[Jerry Smith]

Hi All,

I just took delivery of a new 335d in Crimson Red. A few days after I took delivery I noticed that there were some light scratches on the rear corner of the vehicle above the right rear tail light, and involving the trunk lid as well. Also there is a scratch on the rear tail light lens.

I brought it back to the dealer, and asked them if they could buff the scratches out. They said, it was down to the ECoat, so the only way to fix it was to repaint it. I told them I didn’t want to repaint it, but they said if I changed my mind to come back and they would take care of it.

I have been trying to forget about the scratches, but I just put an amp in the trunk, and the guys at the shop noticed the scratches immediately, and pointed it out to me, so they wouldn’t be held responsible.

It really seems minor, so I hate to mess with the factory paint, but it bothers me that the guys at the stereo shop noticed it so quickly.

I am not sure what to do here. Should I have it repainted, or forget about it?

I'll post pictures tomorrow.

[TOGWT]

Why would you accept a sub-standard paint finish.The e-coat provides primary rust protection along with the subsequent paint layers.Given time (and misture) the scratches will rust.

Get a professional to wet-sand and paint the scratches

[joed1]

If you paid for the car, have them repair it correctly. If you won the car in a raffle, I would be happy I got a scratch in a car I got for free!

[Jerry Smith]

It was a brand new car, and I walked around it kicked the tires, but I didn't notice the scratches until I washed it two days later.

One of my friends suggested to me if I have it repainted that I should have the entire car wet sanded, and add a second clear coat.

[Bobble]

Since it's a brand new car I would have it repaired professionally eityher by the dealer (respray affected areas) or a competent quality detailer with experieince in wet sanding and scratch repair.

I seriously doubt the dealer is going to respray the entire car for you, they will and should fix the panels in question but probably not the entire car.
Is it a lease or purchase.

[wrickem]

I understand completely how you feel about the "factory finished paint", I feel that you never get a better matched finish than from the factory....but if it was my car and they were so deep that people were noticing it and it was bothering me, I would have it fixed sooner rather than later. I am sure your dealership will hook you up whith a professional job. Good luck

[UncleWede]

ASSuming they do a good job on covering for overspray, you will notice a respray FAR LESS than you already do the scratches.

[Jerry Smith]

Originally Posted by Bobble

Since it's a brand new car I would have it repaired professionally eityher by the dealer (respray affected areas) or a competent quality detailer with experieince in wet sanding and scratch repair.

I seriously doubt the dealer is going to respray the entire car for you, they will and should fix the panels in question but probably not the entire car.
Is it a lease or purchase.

It doesn't hurt to ask, but I might be willing to spend a little extra cash to have them do it. After all, I am buying a brand new car that I have to paint.

I'm just wondering if it is a good idea to do it at all to wet sand, and put an extra clear coat.

[Jerry Smith]

Originally Posted by Bobble

Since it's a brand new car I would have it repaired professionally eityher by the dealer (respray affected areas) or a competent quality detailer with experieince in wet sanding and scratch repair.

I seriously doubt the dealer is going to respray the entire car for you, they will and should fix the panels in question but probably not the entire car.
Is it a lease or purchase.

I'm at Starbucks next to the dealer now, and am going to see them soon. I just wanted to check in and see you opinions.

After reading you opinions, I am definetly going have it repainted. Especially, if there is a danger of rust.

[joed1]

I don't know many dealerships that have competent body folks. The good ones go to specialty shops.

[Jerry Smith]

I really got no choice in the matter.

First of all the dealer is offering to fix it at no cost to me.

Also, I don't know anything about the autobody business, or anyone who does where I live. I'm not from around here, and only been here a few years.

I'm just going to have to trust that they do a good job.

[Bobble]

Did you ask how they would be doing it, scratch repair or respray of the affected panels?
A lot of dealers send bodywork out to other shops so it may not be done on site. Pretty common practice at least here in SoCal.
If the reapir is a quality one you really should not be able to notice without a PTG.
One thing I would ask for is for them to either reimburse or provide a complete paint correction of the entire car after the new paint gases out so the gloss and look from panel to panel does not vary to the "normal" set of eyes. If they decide to do it, ask to speak with the detailer and find out if he knows what he's doing if not find someone local who has references and try get them to pay as much as possible of it or do it yourself if you are up to the task. You'll be happier in the end that way.

[Johndong888]

I would first check to see if they have an onsite paint facility or sending it to one of their affiliate shops to do the repair.

Either would be fine. They generally do a lot of repairs for customers and CPO cars. Only thing I would double check is make sure they have an onsite facility. Some of these dealers paint their cars outside underneath a tent. It's not as controlled as the shop.

If by chance your dealer happens to paint outside beneath a tent, I would ask for reimbursement and find a good detailer and paint correction specialist in your area.

[luv135i]

update?