CAR SOFT-TOP LICHEN REMOVAL

My BMW 650i's soft top went green - and when I got the green stuff off it left round spots of lichen, and nothing seems to shift it! It was less than a year ago that I did the full restoration with Renovo: cleaner, re-colouring and Ultra-proofer.
So, I'm going to try all sorts of stuff to try and get the lichen off - car shampoo, washing up liquid (dish soap) and a mild bleach called Milton tablets. Let's see how well that goes!

[@jcc6664]

I was getting all excited when I read your heading as I have a serious dose of Lichen on my Smart Cabriolet. There must be something that will kill and remove the dreaded Lichen. I have spots all over the roof and and have scrubbed with a suitable brush but as you say nothing shifted the marks. I guess I will just keep scrubbing. Thanks anyway for your video. At least you are trying.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I'll keep on trying!

[@acater-smith4433]

Timm I have a black 645 merlot top... how about tanning the top if it is that bad...?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I wouldn't, I'm afraid it would not tan evenly!

[@michaelhall4798]

i used miltons stailizing fliud.then renovo reviver which i applied with a foam applicator,far less mess than a brush then fabsil water proofer in an aerasole.brilliant

[@alvintobe5566]

Hi Timm this is Alvin your number one fan. Thanks for a detailed video. You are very EZ to follow. I saw your wife in the kitchen window day one of the video. Be safe my friend, blessings to you and your family. ✌️

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Alvin, I missed you!

[@jb3558]

This was really helpful. I am in the process of researching what is best for the lichens on a roof. I have done it once with dilute white vinegar which did seem to do quite a bit. My intention is to do it several times before I put the treatment on. Thanks for your complete openness in this video.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

My pleasure!

[@uneekpcs]

Did you manage to get it off and did you try the steam cleaner?, great vid thx.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Yes I did: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaGoinltp5eBd6s

[@BenDover-tn6vx]

there is no quick way to do this, wet an area, use a nylon nail or detailing brush, then a tooth brush as the nylon used gets smaller and gets deeper into the fabric. it's just a case of many days or weeks of work, period... then just use some fabsil gold to help keep the waterproofing up to standard....

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I found a quick way at last! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaGoinltp5eBd6s

[@Brit_filipino]

I use a strong steam cleaner. Seems to work great.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I'll give that a go, thanks!

[@tonyfischer1462]

This is a horrible job but I've just used Autoglym and I have to say it really does the job. It's not cheap but then it's one of these jobs where you have to pay proper money to end up with a proper result. It's not that hard to work with and they supply a spray bottle to apply the waterproofer when the roof is still damp. You should try it Timm. T

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Tony, I've got some new stuff to try at the weekend - I'll let you know how it goes!

[@sandratolve163]

I tried Autoglym too, lichen gone!

[@noanyobiseniss7462]

I'm slowly going through your vids one by one for the algo Timm, your a great boon to the scene and have enjoyed your company on bimmer forums for years. ;) Haven't been active for a few years though.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Noan!

[@DjKennySharp]

Hi Tim I have a e64 2009 and I’m having trouble trying to remove the water marks on the rubber where the roof sits on when the roof is closed. When it’s open these marks are very in sightly. Can you help ?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Those marks are awful aren't they! I'm just about to try Cerakote which is quite expensive - if that doesn't work I'll remove it and paint it! I'll let you know how I get on.

[@DjKennySharp]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks Tim I’ll wait and see how you get on 👍🏻

[@paperandmedals8316]

Timm, why don’t you cover your cars when not in use? The UK is just a brutal environment for cars. It’s rather remarkable how the water finds its way into car, or that it rains that much to support plant life on a vehicle. I’m in the dry, warm Desert Southwest of the US. I keep my cars in a garage, but even I cover my vehicles that don’t fit in the garage to save them from the sun.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I used to cover the 740i, but it was a real pain - you'd go out in the morning in the pouring rain and reel the cover in - and in the evening I'd have a soggy mess of a cover. The problem is that the cars are never 'out of use' they get driven all the time. A perennial problem!

[@acater-smith4433]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation car port...?

[@fredthesavannahcat2899]

I purchased something from ebay and mine looks amazing now. It only cost about a tenner

[@khankarni8913]

What is it called buddy

[@fredthesavannahcat2899]

@@khankarni8913 Convertible Roof Cleaner for BMW - Soft Top STAIN & MOULD Remover Fabric Canvas. £7.95 only

[@khankarni8913]

Straight white vinegar does the job....

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I'll give that a go, as long as it doesn't stink the car out!

[@jonathanevans9257]

Agree with previous comment, I throw a cover over my 650 everytime, only takes few mins and protects soft top perfectly. ps Great vids thanks!

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I've done covers and they just made things worse in the damp and windy south of England!

[@eoinsmith422]

did you try the steam cleaner?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Not yet Eoin, but I'll give it a go!

[@rayennaidoo3675]

Hi Tim. Your videos are excellent and very informative. Please keep them coming. I have an e64. Got a question relating to the passenger side dashboard. I seem to have some cracks forming around the passanger airbag dashboard seal. Have you come across this issue before? Other than replacing the dashboard what options do I have to repair this?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Rayen, no, sorry, not enough heat here to crack anything!

[@marioduran7913]

Timm, your channel is the only reason that I keep going with my e31 1995 m60,now with 80k, but recently the SRS light came up and I don't have any idea how to get rid of that light, can you give me a clu?? Thank you. Mario

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Thanks Mario, the usual culprit is the passenger-seat occupancy sensor - but can be most things including the steering wheel clock-spring. Diagnostics are neigh-on impossible (INPA etc), so a multimeter is the way to go.

[@marioduran7913]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thank you for your time. Md

[@jp3630]

Hi Timm. I've got a question about remapping (sorry, would've posted to an older video, but not sure you would see it). After putting on an after market exhaust, should I remap my 650i or is that just asking for trouble?

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Just don't - the 650i is fast enough without messing up the mapping!

[@LochyP]

I totally disagree with timm on this one - a good, dyno'd remap will allow your engine to make the most of your new (presumably higher-flowing) aftermarket exhaust, and you might see considerable power gains!

[@jp3630]

@@LochyP Yes, the exhaust is higher flowing and I can already feel a power increase. I would hope the dyno would add a bit. Whilst the 650 is fast, there are cars out there (AMG, S line and M cars) that are very intimidating when they pull up next to you at the lights. It would be nice if I had 380 - 400 horses under the hood. I'm just super wary about upsetting car in anyway.

[@theamerican7080]

I wonder if CLR, or a lime-scale removal product would work?

[@paperandmedals8316]

Might be a strong product for synthetic roof material.

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

I've got some new stuff to try this weekend!

[@Jon-zj2nj]

“Washing up liquid”?! 😳😮

[@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation]

Dish Soap for non- UK residents!

[@Jon-zj2nj]

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I’m surprised. It’s not something I’d use on anything of any value.

[@bradley7240]

@@Jon-zj2nj Don’t be tricked by expensive products when household items can do the same job

[@Jon-zj2nj]

@@bradley7240 I damaged a lot of car paint using washing up liquid, until I realised that there was a very good reason for using car specific shampoo instead 👍 There’s no way that I’d put it anywhere near an expensive car fabric hood.

[@jezlucas3878]

@@Jon-zj2nj in what way did you damage paint with dish soap