Removing our orange peel: is anyone committed to doing it?

eclipsisNA · 05-28-2009, 02:14 AM

Several weeks ago, I was wondering whether the orange peel on my Space Gray E92 M3 could be safely removed without removing too much of the car's clear coat. I tested this theory by wet sanding the passenger side rear quarter panel and the results were fantastic. Not only did I remove 100% of the orange peel, I also removed only 10 microns worth of clear coat, or roughly 1/14 of the total clear.

I'll try and get pictures up some time soon; I'll be really busy the next few weeks. My question is now that we know the orange peel can be safely removed, how many of you would be willing to take the plunge and have their entire car wet sanded?

bigjae1976 · 05-28-2009, 02:19 AM

Sounds interesting...too bad I live no where near CA.

Bluesummer · 05-28-2009, 02:20 AM

very interesting idea
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eclipsisNA · 05-28-2009, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Sounds interesting...too bad I live no where near CA.

The idea would be to have your local body shop do it, although it would have to be quite an experienced shop that you can trust.

MrHarris · 05-28-2009, 03:37 AM

Sounds interesting Eric, good luck and don't mess up the terminator!

J08M3 · 05-28-2009, 06:13 AM

So does that mean all the orange peel is in the clear coat?

JuniorDee · 05-28-2009, 07:11 AM

I have debated having my local paint shop do this when I get back to the area but I am afraid of the cost.

JohnnyRoaster · 05-28-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J08M3

So does that mean all the orange peel is in the clear coat?

I always assumed it was a combination of the electrostatic paint and the fact it is water based. It would have to be in the clear coat if you can wetsand it out. I would think you could get it smoother by starting with an agressive compound and work your way down. I wish I had a body panel to play around with.

If anybody gets a quote from a bodyshop, I would be interested in how much it would be. I can't say it bugs me enough to throw a couple grand at it.

iatacs19 · 05-28-2009, 09:39 AM

BMW does this on purpose to hide small imperfections. One of the forum members who works for BMW corporate in NJ stated this during the factory tour in NJ.

CantDrv55 · 05-28-2009, 09:47 AM

A friend of mine owns a mobile auto salon and is really good with paint issues. He had a car with orange peel and actually wet sanded the entire top half of the car. It took him an entire weekend because he did it right, but the results were awesome.
If I had the time, I'd probably try it myself.

AMPowerJ · 05-28-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iatacs19

BMW does this on purpose to hide small imperfections. One of the forum members who works for BMW corporate in NJ stated this during the factory tour in NJ.

The only US BMW factory is in Greer, SC. What factory tour was he on in NJ?

nusevad · 05-28-2009, 10:00 AM

I would do it, but like E said, you need to find a very reputable and experianced shop to do it. I def wont be cheap either...

valeram · 05-28-2009, 10:07 AM

Maybe I am just a minority in this issue. I will just leave it as it is. It is nice though to have it remove but I already consider it part of it's new identity. In the greater scheme of life (or car life), the total M3 package is the one that sold me in and I will not loose sleep about the orange paint imperfection.

niqui · 05-28-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eclipse Motors

Several weeks ago, I was wondering whether the orange peel on my Space Gray E92 M3 could be safely removed without removing too much of the car's clear coat. I tested this theory by wet sanding the passenger side rear quarter panel and the results were fantastic. Not only did I remove 100% of the orange peel, I also removed only 10 microns worth of clear coat, or roughly 1/14 of the total clear.

I'll try and get pictures up some time soon; I'll be really busy the next few weeks. My question is now that we know the orange peel can be safely removed, how many of you would be willing to take the plunge and have their entire car wet sanded?

i did it...about a week and a half back: wetsand, buff, wax, polish and compound at my dealer, id rather give it to them for such a job, even though i am sure private detailers may be better- just i didnt want anything to worry about.
car looks better, i dont think i would say that it is completely gone, my car is jet black though - the body shop manager at my dlr, who is very good, said he went as far as he felt comfortable regarding the clearcoat and sun protection...i havent really studied it since i got it back, started raining then went of town.

JohnnyRoaster · 05-28-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niqui

i did it...about a week and a half back: wetsand, buff, wax, polish and compound at my dealer, id rather give it to them for such a job, even though i am sure private detailers may be better- just i didnt want anything to worry about.
car looks better, i dont think i would say that it is completely gone, my car is jet black though - the body shop manager at my dlr, who is very good, said he went as far as he felt comfortable regarding the clearcoat and sun protection...i havent really studied it since i got it back, started raining then went of town.

Post some pictures when you get the chance. What did they charge you if I may ask?

The only "factory" tour in NJ would have been at the VPC in Newark.

Dascamel · 05-28-2009, 11:43 AM

If I get enough swirls, scratches, etc., maybe as part of a good detail.

niqui · 05-28-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyRoaster

Post some pictures when you get the chance. What did they charge you if I may ask?

The only "factory" tour in NJ would have been at the VPC in Newark.

i did it as part of a good detail, scratches and stuff. car is dirty now and will rain today and maybe tmrw, but this weekend should be clean so i can post some pics...i wouldnt say it is gone, but i think better.
it was about a 1k, the manager said he gave me a really good rate, though he was twice as expensive as other detailers i spoke too..

iatacs19 · 05-28-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

The only US BMW factory is in Greer, SC. What factory tour was he on in NJ?

Spartanburg, SC is the actual factory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyRoaster

The only "factory" tour in NJ would have been at the VPC in Newark.

yeah that one, my bad for calling it a factory.

captainaudio · 05-28-2009, 01:50 PM

I would be terrified that I would screw it up.

CA

URBAN LEGEND · 05-28-2009, 02:52 PM

Doesn't bother me one bit

Cab5er · 05-28-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

Doesn't bother me one bit

!Xoible · 05-28-2009, 03:35 PM

u guys have waaaay too much fucking time on your hands

05-28-2009, 02:14 AM	#1
eclipsisNA Colonel 350 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: 2013 Estoril 328i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 BMW 428i [7.76]	Removing our orange peel: is anyone committed to doing it? Several weeks ago, I was wondering whether the orange peel on my Space Gray E92 M3 could be safely removed without removing too much of the car's clear coat. I tested this theory by wet sanding the passenger side rear quarter panel and the results were fantastic. Not only did I remove 100% of the orange peel, I also removed only 10 microns worth of clear coat, or roughly 1/14 of the total clear. I'll try and get pictures up some time soon; I'll be really busy the next few weeks. My question is now that we know the orange peel can be safely removed, how many of you would be willing to take the plunge and have their entire car wet sanded? Last edited by eclipsisNA; 05-28-2009 at 02:29 AM..
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05-28-2009, 02:19 AM	#2
bigjae1976 Major General 1570 Rep 8,075 Posts Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW M3 [4.50] 2011 BMW E90 M3 [5.25] 2013 BMW 328i [5.00]	Sounds interesting...too bad I live no where near CA. __________________ 2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red 2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue 2004 E46 M3 Imola Red 2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
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05-28-2009, 02:20 AM	#3
Bluesummer Lieutenant General 588 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: slower than Ayrton Senna Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (15) Garage List 2017 BMW X5M [0.00] 2015 M4 [0.00] 2011 E82 135 [0.00] 2011 M3 [0.00] 2007 335 [0.00]	very interesting idea ________ Web shows Last edited by Bluesummer; 09-07-2011 at 06:37 AM..
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05-28-2009, 03:37 AM	#5
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Sounds interesting Eric, good luck and don't mess up the terminator! __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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05-28-2009, 06:13 AM	#6
J08M3 Major General 285 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	So does that mean all the orange peel is in the clear coat? __________________
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05-28-2009, 07:11 AM	#7
JuniorDee Captain 73 Rep 610 Posts Drives: the speed limit Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: the land of brat and brotchen iTrader: (1)	I have debated having my local paint shop do this when I get back to the area but I am afraid of the cost. __________________ EDC.....viagra for your car
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05-28-2009, 09:39 AM	#9
iatacs19 Major General 459 Rep 5,319 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (8)	BMW does this on purpose to hide small imperfections. One of the forum members who works for BMW corporate in NJ stated this during the factory tour in NJ. __________________ If only BMWCCA Referral: 385628
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05-28-2009, 09:47 AM	#10
CantDrv55 NJ = guido white trash losers 12 Rep 127 Posts Drives: '09 Jerez Black M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: SE iTrader: (0)	A friend of mine owns a mobile auto salon and is really good with paint issues. He had a car with orange peel and actually wet sanded the entire top half of the car. It took him an entire weekend because he did it right, but the results were awesome. If I had the time, I'd probably try it myself.
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05-28-2009, 10:00 AM	#12
nusevad O! So Sour!! 552 Rep 15,615 Posts Drives: Fast 240z / Slow M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 'Merica! iTrader: (24) Garage List 1971 Datsun 240z [0.00] 2008 M3 [9.60]	I would do it, but like E said, you need to find a very reputable and experianced shop to do it. I def wont be cheap either... __________________
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05-28-2009, 10:07 AM	#13
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	Maybe I am just a minority in this issue. I will just leave it as it is. It is nice though to have it remove but I already consider it part of it's new identity. In the greater scheme of life (or car life), the total M3 package is the one that sold me in and I will not loose sleep about the orange paint imperfection.
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05-28-2009, 11:43 AM	#16
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel 48 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA iTrader: (0)	If I get enough swirls, scratches, etc., maybe as part of a good detail. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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05-28-2009, 01:50 PM	#19
captainaudio World's Foremost Authority 1181 Rep 4,535 Posts Drives: M4 Cab - Cayenne GTS - Jag XK Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Upper East Side Manhattan - Boca Raton FL - Lime Rock CT iTrader: (0)	I would be terrified that I would screw it up. CA
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05-28-2009, 02:52 PM	#20
URBAN LEGEND Rocky 412 Rep 3,085 Posts Drives: 16 M5, 18 ZL1 1LE, 18 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brenham TX iTrader: (0)	Doesn't bother me one bit __________________ 22 Audi RS E-Tron GT 21 Model S Plaid
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05-28-2009, 03:35 PM	#22
!Xoible Banned 832 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	u guys have waaaay too much fucking time on your hands
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