Looking at black CPO 530i, how do I fix scratches, etc?
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 143
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From: SF Bay Area
My Ride: 550i
Model Year: 2008
So I found a black 2007 CPO 530i that I like, but when I looked closely I noticed a few paint issues that bother me. There were a few spots where there were obvious small but visible scratches (like something brushed against it) and a few spots where there were many swirl marks. If I get this car I'd like to clean up the paint as much as possible, so I'm curious if this is a fixable issue, or if this is something I'm going to have accept when buying CPO. I'm unfamiliar with just how successful a professional exterior detail can fix these types of issues or if I can fix them myself.
Your help is appreciated!
Your help is appreciated!
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
My Ride: 550i
Model Year: 2008
Holy smokes that was weird. Within 30 seconds of posting my question Billy Mays (RIP) came on TV selling "Fix it Pro", something that looks like a highlighter that one can use to remove exterior paint scratches on your car :-)
Is he watching over me or something?
Is he watching over me or something?
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 1
From: Zoo York
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
You're just watching too much late night TV 
Honestly, I doubt that even the most seasoned detailing pros on here will be able to give you an all-encompassing answer on how to fix any and all scratches. But if you put up some detailed pics of the scratches in question, I'm sure you'll have way more luck.
Try searching detailer's domain (I've learned lots of useful stuff there), also search through the detailing section of this forum - we have had so many detailing threads that I'm sure you're bound to find at least something resembling (almost) your issues.
If the scratches are not deep (clear coat undamaged), it should be a very easy fix - just use some compound (I prefer Meguiar's, but your car's black - you might want to get something more professional - search the detailing section and you will most definitely find
)
Honestly, I doubt that even the most seasoned detailing pros on here will be able to give you an all-encompassing answer on how to fix any and all scratches. But if you put up some detailed pics of the scratches in question, I'm sure you'll have way more luck.
Try searching detailer's domain (I've learned lots of useful stuff there), also search through the detailing section of this forum - we have had so many detailing threads that I'm sure you're bound to find at least something resembling (almost) your issues.
If the scratches are not deep (clear coat undamaged), it should be a very easy fix - just use some compound (I prefer Meguiar's, but your car's black - you might want to get something more professional - search the detailing section and you will most definitely find
)
Members
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Bethesda, MD
My Ride: 06 650i Sport/ Premium PKG PDC PREMUIM SOUND L7
I've always had black cars lately and my detail guy uses this special stuff to get out swirl marks , but he says its only for black paint. Ill ask him when I see him later this week.
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 9,986
Likes: 1
From: Zoo York
My Ride: Alpine White 2006 530Xi (SLD)
Originally Posted by Jumpman' post='1040480' date='Oct 26 2009, 03:32 AM
I've always had black cars lately and my detail guy uses this special stuff to get out swirl marks , but he says its only for black paint. Ill ask him when I see him later this week.
Contributors
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,696
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan Canada
My Ride: 2004 530i
premium package/active steering/auto sunshade/tiag/black dakota leather/logic 7
35% tint all around
19' DPE GT7
porter cable and some coarse and fine polish should take out most the clearcoat scratches anything deeper than the clearcoat may be an issue.
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
My Ride: 2008 550i sport
I asked the dealer to take care of this "included" in the purchase. They ended up repainting my entire hood. It turned out great and worth the day or two in the shop. I'm sure I paid for it somehow....but it felt like it was free 
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,998
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From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
I'd skip the info-mercial products and contact a reputable detailer to have a look at the car. Pros can do amazing corrections. You can too, once you learn how to use the equipment, but this is not the best time to go DIY IMHO.
