I've noticed on several cars how nice and clean the rims are.
I can't seem to keep mine clean for more than a day or two, (brake dust i guess) whats the trick?
82' 300d w/original rims.

Alot of guys in my area put these "brake shields" on. They keep the dust from making it to your wheels. The downside is that they increase your brake temp and can cause warping of the rotors!!! I have seen some posts on here talking about certain types of brake pads put off less dust, check it out

Fast Lane has product called Kleen Wheels ($33.50 per pair) that is supposed to keep the brake dust off the wheels. I have no experience with them (just read the catalogues). They fit behind the front wheels. They are also available at other parts places (performance products, benzbin, etc.).

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1976 240D
1987 560SL
2007 E320 Bluetec
1998 C280 (now son’s car)
1982 240D Manual - Sold

They may be using some hard semi-mettalic (after market) pads.

My 1990 300E had the Repco pads and it did not show brake dust but they were after market pads put on by the previous owner. Now I use the soft and dusty OEM pads.

Seriously, I cannot say anything bad about the Repco pads but I am sticking to OEM.

I am using the Kleen Wheels wheel guards and they work great. All my previous cars I had trouble with dust on expensive wheels and when I bought this car I couldn't figure out why the wheels were always clear of dust until I pulled the tires and discovered those things. If your serious about keeping your wheels dust free id go with them for sure!
~ A tip on aftermarket pads!!! I do not recommend using anything but OEM pads on your vehicle unless you have compatible rotors. I've seen some "economy" pads eat right through a expensive set of Audi rotors. Your better off spending the extra money on OEM!!

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1983 Mercedes 300SD
1987 Mercedes 300SDL
2001 VW Passat 2.8 AWD
2007 OM642 Jeep WK 4x4

I too recommend Kleen Wheels. I've had the same set for about 10 years without a problem, no warped rotors or noticable brake fade. One thing I do though is when I wash the car I give the wheels a really good shot of water to make sure the vents in the Kleen Wheels don't get clogged. I wouldn't do that with hot brakes though, then you'll likely warp your rotors for sure.

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LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold