|
|
|
|
|
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Today's Posts | Search |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
100k+ E90 Paint Condition
|
|
07-16-2019, 01:01 PM | #1 |
Private
7
Rep 71
Posts |
100k+ E90 Paint Condition
Hi Guys,
I was hoping to get a few comparison shots with the condition of your guys clear coat/paint after 100k. This is something that’s more up my alley but any tips or info on how these factory paint jobs hold up over time would be much appreciated. I’ve attached a couple of mine. I’m curious because on the driver and passenger side it almost feels like overspray or body work that’s been repainted. Either that or after 150k the coat is just showing it’s age, so if anyone has experienced the same thing let me know. You can’t really tell by just looking at it but if you run your hand along side it the texture is different.
__________________
I can offer advice on saving and wealth management.
I can offer advice on professional automotive detailing. Not a mechanic but long time BMW owner and will offer info from my experience. |
07-16-2019, 03:20 PM | #2 | |
Second Lieutenant
50
Rep 232
Posts
Drives: 2009 328i sedan
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Northeast
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-16-2019, 04:46 PM | #3 |
Major General
2188
Rep 5,002
Posts |
There are lots of tell-tale signs that a car has been painted. It’s not uncommon or, IMO, a big issue unless it’s obvious in the daylight. Get the car under some fluorescent lights and you’ll be able to see a lot more of the issues.
A good way to extend the life of paint is give a good polish (cut if necessary) then seal the paint with a ceramic coating. It takes a while to polish, but it helps the sealant last a lot longer and the added UV protection of the ceramic coating is a nice bonus. Unfortunately, if the car has sat outside for 150k+ miles with not much in the way of care taking clears will fail and there’s not much to do than repaint at that point. Polishing the whole car will help with the uniformity of the feel of the paint. If not that, then cut compound is the next step. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-16-2019, 09:22 PM | #4 |
Captain
1039
Rep 753
Posts
Drives: E92 CT200h Cayman Boxster RC
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: WI / AZ
|
My E90 is alpine white so the paint never looks too bad.
If I could see the vehicle in person, I could tell you if it has been painted. If you are really worried, I would use a paint depth gauge. Usually you will be fine with a minor cut / polish. Make sure to use a DA / Random if you do not have experience. Wrong move with a rotary and you can burn the paint. Good luck! |
Appreciate
0
|
07-17-2019, 05:13 AM | #5 |
General
17309
Rep 18,733
Posts |
The paint on my car prevents the otherwise exposed steel from rusting; it works great.
__________________
A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
|
Appreciate
3
|
07-17-2019, 08:51 AM | #6 | |
Private
7
Rep 71
Posts |
Quote:
That was the case when I picked it up and believe me I know how crazy the difference is after you machine compound and buff. I no longer have a machine buffer, that’s the primary reason I haven’t taken that step. My question was as far as the clear coat goes what’s typical after 150k+ with E90’s? I clayed it a couple times so it’s not overspray. It’s just really odd that the sides of the car seem worn but not the hood, trunk, or roof. The areas that would typically show age first. In the direct sunlight though, this thing is swirled beyond belief. I kind of envy owners of white/silver cars. Thanks all. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2019, 01:16 AM | #7 |
Major General
2188
Rep 5,002
Posts |
Yeah, aging on the sides vs top is very odd and a sign something has likely been done.
I’d say the e90 paint is pretty above average quality for BMW. But cars in high sun exposure are starting to have issues 13+ years on... My blue water metallic 09 still looks pretty good but the hood and roof looking more worn than the rest... a good polish may take care of it. Not sure yet tho But this car is basically silver - my first non black car besides one red. Man, silver is so, so so easy. Dunno if I’ll go back to anything else to be honest. Maybe white |
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
|
|