Disgusted with BMW and what to do next

sars

sars

Awesome
 East Yorkshire
Site Supporter
As some will know I do a fair number of miles, about 500 a week and with this mileage I would expect the odd stone chip here and there. A few weeks ago after cleaning the car I was shocked by the number of chips along the bonnet especially along the leading edges.

My car went in for a loud constant squeak to be sorted (which it has) at the same time I asked if they could have look at the stone chips and comment if they thought this was normal. The paint shop manager had a look and thought that the amount was entirely normal and no rectification work under warranty could be justified.

I have just cleaned the car again, the sun is shining so you can see the damage, tell me what you think? Am I over reacting? Is this normal for car that is just over one year old?

So a colleague has suggested that we park the car in the garage forecourt early doors, with a big sign on the inside of the car, stating that this is what to expect after 12 months of motoring with a BMW and see what they do next.

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Hate to say it, but I'd say that's perfectly normal if you're driving such high miles and presumably on the motorway at 80mph speeds.

I very much doubt you'll get anything out of BMW, there's too many variables: driving speeds, traffic conditions, if you tailgate. BMW paint is renowned as being tough stuff.
 
Something you have to accept doing motorway miles. Although the BMW primer doesn't help as it shows through bright white!
 
One of my dark blue Z3s suffered from this. Get some blue polish, you will be suprised how good the results can be.
 
Well I can honestly say that having done 25,000 miles every year for the past 15 years, this is the worst I have seen it. In comparison My A4 convertible had no where near this amount of visible damage, maybe it is the primer that makes it seem worse.
 
If this helps....mine is the same, and I am also shocked by how many large stone Chips my car has. Especially on the surface of the bonnet. It's crazy. I will back your point up on this if you want to send a joint letter to Tim Abbott, MD of BMW...I have a good relationship with some high up customer service directors, so worth a try....
 
Got a few on my e85 in the few months ive owned it,just keep telling myself its the nature of these cars with them being so low :cry:
 
I don't drive as much but still get stone chips. If it's on the wing (steel). I clear the rust if any is there put a little rust converter on there. Then touch up with a matching touch up paint. I do this every now and then, that way it's never too bad. After a good polish and wax the touch ups are almost invisible.
 
You know what your right. The paint is crap.

My DSB chipped unbelievably easily (so did the windscreen) and not only that my new iS although chip free so far (cos i'm really careful now) has had a stone chip on the wheel that took a massive chunk out of it. I had it refurbed and today it's chipped again :x

The finish seems to be made of cheese. I also had the watermark rings on the DSB and that had to go to the body shop to be sorted twice after rain and strong sun.

The panels infront of the rears also get a hammering. You would think they would put some of that clear plastic stuff on there.

Big issue I have at the moment with the new car (Melbourn red) is that there is several little bumps in the paint like dirt that has got on the surfce during the paint process.

Never had a problem with stone chips like this before with other cars. Even the wifes 120d Msport has a few large chips.

Paint seems very brittle.
 
sars said:
So a colleague has suggested that we park the car in the garage forecourt early doors, with a big sign on the inside of the car, stating that this is what to expect after 12 months of motoring with a BMW and see what they do next.
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As much as the chips are rubbish, and it's a shame it's happened - really don't do this.
They'd have very good grounds for libel/defamation here... :?

S
 
Psy said:
sars said:
So a colleague has suggested that we park the car in the garage forecourt early doors, with a big sign on the inside of the car, stating that this is what to expect after 12 months of motoring with a BMW and see what they do next.
Click to expand...


As much as the chips are rubbish, and it's a shame it's happened - really don't do this.
They'd have very good grounds for libel/defamation here... :?

S
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I had also thought about putting an advert in the local paper and as long as my remarks/comments are based on fact how could it be deemed as libellous, I have asked for written confirmation from the stealer stating the damage as normal.

I also firmly believe that this is not normal, but I am no expert on paint and whilst customers continue to except it as normal nothing will change. I shall take the car to a good independent paint shop next week for their opinion
 
But BMW can argue that the excessive stone chips were casued by owner following the car in front too close.
 
I'm no expert on paint technology, but I believe modern paints are water based, which *might* explain why they are more prone to chipping. Keep us updated on this sars.
 
ksher said:
But BMW can argue that the excessive stone chips were casued by owner following the car in front too close.
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Exactly, they can easily argue that you followed an aggregates wagon for 100 miles or so. No chance of warranty, just suck it up and get it booked in for a respray is my advice.
 
Sorry to hear, but a simple fact of driving a low car long distances and too close to the cars in front and on a colour that makes them visible. Nothing to do with paint or BMW.

If you say you don't drive too close then take a look at the stone chips and double the distance to the car in front, even if clowns sometimes then fill the gap.
 
Nickm said:
I have a good relationship with some high up customer service directors, so worth a try....
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:rofl: do they come into your employers shop for their sandwiches, It's been alleged Jan has left (taken her Nissan Figaro with her), I'm not surprised given (IMO) you live in a dream world :roll:
 
I know this doesn't help now, but if you're bothered about stone chips why did you buy a dark colour? I assumed everyone knows that dark colours show up paint imperfections and chips far worse than a lighter colour such as silver. This obvsiously limits you somewhat colour-wise, but if it bothers folk that much then it's an option.
 
Kryton said:
:rofl: do they come into your employers shop for their sandwiches, It's been alleged Jan has left (taken her Nissan Figaro with her), I'm not surprised given (IMO) you live in a dream world :roll:
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Ha, way to make yourself sound like an utter w***er :thumbsup:
 
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