2023 M340 single stage paint?

[rmedina]

Hey guys.. It appears BMW went el cheapo when my ride was built. Specifically the front bumper. There's no clearcoat on this portion of the bumper. I bought it new and it's always in my garage. I decided to some minor paint correction on a few areas of the vehicle. Sure enough I had paint transfer from both sides of the bumper. No bueno
The pic is not my vehicle. It's just for reference.

[John in VA]

It's not unusual for some cars to require bodywork or touch-up coming "off the boat" - maybe that was the case with yours. I think BMWs have all been clear-coated since the 90s (can't speak to matte finish).

[NSXR]

Originally Posted by rmedina

Hey guys.. It appears BMW went el cheapo when my ride was built. Specifically the front bumper. There's no clearcoat on this portion of the bumper. I bought it new and it's always in my garage. I decided to some minor paint correction on a few areas of the vehicle. Sure enough I had paint transfer from both sides of the bumper. No bueno
The pic is not my vehicle. It's just for reference.

This literally isn't possible. All exterior parts of all BMW's have been clear-coated since the late 90's. It's not even possible for the part to have escaped coating from the factory.

If you truly have transfer then something else is going on. My guess is that it was damaged in transport and the dealer had it spot-repaired before the sale. It happens more than you think. In any case, your car should still be under warranty, so take it back to the dealer for an explanation.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by John in VA

It's not unusual for some cars to require bodywork or touch-up coming "off the boat" - maybe that was the case with yours.

This is true.
Alas "distribution center" body shop does better work than BMW factories, and they would absolutely clear-coat 100% of the panels and cars they resprayed.
I've toured NJ BMW DC a few times, and they do exceptional work on RR's, nop-notch on BMW's, and cut a few corners on MINI's.

Originally Posted by John in VA

I think BMWs have all been clear-coated since the 90s (can't speak to matte finish).

True 'dat.

Originally Posted by rmedina

It appears BMW went el cheapo when my ride was built. Specifically the front bumper. There's no clearcoat on this portion of the bumper.

I highly doubt that.

Originally Posted by rmedina

I bought it new and it's always in my garage. I decided to some minor paint correction on a few areas of the vehicle. Sure enough I had paint transfer from both sides of the bumper. No bueno

What do you mean "both sides of the bumper"?
How do you know it is paint transfer from base coat, and not dirt, or you didn't buff through the clear in one spot and are now digging into base coat?

Bumpers are notoriously curvaceous, and very tricky to work on. If you are using anything other than 1-2" polishing pad, you are taking increased risks of burning through the clear-coat layer on the ridges.

Originally Posted by rmedina

The pic is not my vehicle. It's just for reference.

Do post the pic of your vehicle and paint transfer on your pad!

a

[christianb5s4]

Is that part even paint? Hard to tell if it's body color or not. It's very likely it's black plastic like that lower bumper trim similar to the G80.

If it's black plastic, color transfer makes sense.

[rmedina]

Originally Posted by afadeev

This is true.
Alas "distribution center" body shop does better work than BMW factories, and they would absolutely clear-coat 100% of the panels and cars they resprayed.
I've toured NJ BMW DC a few times, and they do exceptional work on RR's, nop-notch on BMW's, and cut a few corners on MINI's.



True 'dat.



I highly doubt that.



What do you mean "both sides of the bumper"?
How do you know it is paint transfer from base coat, and not dirt, or you didn't buff through the clear in one spot and are now digging into base coat?

Bumpers are notoriously curvaceous, and very tricky to work on. If you are using anything other than 1-2" pad, you are taking increased risks of burning through the clear-coat layer on the ridges.



Do post the pic of your vehicle and paint transfer on your pad!

a

Thanks for all the replies.
Regarding your questions.
1. Both the left and right side of that particular portion is where the paint was transferred to my pads.

2. No it was not dirt. Car was washed, clayed, panel prepped. Pads were 2". I did not keep the pads. I'll post some pics of the bumper in the morning.

Now after doing some digging. It appears this part has it's own part number. It's either two things. 1. Like a few members said, it might have been touched up at the port or dealership. More likely the port (sat there for 2 1/2 weeks). Dealership had it for a day or so if I recall. 2. The 3rd party manufacturer for the part did not clearcoat it.

I'll be making a trip to the dealership sometime next week. I'll update.

Like I said, I do appreciate everyone's comments