Dallas Spikes

Now, my car is only a few months old, but one day I will need to consider repainting it since it is so dark and the little chips and blips do show. So, I thought I might ask you guys for some broadbased guidance on the cost issue.

I certainly want a top notch job that is indistinguishable from the factory, so I would likely use the dealer's body shop. Any ideas on cost range?

$1000 (rediculously low, I know!)
$5000
$10000
$more?

Also, could I change colors or is that a "no-no"?

Thanks for any imput,

Chris

BostonRocket

I think as far as repainting the car, it is a resale value no-no. Dont forget, the VIN info will tell people what color the car originally was.

But I hvae had friends who have repainted their cars and it cost them over $4k. It looked nice, but it wasn't a panel-off paint job so you can still see the original color under the hood, and in random crevices.

As far as cost of doing it properly, I will bet on the $10k plus side..

'Rocket

rennen

To properly have the car painted it's 10k easy. There's a ton of work involved in getting the old paint off.

__________________
2003 M5 Jet Black/Black sport interior
2000 M5 Jet Black/ Black sport interior
2002 X5 3.0
2002 M3
2002 M3 Cab.
2000 Yukon
1966 427 Cobra S/C
1966 GT350H
1966 Hemi Charger
1969 Corvette
1966 Austin Healey 3000

BKH

I don't recommend a color change. I went fron red to blue on a Porsche 911, a job that included popping out all window glass, dropping bumpers and fenders etc. Even when the guys do a fantastic job as mine did you'll inevitably see some evidence of the original color in the really hard to spray areas, more noticeable when the stone chips start coming. As for a repaint I had it done to my 95 M3 in Seattle after it was keyed all around. Same process as with the Porsche but original color (Mugello Red) and with clear coat (a big plus). That job was about $6k. One downside I've noticed with quality repaints in general - as the paint ages most of the flexible pieces such as bumper skins tend to lose gloss more quickly than with factory paint jobs. Otherwise, with color-sanding to remove orange peel and dust nibs, in my experience it's not too difficult to beat a factory BMW paint job.

Dallas Spikes

It seems pretty obvious that any thought of a color change is out. I just thought I might be ready for a switch several years from now.

So, staying with the same color, I will be looking at something between 6 and 10K.

Any further cost comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

Noka

I agree that a repaint in a different color is not good for resale. Although repainting even same color in general may also be considered a 'no-no' for resale value, in a few years if I accumulate many stone chips, I might consider a hood and mirror job. I don't think it would detract from resale if done well. Maybe it would add to it. I considered getting the 3M (Stongard or Xpel) treatments, since I installed it on my 540i, however, inevitably the stone chips occur above the film too. I definitely don't want to cover the entire hood in that material.

Just MO,
Norm

Rob_28

Dealerships are not always the best place for a repaint or body repair. To be honest they are no better then an independent shop, and in many cases the independents are better. Most people for some reason always think dealer shops are better. Find a shop that is owner operated, that is where you will be the best deal and best quality work.


The way paint and body guys jump around you never know who is going to be painting your car when you decide to have it painted. Just do some research before you decide where to have the work done.

I would find an independent owner operated shop that uses top quality paint like ICI autocolor or PPG Global. Then I would find one that has nice equipment like a full down draft paint booth that is heated, one that keeps the shop fairly clean.


Here are a couple of things that some people have misconceptions about when it comes to painting a car.

1.First cars that are repainted are very rarely stripped down to the bear metal before repainted, most are just scuffed really good taped off and painted. The paint only needs to be striped when you have clear flaking and paint peeling off the car.

2. It doesn’t cost $4000.00 to repaint a car. A car the size of an M5 should be able to be repainted for about 2200 – 2500 dollars. It should look as good or better then new once completed. Now that is if there is no bodywork include in the job or if the car is staying the same color. Bodywork and changing color increase the amount for the job drastically. I would never recommend changing the color it take way to much work to have it done right and isn’t worth the cost.


Here would be a break down on an estimate to repaint an M5. This is just an example labor plays a big part in the cost. This is GA labor rate.

Paint labor time 30 - 34 hours x 34 dollars = 1020 - 1156
Paint Materials 30 hours x 22 dollars = 660
Wet sanding and buffing time = 250
About 6 hours R&I time = 204




There would be additional cost for striping the car. And other misc things

I would paint an M5 that need no striping or body work for about 2200 – 2300 that includes a lifetime warranty on the paint as long as you own the car.
BTW I own a shop in the Kennesaw, GA area, if anyone is interested in having his or her car painted

Noka

Hi Rob_28,

Just curious if you own an M5 or if you are just drifting through. Know any good shops in the Boston area?

Rdgs,
Norm

Rob_28

No not an M5 owner just a car nut. I like to visit most of the car forums, I currently drive a 01 Mustang GT but hoping soon to have a Z06, or I might just Turbo the stang and have fun with it. Sorry don't know of any good shops in the Boston area. I can ask my shop manager he grew up in that area he might know of some.

Noka

Hi Rob,

Thanks. If you hear of any Boston area shops, let us now. There are some other guys that might be interested for future reference (never know when you need the service). A friend at work has a 93 E34-M5 and older '68 Corvette. He's looking to get a Z06.

Good luck and thanks for dropping by with the info.
Norm