[Paul330d]

Curbed my front wheel yesterday Not too serious, but it needs repairing and I quite like the idea of doing it myself. I have looked at the DIY posted on this site, but my local auto parts shop has 3 or 4 different shades of silver wheel spray. Is it just a case of choosing the one that appears to best match my 162s, or does BMW sell an OEM wheel paint kit?

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by Paul330d

Curbed my front wheel yesterday Not too serious, but it needs repairing and I quite like the idea of doing it myself. I have looked at the DIY posted on this site, but my local auto parts shop has 3 or 4 different shades of silver wheel spray. Is it just a case of choosing the one that appears to best match my 162s, or does BMW sell an OEM wheel paint kit?

The paint is made by WURTH and comes in two cans - the silver and the clear. It is not specifically for BMWs but all European painted wheels seem to use this color.

Wifey curbed a 162 a couple of weeks ago and with the paint, some red bondo putty, sanding primer,various grades of wet and dry and this article I was able to fix it. You would literally never know the wheel was (badly) curbed.

The trick is not to mask the wheel off with tape except on the tires. Then the color blends wonderfully with the BMW paint without a harsh edge. Took a few times for me to figure it out but the results are outstanding.

Take your time. Let the paint dry for at least a day between coats (the sanding primer dries in 30 mins).

[Paul330d]

Good tips there. Thanks

I feel your pain, Paul. Over the last year I managed to curb my right front to about the same extent your wife did. And I also brushed the right rear a bit. I finally learned to live with the scrapes, as no one new they were there but me. However, my car is in the body shop to get the rear bumper replaced this week, (small accident), and I'm having them both fixed while it's there. Cost: $175 each. If I were younger and had more patience, I'd have fixed them myself.

[MCortes]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

The paint is made by WURTH and comes in two cans - the silver and the clear. It is not specifically for BMWs but all European painted wheels seem to use this color.

Wifey curbed a 162 a couple of weeks ago and with the paint, some red bondo putty, sanding primer,various grades of wet and dry and this article I was able to fix it. You would literally never know the wheel was (badly) curbed.

The trick is not to mask the wheel off with tape except on the tires. Then the color blends wonderfully with the BMW paint without a harsh edge. Took a few times for me to figure it out but the results are outstanding.

Take your time. Let the paint dry for at least a day between coats (the sanding primer dries in 30 mins).

SteveMD,
Thanks a lot for the link with the step by step instructions--VERY HELPFUL!!. As careful as I try to be with the wheels I still managed to get 3 wheels with curb rash in 6 months. I didn't realize it until it was 2 late but the metal rails at my local carwash where the culprits for scratching the rims. They had no rubber protection and were causing damage when being driven into the bay. Manager tried to claim they were not responsible but a quick call from a lawyer buddy changed their mind quick to reimburse me. I switched to a new place and no problems since. I'm going to give it a shot and will post before and after pictures.

[bobnaz]

Originally Posted by Paul330d

Curbed my front wheel yesterday Not too serious, but it needs repairing and I quite like the idea of doing it myself. I have looked at the DIY posted on this site, but my local auto parts shop has 3 or 4 different shades of silver wheel spray. Is it just a case of choosing the one that appears to best match my 162s, or does BMW sell an OEM wheel paint kit?

Same here. Call one of your local(non dealer) BMW repairs shops, they gave me a guy who came to my work and fixed it for $100 a wheel.

[bmwexecutive]

Michelin PS2s. Mmmmmmmmm.

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

The paint is made by WURTH and comes in two cans - the silver and the clear. It is not specifically for BMWs but all European painted wheels seem to use this color.

Wifey curbed a 162 a couple of weeks ago and with the paint, some red bondo putty, sanding primer,various grades of wet and dry and this article I was able to fix it. You would literally never know the wheel was (badly) curbed.

PM you on where to get them locally or online?

[pander5]

The article referenced above works perfectly if followed. I've wetsanded a few wheels and, for me, that was the most distressing part. Painting is easy - just remember to be meticulous and precise with masking and I play it safe with masking a generous portion of the adjacent body panels as well. I don't have the luxury of a paint booth and even the slightest breeze will have you grabbing for the clay bar!

Nice thin and even paint passes and it's relatively easy. Good luck and let us know how it comes out if you try it.