Hey Guys, brand new here but have lurked for awhile, lots of good info that helped with my recent (a week ago) purchase of a CPO 07 550i. Thanks!

I really like the car but when I was giving it some love today I found a few paint issues that concern me. It's a three year old car with 40K miles so I don't expect absolute perfection but I wasn't expecting what I found. I did look long and hard at it before buying but I didn't catch these issues. In the back of my head I was thinking "this is a CPO so it must be in good shape".

This shot is of the A pillar where I noticed there was something on the windshield gasket and decided to pick it off. That's when I realized it was clear coat overspray.

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This shot is of the area under the passenger side mirror. Also in this shot are what seem like little dimples in the clear coat. There are a number of them on the passenger side but you only catch them at certain angles.

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So I guess I have 2 questions. What should I do, any recourse? What is involved in fixing it? Ran it past my pops and he figures it is what is and to move on. To fix it I am guessing I would at least need to get the clear coat resprayed but have not idea what that would cost or if I can get away with only doing that.

On the plus side the issues don't jump out at you, have to tell people to look for something for them to see it. But obsessed with it now that I know it is there.

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like you said, it is what it is. dont sweat it. i bought a 97 m3 long ago, and realized the car was re-cleared. i still see that car today, and it looks great.

maybe you can just detail or wetsand/buff the rough areas. as for the rubber, just cut the edge straight so it aint as visible.

You at least could go back to the dealer and see if he's willing to correct the problems.

The CPO Process includes itemization of paint and bodywork defects and any correction. The paint issues on an "07" CPO are even more troubling and indicate probable body-work (accident related or other). Was that repair noted to you at the time of sale?

In my opinion, this paint defect should be corrected by the selling dealer and you should ask for a copy of the CPO check list to determine what other errors or omissions occur!!

CPO means a few panels may still have been repainted. The repaint should be up to BMW standards, though. I'd check the carfax and then return to the dealer. If it was wrecked and they had told you that it was not, then you have real issues. If the carfax is clean, I'd make them correct the paint to BMW standards.

I looked at the CPO vehicle inspection report and it said one of the back doors was dented. We looked but could not find anything, there is a small door ding on the passanger front door, so we assumed that was what they meant. Other than that the report is clean. I ran a carfax and they gave me one with the car but nothing shows. There was no disclosure of any prior accident or paint work.

Unfortunately the dealer is a couple hours away so I will probably call before showing up. Who do you think is the best person to talk to? The guy who sold it to me?

If I get to the point of discussing corrective actions with them what should I be looking for?

You should be looking for them to 1) admit they re-painted the panel, 2) to re-paint it or buff it to a high quality, barely noticeable job. G/L

Heading up to the dealer on Monday. After a not so reassuring conversation with the salesman, I was was referred to the sales manager. Five messages and 4 days later he finally got back to me. Basically told him I expected more from the CPO process and he said to come up so they could take a look.

I can turn a wrench but I am not that familiar with body/paint work. Assuming they offer to rectify the issue, I am guessing there are two things that might happen.
1. they will try and "buff" it out
2. they will strip (sand) and re-clear the areas in question.
With option 1 I would be worried that the buffing would create a noticeable difference in the texture of the finish when compared to the original paint. They will need to remove a good amount of clear coat to get rid of the dimples. Option 2 seems preferable assuming they do a better job that what is there currently.

Any thoughts or suggestions out there.

Just got back from the dealer. They are going to redo the paint on passenger side. I was prepared to do battle but I have to say they were pleasant and quick to agree the best course of action was to repaint the areas with issues. Pretty happy at this point and will be very happy when I pick it up and everything looks good.

Congrats on the quick and pleasant outcome. Let's hope the paint comes out to your liking this time.