or your carwash/detailer using? Many tire dressings "sling", or spatter onto the panels where you are having issues.

2.) Might be a brakedust issue- looks like the bad stuff (not the dust, but small mnetallic throw off). If that's what it is, you might have bad break pads. If your paint is damaged as a result of that, definitely might need a repaint- go to your dealer.

Could it be either of these?

sjc550

I dont think the sheet metal itself is actually rusting, this is something landing on the paint.
I was thinking a brake-dust issue myself. I will take it to the dealer this week.

I have not used anything on the tires. It just doesn't pay during the winter months here. The tires are actually wet in the picture.

cattman

Yeah, that's my bet: bad break pads. That would explain the metallic flakes, where they are, and how hard they are to get off.
Be sure to let me know if I'm right.
If I am, you're due a new paint job.

sjc550

Do you think a new paint job is really an option? I am wondering if they could remove these with clay. Unless the paint is actually damaged. Would repainting this car hurt re-sale value. A new paint job combined with other problems i am experiencing has me pondering the lemon law...

znod

Do you think a new paint job is really an option? I am wondering if they could remove these with clay. Unless the paint is actually damaged. Would repainting this car hurt re-sale value. A new paint job combined with other problems i am experiencing has me pondering the lemon law...
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It would be worth more repainted than the way it is. Claying, who knows? Why not go somewhere and find out what the problem is?