The thread on Powder Coating reminded me that I have a brake dust problem...and unfortunately I learn things the hard way.......

Victims- set of 2002 M3 18" (twin spoke) and a set of M Star OEM Wheels
Perpetrator- Hawk Blue Race pads

Last year at Watkins Glen, the retainer nut on the lower gear of the oil pump unwound and the gear fell into the oil pan ....the gods were smiling on me cause I managed to notice the oil pressure light came on and immediately shut 'r down and coasted onto pit row.

The dealer, after much back and forth, reluctantly warrantied the repair. Several weeks past and ofcourse the car sat outside the whole time with a ton of Hawk Blue Brake dust. The short of it is that the two days of metallic brake dust from the Hawk Blues rusted..on the paint, in every nook and cranny possible and on the wheels.

The best part was that the motor was not damaged, it was repaired at no cost and the car was reunited to me from BMW Roadside assistance. How about that- whoo-ah BMW!

Upon the Coupes return, I took off my track rim set up and put the 18's back on deciding to leave the hawk on for a while. Between the turner cooling backing plates, the custom ducting, steel braided line, Motul 600 and the Hawk Blues - the car stops. Much cheaper alternative to big brake kits.

After about 1000 miles of driving around- I decided to s*** the pads out fearing that I may have killed the rotors. Thats when I noticed the brake dust would not come off and the car had a layer of rust spralled all over.

Even though the pads where only 50% gone, the rotors were ridged up. I tossed them because of the rust.

Its a 5 months later, and thanks to Zymol- the car is mint again. No rust and the paint lusters like new. Not sure what pads I will run this year at the track- open to suggestions that might not rust up like the Hawks.

Today I have AXXIS- recommeded by Turner. Not crazy about them - but for the street- they are adequate.

Its the wheels- there is rust built up in the corners of both sets of wheels that will not come off. I tried everything known to me- P21, NOXON with dremmil- ( don't do it- period),
brillo- again don't do it, WD 40, etc.

Anyone have any suggestions

Has anyone had thier wheels re painted? What have you done and what were the results?
I hear no one can really replicate factory finish....

Those of you with common sense and / or experience with this are probably having a goodd laugh at my stupidity-

Those of you who are going to be new to performance pads-
Get some p21 or dilute some simple green and clean the wheels after every session.


If you made it to the end of this thread and your still awake - Thanks