In Episode 17 of the Quest for Perfection on the 1997 BMW E36 M3 Sedan, I tackle the rubber seals inside the front and rear door jams. Neglected for 20 years, the rubber seals need a thorough cleaning and reconditioning.
The first step is to vacuum all the loose dirt and grime out of the seals, then clean the rubber with a quality rubber cleaner such as Griot’s Garage Rubber Cleaner. Once the surface is free from loose and stuck dirt, lint, contaminants, and perhaps prior cleaning products, I treat the rubber seals with Black Again to restore the deep black shine to the seals and make them appear new again.
The project took approximately 4-5 hours without rushing things. If you have an E36 BMW, chances are your rubber seals are even dirtier and could use a good cleaning and restoration treatment. This is one of those fine-detail projects that only seasoned, neurotic car owners and perhaps the concours judges will immediately notice, but it makes a good impression both up close and from afar. The small details make the difference.