[thx1138]

Hey all,

Finally took delivery of my 328xi Coupe. Told the dealer, "No detailing, no cleaning, nothing!" Seems like he listened, as the car was quite dirty when I took delivery (and I'm happy with that).

But, I get her home, wash her down very carefully, and then see something horrible! A large, arching scratch through the clear coat right above the driver's door handle.

It's not into the paint, but it's certainly a visible abrasion in the clear coat.

Any suggestions? I've heard horror stories of the dealer trying to fix things like this.

[txusa03]

I have had several oppotunity in life to purchase brand new car. each time, the dealer detail it before delivery. Your worst nightmare is my reason for allowing the dealer to detail the car in full (inside/outside) so that on delivery day, you can inspect the surface for scratches (they are much easier to spot when surface is clean). As for your current question on suggestions, I have none since I am not an expert and would like to see in photo what the scratch looks like. If it was me, I would calmly take car back to dealer and see if they are willing to help. I use the word calmly for a reason, because if you storm into the dealer demanding a fix, if they agreed to fix, they might do other damages cuz they don't like your attitude. GL.

[thx1138]

Thanks for the reply.

I certainly don't plan on flying off the handle, and will speak with my CA about the issue.

I guess my biggest fear is that the "fix" might put more swirls in than it has in that spot. Hmmmmm...

[txusa03]

Originally Posted by thx1138

Thanks for the reply.

I certainly don't plan on flying off the handle, and will speak with my CA about the issue.

I guess my biggest fear is that the "fix" might put more swirls in than it has in that spot. Hmmmmm...

yes, that is something you should expect to see if they try to buff it out and do not do a good job of buffing.

[stressdoc]

When I got my new car redelivered (ED) it was full of little scratches, so fine that you can only see them in the right light and visual angle. But they are there, even the headlight covers have them. What is the best solution?

[txusa03]

stressdoc, i dont think there is a permanent solution. You can get them now or get them later. all surfaces are bound to have scratches. There are ways to minimized and slow down the accumulation of micro scratches but no permanent prevention solution. Even if you clearbra the whole car, the clearbra surfaces will take on the scratches.

[ziadak]

I have received my car last week, but luckily I have inspected it well with the dealer before I took it out, and discovered a small scratch at the bottom corner of the driver's door!!
To my luck, the dealer agreed to fix it, and even wrote it on the delivery form. I am yet to take an appointment and drop the car for fixing. Once done, I will let you know about the results and how they did it.

[picus]

The solution is to have the car detailed by a professional. I'm biased, of course - but I do not think anyone should have to live with scratches on their car.

[sbw]

Be thankful that the scratch is only in the clear coat — therefore it can be professionally buffed back to showroom condition (or I guess factory condition, if showroom condition involves having the damn scratch!).

As long as the buffing process involves a bit of heat, like from an orbital buffer, you should be good to go!

So, my advice: Take it to a paint shop, not back to your dealer, for the fix. Pay the paint guy a bit of cash and he will probably be happy to fix your baby between his big jobs. This is what I've done in the past with other cars.

[nmulax]

I'd talk with your dealer.

When I took delivery, there was a scratch on the fuel filler door. Pointed it out to my CA who asked me to bring it in on Monday (I took delivery on a Thursday night). My dealer owns a BMW certified body shop, so it went over there, and came back looking like the scratch was never there.