[Burt25]

I have noticed a few spots appearing on the shadowline trim of my 320d over the past few months - they are only 1-2mm across and perfectly round - on closer inspection it is apparent that they are actually small perforations in the finish exposing the chrome below. (They are too perfect to be stone chips). Do I have a case under warranty for having the section of trim replaced ?-( its the curved piece around the driver side rear door)

[CraigUK]

From what you have said it sounds like stone chips. I've had the same in the same area on my last two cars.

[Burt25]

Pretty sure its not from stones - its not a 'chip' as such but rather a perfectly round 'hole' in the finish - I think if it were caused by stones, there would be a roughness and the resulting chip would be irregular in shape. I will try to post a picture.

[Burt25]

heres a not very good picture, but you can see the type of 'hole' im talking about.
Dealer insists this is stone chip damage and will not replace under warranty - what do you guys think? Could a stone really produce something so perfectly circular? There are about 4-5 of these on each side

[stevie996]

Take it back, had mine changed on my previous E46 M sport and my E91 M sport.

Steve

[Burt25]

Steve, Did yours have the same issue?- Service advisor told me their warranty clerk had inspected it and it was definately stone chips- I asked him if I looked stupid or something and asked to see the so called warranty clerk- of course he wasnt available! Im going to email the dealer and make an appointment to see the warranty guy- if he still insists on the stone chip line, I will email some pics to BMW customer services.

[stevie996]

There was no issue at all. You can deffo see it is not caused by chips.

Two different dealers used as well on each car.

Steve

[Burt25]

Steve, was your trim affected in the same way?

[NFS]

Looks like a manufacturing defect. Perhaps a drop of something on the trim prior to coating?

I don't see how a stone chip could cause that damage.

[matt@stratford]

Is there a depression in the finish? I did have an issue with an e46 on the door pillars but that was a warranty issue as it looked like they were rusting - the car was 12 months old!

If there is no visible damage to the finish i see no reason why it wouldn't be a warranty case

[Burt25]

There is no 'damage' to the finish as such. Dealer is ademant that it is not a warranty issue so I'm preparing for an argument- one spot appeared about 2 months ago, now there are 4 or so on each side. I keep my paintwork pristine, so this is letting the appearance of the car down. - Also just got the car back after crankshaft failure (30k miles!!) and they tried to charge me for topping up the oil (I couldn't believe it given they had the engine apart and replaced the oil!)

[stevie996]

Burt25, yes my was exactly the same.

Steve

[Dr Dave]

I would say it were stonechip damage.........think I have a couple of similar chips on mine.

[Burt25]

Called into dealers and the service manager took a look at the trim- I think he could see that it wasnt stone chip damage, but didnt say so- he told me to leave it with him and he would speak to BMW. Anyway, he came back to me and has agreed to replace the trim under warranty- RESULT!

[NFS]

Originally Posted by Burt25

Called into dealers and the service manager took a look at the trim- I think he could see that it wasnt stone chip damage, but didnt say so- he told me to leave it with him and he would speak to BMW. Anyway, he came back to me and has agreed to replace the trim under warranty- RESULT!

Good result. Shame they dicked you about first.