[vick]

i can't believe the paint on the e90 is so frail. i washing my car and the tip of the hose (metal) barely grazed the area above the tire and it left a 2 inch thin scratch, my car is sparkling graphite. i was wondering what would be the solution to this problem?

[E90Fleet]

Hopefuallly its just a surface scratch

Some Meguiars Scratch X should fix it then, and afterwards put on a bit of wax where you used the scratch X

[e90fanatic]

nowadays the paint of cars are weak similar to my Volvo S60. My solution since my car is SG as well, I am installing the clear bra on the entire car. Otherwise you can't really stop scratches on dark colored cars. BTW, your paint is especially weak in the first 6 months (therefore never detail or wax the car in the first 6 months).

[06alpine325icm]

gs37

[skimo]

Yeah...I am having a hard time keeping my SG paint on the car....3 dings already...and only yesterday I hit two birds on the freeway. Birds usually fly out of the way, those didint !!! They were also like doing something together...take it to a room dang-it !!! :mad: MAN...i have two long streeks on my hood now. And I just washed my car !! I am still not sure if those are scratches or bird remains....but they are not deep...

[e90fanatic]

get the clear bra...at least the front end guys....dark colors get scratches easily (easier to see).

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by e90fanatic

BTW, your paint is especially weak in the first 6 months (therefore never detail or wax the car in the first 6 months).

Yeah, alot of people don't realize that a paint job is still 'breathing' for almost a year after it's been painted. You should not wax or seal the paint during this time because the paint is not completely set.

[E90Fleet]

BMW states that due to the specialized paint curing ovens the cars go through during manufacturing the paint is 100% cured and they reccomend waxing it immediately

If you have something resprayed at a panel shop then you should wait for the paint to cure for a couple months

[kevbhoy]

I had the same problem with my black sapphire.

2 x 3 inch scratches along drivers door, there mustve been something on the cloth i was using to dry it :mad:

[e90fanatic]

Originally Posted by kevbhoy

I had the same problem with my black sapphire.

2 x 3 inch scratches along drivers door, there mustve been something on the cloth i was using to dry it :mad:

yea...if there are little sand or dirt, it does scratch the car. Always use terry cloth towels

[fusionnv]

Originally Posted by e90fanatic

yea...if there are little sand or dirt, it does scratch the car. Always use terry cloth towels

Microfiber is better, but at least undyed all cotton terry cloth towels.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

BMW states that due to the specialized paint curing ovens the cars go through during manufacturing the paint is 100% cured and they reccomend waxing it immediately

If you have something resprayed at a panel shop then you should wait for the paint to cure for a couple months

I agree...years ago that was the case but now you don't have to wait. I would strongly recommend whenever you buy a new car you, do a immediate detail including claying the car to remove rail dust (shards of metal the come of the train tracks and adhere to your paint) and other little nasties.

You might want to use a 2 bucket system for washing your car (1 soap and 1 rinse) as well as a good cotten chanille mitt or similiar that will hold lots of water and suds. Also, do not wash your car using a circular motion, go back and forth. This will minimize the appearance of faint scratches.

As for removing faint scratches use a mild cleaner/polish. I prefer Klasse AIO (All In One).

My '03 Sap Black E46 has spent it's entire life outside and looks almost brand new.


See Roadfly.org Detailing Forum. I know it's a "competing" site, but they have tons of great information when it comes to taking car of your car.