Original BMW Paint

[Brook]

I understand that each car is different, but generally speaking would those of you who are experienced in these matters say that original factory BMW paint is harder or softer?

For example, I have a Mazda MX-5 and several here have commented that Mazda paint is "softer." That's the kind of information about BMWs that I'm looking for.

The car in question is a 2003 330i, dark blue.

I also understand the value and need for a "test spot" but I figure if others have experience with working on BMWs I can get a better idea of what I might expect right out of the chute.

[greg0303]

Re: Original BMW Paint

Generally BMW paint is hard.

But their non metallic Jet Black is on softer side.

They use modern water based paints. As you said it: test spot first so there are no surprises after whole car buffing.

[bmrfan]

Re: Original BMW Paint

I find the factory 2-Stage paint (BC/CC) on E46's relatively hard but still very workable with Meguiar's product.

By workable, I mean it may take an extra pass (or 2/3) to achieve "perfect" results but with each pass you can see progress in removing the defects.

Not sure what you're planning on correcting but I've had great success using 105, UC, 205, 80, even SwirlX on various E46's (including my own '01 330i).

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Original BMW Paint

BMW builds vehicles in various facilities in different countries, and the paints can vary accordingly. We've seen crazy hard BMW paint and relatively soft BMW paint. As a starting point we would recommend Ultimate Compound on a W8207 Soft Buff 2.0 polishing pad, speed 5 on a G110v2, and moderate pressure while working a test spot no larger than about 2' x 2'.

Give that a solid go and then evaluate the treated area and see what progress you've made.

[smack]

Re: Original BMW Paint

I have Jet Black and in my experiance it is very very soft. It is so soft that SwirlX on a polishing pad WILL haze the finish. I have to refine it with either 205 or UP on a finishing pad. I havent touched anything softer than mine although I have experiance with the harder clears.
With that said do a test spot with nothing more than SwirlX or Mirror glaze equivalent and see what that brings you.

[greg0303]

Re: Original BMW Paint

I have Jet Black and in my experiance it is very very soft. It is so soft that SwirlX on a polishing pad WILL haze the finish. I have to refine it with either 205 or UP on a finishing pad. I havent touched anything softer than mine although I have experiance with the harder clears.
With that said do a test spot with nothing more than SwirlX or Mirror glaze equivalent and see what that brings you.

Mike,

Have you tried Ultimate Polish on Jet Black?

[smack]

Re: Original BMW Paint

Yes, actually I just did a one step correction with UP on a polishing pad for the wagon. I wasnt really concerned at that moment about making it perfect or spending to much time on it. UP did a wonderfull job and gave me 85% correction. The Swirls and minor minor scratches were then so small you couldnt see them unless looking for them with a light. At that point I said good enough and covered her in 2 coats of UW.

[greg0303]

Re: Original BMW Paint

Yes, actually I just did a one step correction with UP on a polishing pad for the wagon. I wasnt really concerned at that moment about making it perfect or spending to much time on it. UP did a wonderfull job and gave me 85% correction. The Swirls and minor minor scratches were then so small you couldnt see them unless looking for them with a light. At that point I said good enough and covered her in 2 coats of UW.

Thanks, Mike.

[Tuck91]

Re: Original BMW Paint

I have found it to be on the harder side most of the time.

I service an X5 monthly and it has almolst zero wash induced marring and its just plain difficult to micro marr.

All the 325i's I have worked on were hard.

Did an 08 750i a couple years ago which was soft though.

[smack]

Re: Original BMW Paint

In my experiance Jet Black BMW's are soft.

[smack]

Re: Original BMW Paint

Thanks, Mike.

Of course my wagon is brand new with only 1.6k miles, has only been washed by me, and sits in the garage. So my swirls are very minor.