Strange, unwashable milky stain

[ZAS]

Hi mate. If you can post a picture I might be able to help. If I don't recognise the problem I've got plenty of professionals just an email or phone call away

[Doug_MPS6]

TONE, Hi. If this is a relatively new MPS then it seems very strange for it to be rust or paint lifting, unless you got the car 2nd hand and it is some prior damage or repair. Depending on your warranty and owner history status, I'd go to the dealer first. Mazda paint is usually damn good, and modern applications rarely lift.

Whatever, ask your local Mazda who does all their recommended or referred repairs and/or then take it to them or a TOP panel shop, preferably one who does Mazda repairs for routinely (as I do), for an opinion BEFORE you mess with a bunch of reagents, polishes and other efforts to remediate it, for you may make any future proper effort impossible.

If the guys don't seem to be interested or know or care about it, then try another place. The industry is full of useless wallies who try to sound knowledgeable but know SFA.

This may seem a hassle but you are starting from a known position. If it is a prior repair you may discover something you need to know re safety of the pillar and/or the airbag deployment. Do NOT mess with it prior to doing this.

Added later: Don't wish to alarm you, but depending on your owner status, if you bought it 2nd hand, then make sure you keep track of all your conversations and inquiries with 3rd parties. You might need to have some recourse to a dealer for some 2nd hand warranty or even for failing to report a significant repair to you.

Good luck.

[Scaredycrow]

Good point doug. Rust or any type of damage on that pillar would be considered structural and could lead to difficulties gettting the car registered.

[tone]

I purchased the car brand new about 2.5 years ago. Never been in any accidents/hail damage/any other sort of damage.

I'll try and take some photos tomorrow. Not sure how the phone camera will be able to handle the level of detail required to see it. It's very faint and barely visible until you get about half a meter or closer from the spot. I think a photo will be a lot more help then my description, so as mentioned, i'll do my best to take some tomorrow morning.

[Doug_MPS6]

Great! You must still be under warranty. Have you had words with the dealer yet?
I'm intrigued by the variable appearance that you described when you touch the mark, that suggests it is not just a stain. Bizarre! Let us know how you go. I'm out of ideas.

[tone]

I've taken a photo on my camera but it is so hard to see the mark. You see more of my reflection in the paint then you do the actual stain. I Haven't spoken to the dealer yet as I have a full detail booked in next Monday so was going to wait to see if it gets removed during that.

Maybe it was extra terrestrials.