Body Shop Screw Up? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

ard · 28th May 2006, 05:30

OK, here's the deal...

A body shop was buffing the front fender and they nicked the front bumper. When I saw it, they agreed to fix.

They removed the bumper and repainted it.

They did a good job- not perfect- but given how much I drive and future rock chips, it was acceptable.

I removed the bumper to do my IATS and brake cooling ducts today.

Turns out the black mesh grill had been cut off, and glued back on after the skin was painted. Some of the silicone glue spots are loose.

I am inclined to have them now replace the skin, grill, and repaint- I had specified "factory connectors and clips" when they did the work. (The grill is held on with little 'one way' washer/clips...they just broke them off.)

Unreasonable?

(Keep in mind that they got into the bumper due to their own error- the job wasn't even a bumper repair to begin with...)

Thanks

Adam

KBK · 28th May 2006, 05:36

I'd be a bit pissed myself. the pins, IIRC, are part of the front ABS cover itself, so it isn't repairable.

How about a compromise, and help them find a silver unit (mint) off ebay? they come up in the german one..OFTEN. I think there are two there right now.

As for coming up on the US ebay, not quite as often. New ones go for about $1700-2200, on the US Ebay, IIRC.

At least the silver is common enough to have it come up often.

Comes down to the 'ole "Do you plan to be buried in the car?" thing. Or, will you eventually sell it?

My impression from your tone, is that it is very bothersome, but you don't seem to want to go through the hassle of getting all riled up about it. Like my Tubi fiasco, for example. I'd better stop, I'm getting warm again already.

bmwdctr · 28th May 2006, 06:27

Does this mean I don't get to check out your DVD/Nav setup?

As far as the body shop: If it's a large operation (read highly profitable), I'd push for the the skin, grill, and repaint.

ard · 28th May 2006, 06:32

Bluewater Metallic. Never see those.

Point on this was they were ALREADY fixing a prior mistake- and they knew I was very particular about a quality job- I gave them a pass on the repaint quality (most would not find it at all objectionable), only to find out they were 'hiding' the cutting of the clips my gluing it in with silicone...

Arrrrgggghhhhhh....

A

ard · 28th May 2006, 06:34

Hey Dave-

Sorry- I forgot to give you a yell. I was down in RWC Thursday.

I am there Tuesday-Wed..give me a shout.

They are mid sized- this will not go over great...

Adam

bmwdctr · 28th May 2006, 06:40

I think it's harder to find a reputable body shop than repair facility, and that's saying alot! I would hope that the shop owner put one of his top guys on your car. Assuming this, the "top guy" may have done a poor job without the owner/manager even knowing it. Either way, it's in need of personal, professional, prompt, and courteous attention.

-D

KBK · 28th May 2006, 06:48

It's a 300k/hr car. It WILL fall in, if it is not repaired correctly. That's alot of wind pressure at full speed. So, they have to do it right. Like gluing the wing onto a 959. it's not gonna go over well with the owner. Specifically, not well with the guy behind him on the track or autobahn.

Just a bit more ammo to use.

I don't know how they broke it. I popped mine off by tapping the curb (left side) two days after I bought the car. I popped the small metal clasps off, and have never replaced them, the pins are fine. I used a piece of 3m's best duct tape, this new high adhesive waterproof clear/woven stuff. It's been on there for over 6 months, the whole winter too. Still holding fine. And you know how I like to drive.

So, for the best in Duct tape, 3m's latest seems to do the job. I never remember to buy the clips! I've stood in front of the parts counter at least 8 times now, looking for things to buy..but I never remember, as the tape is still doing it's job. The parts counter is 175km away, so I try to be sure I remember everything.

EM5PWR · 28th May 2006, 08:23

i can relate to your issue.. my buddy owns a body shop so i see what goes on.. the low man on the totem pole gets to hash off your your parts and top dog trys to put it all together hoping you won't notice any issues. if you say something then they'll fix it right .. to me that's not acceptable ,

but who am i ??? i'd ***** about it and make them fix it right.

BKH · 28th May 2006, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

I am inclined to have them now replace the skin, grill, and repaint- I had specified "factory connectors and clips" when they did the work. (The grill is held on with little 'one way' washer/clips...they just broke them off.)

Unreasonable?

Nope, not at all. The grill will never be right. I have no problem with an excellent repaint as I've found that it can actually be better than factory, but to me the structural integrity of body parts, whether metal or plastic is non-negotiable.