[reign528]

So I was backing into a parking spot the other day, unfortunately for me the parking spot was outlined with bricks, with 2 staggered tiles on top of the bricks (only the first foot or so is done like this). These staggered tiles stick out the sides at least 2 or 3 inches. Completely stupid as shit because the tiles are near impossible to see since they are so low to the ground and they stick out WAY to far!

I went to come out of the spot and forgot about the front staggered tiles because of course I was unable to see them while in the car and the tiles were on the passenger side. I turned the steering wheel to come of the spot and I heard what I thought was my rims rubbing the curb or in this case the bricks. I got out and didnt see any thing wrong with my rims. Instead I saw a broken tile on the ground and my front bumper gashed to holy hell!!!

Anything I can do to fix this other than getting a new bumper? Im so mortified to see this on my 335i. They look pretty deep to me... Any suggestions would be helpful.

[Nedim]

How deep are the scratches?

[alexckma]

clearly, the paint has come off, the white stuff is the undercoating of the paint...

If you want a complete fix, you need a new bumper, if you only want it to be less visible, you can try some touch up paint (never works well in my opinion: especially when you use the brush the provide, I tried using a toothpick with some of my older cars, and it works a bit better)

[jopa489]

Clean thoroughly, some touch up paint, wet sand and polish back to a shine. It won't be 100%, but should look pretty decent. Read up on technique before you DIY though - as said above, touch up paint gets messy quick.

[reign528]

ok I'll try this and post pics.

Originally Posted by jopa489

Clean thoroughly, some touch up paint, wet sand and polish back to a shine. It won't be 100%, but should look pretty decent. Read up on technique before you DIY though - as said above, touch up paint gets messy quick.

[pander5]

Sorry to hear of your scars. Been there, brotha, and it sucks huge. The second pic shows deep gouges that absolutely need to be filled back in.

Personally, I like jopa's approach and I always try something on my own to see if I can get it back to an acceptable condition for me. If after spending just a few bucks I decide it needs a respray or new piece entirely I will at least know the cheap DIY wasn't enough. Many times it is.

The first thing I'd do is buff out the area to see if anything from the incident is simply transfer and can be removed from the paint first. That way you can see what you're left with that absolutely needs touch up or fill in with paint.

I've done so many buffs, touch ups, wetsands and final buff outs that it's fairly easy. It just takes some time and patience.

Depending on your insurance contract you might want to consider what your deductible is vs. a new piece. That would be my worst case though.