[wfs089518]

Called the dealer this evening for an update on when I would see my car. It arrived in the US on 12 April on the Mignon. Last week, my CA said it would ship from the VPC by the 19th, and they should have it for me by today (21st).

Did not hear from my CA today, so I called for status this evening. CA called back with good news and bad news.

Good news is they will have the car by this Friday. Bad news is delivery is delayed at the VPC to repair damage from shipping. Turns out my car was damaged during the ill-fated Elektra voyage in March - the one where the cars were transferred to the Mignon in Belgium.

CA says there was cosmetic damage to the bumper, but they decided to replace the bumper rather than try to repair the cosmetic damage directly.

So, I have questions. The first one I have is was it really just cosmetic damage. They are replacing the entire bumper? Second, and most important, what impact, if any, does this have to the car value? Does this repair diminish the value of the car. Will the repair show up (be reported) to carfax (or other reporting service), and thus, diminish the resale value of the car in the future (I am purchasing the car and not leasing.) I would assume they would not be able to sell the car as new if there were any significant damage?

I can always decline to take delivery. However, I would have to start over. I ordered this car in early February. Any insights and opinions would be appreciated.

[picus]

I can not say for sure, but there is almost no way I can see this being reported by a carfax report. I've seen dozens (literally) of cars repaired at the VDC, and in almost all cases not even the dealership was aware since the shipping company covered the repair. If you're concerned that there was more damage bring along a trusted mechanic when you pick up the car. I think your biggest concern will be paint match (unless they replaced the bumper with an OEM painted bumper).

[Kev]

Originally Posted by picus

I can not say for sure, but there is almost no way I can see this being reported by a carfax report. I've seen dozens (literally) of cars repaired at the VDC, and in almost all cases not even the dealership was aware since the shipping company covered the repair. If you're concerned that there was more damage bring along a trusted mechanic when you pick up the car. I think your biggest concern will be paint match (unless they replaced the bumper with an OEM painted bumper).

If it's the VPC, it's OEM paint. After all, it's a BMW owned and operated facility. There wounldn't be a problem with paint matching.

[sashah60]

From my past experience repair work does not show up on car fax unless the body shop reports the damage. However, if there was a police report it would show up. In your case i am fairly certain it will not show up on carfax.

Secondly, ask your CA to show you the complete list of repair done on your car. He can access it on DCS and will also receive a detailed report from VPC. I know that a detailed report is available, so dont settle for anything less. and the best part is you can always decline to take delivery or bargain with the CA to reduce the price.

[Lucid4000]

I'd try and get some money off. If not order you a new car.

[Appropriate]

The VPC is part of the production process technically I think, so it was never really damaged after it became a final product.

[goody]

Ouch sorry to hear about that.

I believe that if the damage is major they are required to give you documentation on it. I dont think its uncommon for cosmetic damage to occur during shipping.

The VPC is set up similiar to the factory. Changing out a bumper shouldnt be a big deal.

There are a couple of threads on what actually happens at the VPC from people who went on tours. They actually talk about situations like this.

btw: i was also on the elektra/migon.

[goody]

Here is a link:

http://www.bmwblog.com/2006/12/22/di...m-the-factory/

[picus]

Originally Posted by Kev

If it's the VPC, it's OEM paint. After all, it's a BMW owned and operated facility. There wounldn't be a problem with paint matching.

Sorry, I should have been specific. I meant factory painted paint, as in from the line. The VPC, despite being a BMW facility, does not paint the panels the same way they are painted at the original factory. I am sure it will be fine, but I'd personally prefer a bumper with *original* paint, if that makes any sense.

[LEDZEP]

While it sucks, and I'd be obsessing about it myself - it is very likely that you would never notice the difference. They will also be thorough and repair any hidden damage under the bumper if they find it.

Also, the car is warranted no differently and no "allowances" are made in quality for VPC repairs. So, if you see a discoloration or discover any other problems, the warranty will fix it. Good of your dealer to tell you about it, and I would make a very very very careful inspection on delivery before signing any papers.

[carguy19]

I wouldnt take the car if it was damaged. You can tell whenever the car is painted no matter how good of a job they do. If you are leasing the car its not a huge deal but if you are buying it Id reorder if I were you.

(Im speaking from a standpoint of working in the car business and seeing how bad people get killed when their cars have paintwork and they trade them)

[Kev]

Originally Posted by picus

Sorry, I should have been specific. I meant factory painted paint, as in from the line. The VPC, despite being a BMW facility, does not paint the panels the same way they are painted at the original factory. I am sure it will be fine, but I'd personally prefer a bumper with *original* paint, if that makes any sense.

You mean a robotic arm as opposed to a human arm to hold the spray paint gun? It's the exact same paint in both the VPC and the factory.

[picus]

Originally Posted by Kev

You mean a robotic arm as opposed to a human arm to hold the spray paint gun? It's the exact same paint in both the VPC and the factory.

That's exactly what I mean. The robotic arm is not only more precise, but more importantly, after they are painted at the factory they are baked at a much higher temperature than any re-spray will ever be baked at. What can I say, I am anal about paint.

[Kev]

Originally Posted by picus

That's exactly what I mean. The robotic arm is not only more precise, but more importantly, after they are painted at the factory they are baked at a much higher temperature than any re-spray will ever be baked at. What can I say, I am anal about paint.

I see. That means you won't even consider after market body kit pieces coz they aren't painted to factory spec?

[simpleE92]

nothing will every be 100 percent i think. if u can live with it then dont force urself just order another one

[picus]

Originally Posted by Kev

I see. That means you won't even consider after market body kit pieces coz they aren't painted to factory spec?

I'm not sure why this is hard to understand.

I never said that I wouldn't consider aftermarket parts, but that isn't the issue here. I said, in reply to the OP, that his biggest concern with a re-spray at the VDC will be a proper paint match on a metallic car (and to a lesser extent the durability of the paint); since even the same paint can look different when applied at different times (when it's metallic). I never said, at any point, that he should decline the car or freak out or that the repair would be faulty. Would I be freaked if my car had re-sprayed parts from the VDC? Eh, I'd check them out and if they matched and seemed durable I'd be fine; which is what I pretty much said the OP should check for in my first post. You said it's OEM paint and the match won't be an issue; I disagree, it might be. He should check, that's it...

[carguy19]

VPC jobs leave tape lines and seams from where they tape the car off. Either that or there will be overspray. Its completely obvious whenever any car is refinished compared to factory painting.

[Kev]

Originally Posted by picus

I'm not sure why this is hard to understand.

I never said that I wouldn't consider aftermarket parts, but that isn't the issue here. I said, in reply to the OP, that his biggest concern with a re-spray at the VDC will be a proper paint match on a metallic car (and to a lesser extent the durability of the paint); since even the same paint can look different when applied at different times (when it's metallic). I never said, at any point, that he should decline the car or freak out or that the repair would be faulty. Would I be freaked if my car had re-sprayed parts from the VDC? Eh, I'd check them out and if they matched and seemed durable I'd be fine; which is what I pretty much said the OP should check for in my first post. You said it's OEM paint and the match won't be an issue; I disagree, it might be. He should check, that's it...

I just want to become more educated about the paint process, that's all. Sorry if my tone of language makes you feel offended.

[wfs089518]

Thank you to everyone for the information, opinions, and insights. I feel well armed and educated when I go to the dealer to take a look the the car this weekend (assuming it arrives as per current schedule). This is such a great forum!

[raleedy]

Replacing the bumper is a good way to go with cosmetic damage. The bumper is just a big piece of molded plastic. I wouldn't have any concerns if it were my car.