[DanielBimmer]

The amount of tree sap drops I have on my car are uncountable. How the hell do I get them off without having to scrap it off real hard with my fingernail!?

[JJS]

Don't park under trees?

[AweSam8]

As I recall, BMW sells tree sap remover in their service/parts dept. I'm sure there's a 3rd party one as well.

Maybe wax your car so it comes off more easily?

[jelecroy]

My experience is:
a. In my neighborhood it isn't really tree sap, actually insect poop from bugs that are eating the tree leaves
b. Comes off relatively easily with soap and water. I think the stuff is pretty water-soluble. The only moderately difficult part is getting the goo off the windshield wipers.
If what you have is actually tree sap, a non-polar solvent should take it off. I'd use either mineral spirits (first choice) or denatured alcohol. Either solvent will likely take off any car wax along with the sap, but won't harm paint. I like to use a professional paint cleaner like PPG Acryli-Clean (DX-330), available at automotive paint suppliers. AcryliClean will clean off everything on the paint surface, including any silicone agents, tar, tree sap, and I have never had it damage cured paint. I would not use it on fresh lacquer.

[KneeDragr]

Mineral spirits is going to take whatever wax or sealant on the paint right off.

But yeah, parking under trees is a sure way to beat up your paint.

[spuntyb]

Drop of optimum no rinse?

[Professor///M]

Put really hot water on a paper towel and throw it on top of the spot for a good 10 minutes to soften. Usually wipes right off if you have been a good boy or girl with waxing your car

[smithf80]

I used to have my car covered in what looked like sap but and I couldn't even scrape it off with my fingernail but it always washed completely away whenever I washed my car.

[Bmwman325]

Clay bar

[Estoril1992]

This stuff will take it off with ease and also get rid of any tar spots:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...rdis-cat6.html

But this will also strip any protection off the car so you will have to re-apply a wax or some form of protection.

[TBolts10]

This stuff has worked wonders for me. Spray it directly on the sap and then wait about 60 seconds. Take a wet rag and it comes right off. This stuff is thick too so it won't run onto other spots it will stay right on the sap.

http://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T-5...e+wax+tree+sap

Walmart has it too.

[BavarianFanatic]

Don't use clay bar to try to remove sap. Sheesh.

Buy some sap remover. Done. Though it's just mineral spirits with a little polish mixed in. This is assuming it's actually sap and not something else...

[ft1330]

Tar X. Works amazing on tar and apparently tree sap as well. But it's pricy.

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by Estoril1992

This stuff will take it off with ease and also get rid of any tar spots:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...rdis-cat6.html

But this will also strip any protection off the car so you will have to re-apply a wax or some form of protection.

Sounds good and pretty cheap but the OP is not in the UK

[ft1330]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Don't use clay bar to try to remove sap. Sheesh.

Buy some sap remover. Done. Though it's just mineral spirits with a little polish mixed in. This is assuming it's actually sap and not something else...

Would mineral spirit not soften the clear coat even just temporarily? Especially if BMW uses a waterborne clear coat.

[DanielBimmer]

There are two things I find- sticky residue like a sticker was taken off. And little dark orange drops. (Like dried drops of super glue) I need to scrap those off with my finger. But the residue is horrible. Doesn't come off no matter what

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by ft1330

Would mineral spirit not soften the clear coat even just temporarily? Especially if BMW uses a waterborne clear coat.

No. Once it's cured you'll have no issues. Also, bear in mind you don't "soak" it on the paint. You apply it to a cloth and wipe the sap. A couple of passes will take it right off. The key to dealing with sap is getting it off as quickly as possible before it has a chance to harden or bake on. Then mechanical means might be needed to get the bulk of it off.

[35mmSummicron]

What's worked well for me is 99% isopropanol / isopropyl alcohol usp you get from the pharmacy.

Make sure to reapply a coat of wax soon after.

[Alan_NJ]

Yes, IPA is the trick detailers use to remove sap.
Regular strength stuff from the drug store, dont even need the 90%+ stuff.

But it does indeed remove your wax so you must wax or seal afterwards.
Dont scrub with it though, simply dab with a soft cloth.

But the best thing to do is put a good sealant and wax on your car if you cant avoid the trees.
Then most sap will just wash off after you let the soap sit for a minute.
(unless its globs)

[knightsabers]

Just use WD-40, spray on to the tree sap and leave it to soak for about 5-10 mins then wipe off with a towelette. Spent hrs scratching it off before I realised this from their site.

[OdinAutoDetailing]

First question I would ask... What kind of tree is it that's leaving sap? Not all sap is the same.

[Damon44]

I would rather walk across an entire parking lot than park under a tree.