Melbourne Red paint issues?

saj77

Member
 North East
Hi.

I’m on the hunt for a 2.5/3.0 E89 and was targeting a grey or silver one.

However I’m being drawn to the Melbourne red ones too - so I am curious as to whether they suffer from lacquer peel that I’ve seen on other red coloured BMWs (and other marques)?

Thanks.
 
My neighbour had a red X4 and it had issues but that’s my only experience with Red BMWs - that’s why I thought I’d ask. I know it was a common issue on some Mercs.
 
My sister had a red R50 Mini that had terrible lacquer peel by the time it was 15 years old, and Mrs Tidy' R56 was starting to suffer from it too at a similar age.

But my Imola Red E46 had none anywhere when I sold it at 16 years of age, so maybe it varies depending on which shade of red the car is?

Red is quite an unusual choice on a BMW, but I loved mine and think Melbourne red looks fantastic too!
 
Mini paint work is absolute rubbish. I love minis had 5 but the paint is the worst I've experienced on a modern car. Not just lacquer but paint peel too my last car was awful 2017 and by 24 the paint was peeling off the bonnet.
 
Thanks for the replies.

Thinking about it - due to the model I'm looking at, its going to be a 2010/11 model year, so if there is any issue it will be obvious after 15 years!
 
I have a 2010 Melbourne Red and the paint is spot on, looks stunning when polished.

The only thing I have noticed is I have some areas where its slightly 'chipped', noticeably on the boot in areas where the panels are close. Thankfully they aren't noticeable but it is a bit strange. Likely a problem specific to mine rather than Melbourne red or even E89s in general.1000014667.jpg
 
Red paint always suffers more than others from UV, my E85 had very slight lacquer peel when I bought it but lifted in other larger areas when the climate went damp - I bit the bullet and went for a full respray. I am sure a well looked after, waxed and polished and garage stored car will last longer. I would suggest if you find a red one you like look very closely and if any lacquer peel, even if tiny will be the start of potential issues to come. Saying that it wouldnt put me off getting another red one.
 
I had a Melbourne Red 3.5is. Beautiful car. No issues with the paintwork.
 

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