When I picked up my Clubman (non-S), now one month old, I saw a slightly brown residue (dried liquid) on my driver-side front bumper just below the grill. I thought it might be "left-over" protectant from shipping. Today, I saw some very light oil on the same spot - it also looks like there was enough liquid to drip down the wheel guard (gray plastic around the wheel-well) just below the headlight. The oil is very thin and almost colorless (slightly brown).

Any ideas as to what this? I also can't wash off the dried residue with normal soaps/degreasers. Any thoughts on what might dissolve/clean it?

 

I have that too. It won't wash off. I was going to try claybar and then wax next.

 

It's the cosmoline.

It's driving me crazy.

 

It's cosmoline allright ... what's weird is that some people seem to see it seep out from the car for months and others, like myself, have never seen a trace of it.

 

yes this stuff is used as rust protection. I belive they put this on to prevent rust when they ship the vehicles. Apparently this is a significant challenge (the early Japanese cars rusted on the boat).

Is it still a pain? absolutely I can use the length of the oil streak as a thermometer

Grady

 

OK, seems to be cosmoline. It has been unusually hot in my area of Northern California (100 degrees) which explains the new trail of oil. Now the question is: What is the best way to remove the old dried cosmoline and new oil?

Thanks!

Andy

 

use dawn dish soap, hot hot water

 

Had the same problem, really hadn't noticed it until the wife got it on her hand opening the bonnet. Try some WD-40 or lighter fluid (Won't hurt the paint...I use WD-40 for years to remove road oil)