What's this and how can I remove it?

[Phoenix84]

What's this yellow crap???



It looks like either some sort of resin (or a clear coat maybe) that's aged or less likely some burned off oil build up. It's all 'melted' to low points mainly.

[bergie_318is]

have you tryed anything?
id just take it off, use some really strong detergent, steel wool and a bita elbow grease. then id paint it to protect it

[Phoenix84]

I attacked it with a very fine brass brush. Autosol didn't seem to help at all but it's easily removed with the brush I have - just time consuming. I only have a small one so I'll have to buy a bigger one, but with fine wire as well, not the normal coarse ones.
I also used a dremel with a fine wire wheel and it worked, but was tedious and wore the wheel out too quickly. It was good for some of the tight areas.

I'm thinking about getting it powder coated when I'm done (maybe after polishing) but I'm not sure what colour. I'd love black with red lettering, but no way would that match a white car. I'll probably do it gradually - a few bits at a time because there are heaps of other parts I would get done too, but we'll see.

[DomM3]

This is a kind of wax.
The BMW company put the wax on the engine.
It protect the surface without discolouration.
It's a kind of protective coating.

[Phoenix84]

Ok, I guess it was just age (and the engine bay didn't get much prior attention) that made it discolour. Well I'm half way through getting it off and then I'll PC or paint it to protect it a bit. Thanks!!!

[DomM3]

In Germany is a special oil, name is Caramba.
I sprayed it on the engine for protection.
You can use it for the whole engine bay.
It's for metal, elastic band, electrician parts.
It displaced water and wetness.

[Phoenix84]

That sounds like pretty good stuff... I'll see if I can find it in Australia (maybe through BMW parts?). If it's not here I might have to look into getting some over! Thanks dude!!!