[desualt]

This M5 will be my first BMW vehicule and I would like to ask others with BMW ownership experience if the paint quality on these car is good, adequate or above the average as far as wear, scratch resitance, shine and so on. The reason I ask is because I had my 2 other vehicule buffed, polished and waxed last week and I have ask the question to the pro doing it if he though BMW had good paint and he was not very positive about it, anyone can comment?

thanks

 

[BMW_Addiction]

All clear topcoats are soft and scratch very easily. I believe that BMW, as well as Porsche and MB, use BASF Glasurit paint which is the best available. IMO, machine buffing is a lazy way out and should never be performed on paint that is is reasonably good condition.

Here are my recommendations : Contaminants should be removed with clay. If youv'e never tried clay, you will be amazed. Even buffing will not remove the tiny contaminants that clay removes, and you can feel it ! Paint should be hand-waxed with one of the new polymer waxes (dont waste your time waxing until you've completed the clay process.) Hand washing should be followed up every time with a "wax as you dry" detailer. And most important, always keep her covered when she's clean - the sun is the enemy.

 

[Wolverine]

This M5 will be my first BMW vehicule and I would like to ask others with BMW ownership experience if the paint quality on these car is good, adequate or above the average as far as wear, scratch resitance, shine and so on. The reason I ask is because I had my 2 other vehicule buffed, polished and waxed last week and I have ask the question to the pro doing it if he though BMW had good paint and he was not very positive about it, anyone can comment?

thanks

I'm not terribly familiar with the particulars, but I remember reading that the Germans use some fairly toxic elements in their paint process that are not allowed in the states. The reason I remember is that the quality of the resultant paint is better, and the Germans feel strongly about maintaining the higher quality. My experience is the German paint is far superior to either the Japanese or American.

 

[Digi]

I have had Jeeps, Toyotas, BMWs and Lexus - all with clear coat. The BMW water-based paint is the softest paint I have experienced. Clearcoat does not help. It is a good paint, but it scratches very easily. Swirl marks are common. Stones seem to take more of a toll on the finish. You can't wipe off bird excrement with a damp paper towel without scratching the paint. The paint, when taken care of, is superb otherwise, and can outshine most other paints.

 

[BostonRocket]

I think the Z8 was the only "mass produced" BMW in recent times to receive a special paint process. All other models, including the M5 are painted conventionally.

BMW paint in general seems decent, but I do notice quite a bit of "orange peel."

'Rocket

 

[Wolverine]

Here is a link to an article about the German paint differences.


http://www.properautocare.com/aregepadi.html

Basically, the Germans use solvents that are banned by the EPA here because they feel their paints are more 'vivid' using the solvents. Also the clearcoat is softer, which makes it more resistant to chips, but more susceptible to swirls.

 

[m_five]

I've been very happy with the quality of the paint on my 545i--both appearance (not too much orange peel) and durability. In fact, compared to Porsches and Mercedes I've owned, I find it to be more durable.

Car manufacturers for many years have been using water based paints (due to environmental issues) which are not as durable as the solvent based paints formerly used. The BMW paint process includes drying/curing at high temps, and the clear coat is a powder based paint, which is melted in an oven to achieve the smooth, clear finish. Here's the Dingolfing plant website--click on production, paintshop for info:
http://www.bmw-plant-dingolfing.com/dingolfing/htdocs/lowband/com/en/index.html

 

[m_five]

Here is a link to an article about the German paint differences.


http://www.properautocare.com/aregepadi.html

Basically, the Germans use solvents that are banned by the EPA here because they feel their paints are more 'vivid' using the solvents. Also the clearcoat is softer, which makes it more resistant to chips, but more susceptible to swirls.

Properautocare.com is generally a good site, but in this area, their info is dated, certainly for BMW (see my other response) and Porsche, and I believe for all car manufacturers. Water based paints have been used for years now for environmental reasons.