[Wheelwright]

So I wanted to rinse off soot from my exhaust today to expose it more (because I like the real article not plastic fakery favoured by some other manufacturers). However I discovered to my dismay that paint is chipping only after about 10k miles. Looks ugly. Does anybody know if this is covered under warranty or else how to fix it ? I suspect if everybody cleaned their exhaust the real scale of the problem may become apparent.

Here are the pics:

[M235guy]

Mine is doing the same thing

[Iceman51sn]

That sucks!! Wash day is tomorrow so I'll keep an eye out and report back.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

There not black chrome?

[Silvermike]

wash it properly and then spray with some dei black silicone spray.

[moldcad]

Frankly, when I first saw my M235i's "black chrome" (which in fact is simply black painting), I knew it would rust sooner rather than later as this is exactly what happened to my 528xi tips after less than a year from new:

The black tips (part of the M-sport package) are made in China, and most unfortunately the seal is at the bottom - so that any condensed water with sulphur and other combustion chemicals tend to stay there and do their job... Bad design, even worse workmanship... My dealer replaced two sets before I sold the car to him and got the M235i!

I guess the only permanent solution are true chrome tips, but I'm reluctant to buy them just because my new "premium car" is rusting

[Colinv6]

On my M135i (same tips) I got them replaced after 9 months, same problem as you. After a further 6 months they did the same. Couldn't be bothered this time round so I've just left it.

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Could be a combination of exhaust gas, salt/bryne acid & not washing it on a regular basis. We are just coming off winter season.

[mfourn20]

Mines doing that as well..I just assumed it was soot buildup from not washing it all that much over the winter...

[mfourn20]

Oops...double post....pretty super mine is just caked on soot...not sure about the "black chrome" mine just looks like regular chrome.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by ehagerty

Could be a combination of exhaust gas, salt/bryne acid & not washing it on a regular basis. We are just coming off winter season.

C'mon - when I was selling my then 10-years-old E46 330i, its double chrome tips were still looking like new. And I was never crazy about washing, detailing etc. - just stainless steel with properly applied layer of chrome did the job.

BMW is definitely cutting corners these days - even in the top-of-the-line 550i F10 the black tips are notoriously rusting

[Wheelwright]

In my case it is definitely paint chipping, it didn't start to corrode yet. I wonder if they will replace it or blame "normal wear and tear". It certainly won't cost them much as it is made in china. If they do replace it I will keep washing it on a regular basis. Lesson learned.

[2msport]

looks like maybe salt damage and lack of cleaning. the outside is completely dirty and not shiny. you'd be surprised how easily exhausts can stay shinny after a few wipes every monthly car wash.

[M2BMW]

Originally Posted by 2msport

looks like maybe salt damage and lack of cleaning. the outside is completely dirty and not shiny. you'd be surprised how easily exhausts can stay shinny after a few wipes every monthly car wash.

+1 looks like it could be salt/brine damage.

[Wheelwright]

This doesn't look like rust damage to me: I can scrape the paint off with my fingernail. It is as if they forgot to apply primer. I will take it to a dealer soon and report back.

[Wheelwright]

I talked to a dealer today and they agreed to replace the exhaust tips.