how to fix this scratch?

[OneSickM]

Haven't enjoyed my M3 yet since I got it and found this today

I know it is not that bad but It is bothering me. Scratch seems went through clear coat but not through color. I tried wiping it out with a microfiber towel but it didn't fix it since it is a scratch. Does anyone know how to fix it without repainting the bumper?

Thanks in advance

[jphughan]

I think you'd need a shop to sand down the clear coat to the bottom of the scratch depth to remove it. Of course that reduces your overall clear coat thickness at and around the scratch, though. A paint shop would be in a far better position to tell you if that was an option here than anybody just looking at this photo, and they'd probably do this consultation for free, but if that isn't an option or you don't like the idea of losing clear coat, your options are to live with it or repaint. When I got my rear bumper repainted by a top notch shop out here, it cost me about $800 because with metallic paint you have to respray the whole panel.

If this is the front bumper, I highly recommend clear bra if this type of stuff is going to bother you enough to affect your enjoyment of the car. BMW uses pretty soft paint, so you'll end up with a lot of nicks and pits on the front of your car without it. After I'd had my M3 for 6 months its front bumper looked like my 08 Acura TL Type-S's did after 18 months, which is what prompted me to get clear bra. It comes in handy at the track too. You could also look into Opti-Coat for the rest of the car. It won't handle impacts like clear bra will, but it should handle minor stuff, it's a lot cheaper (maybe $150-200 for the entire car), and it will prevent water spots from forming on the car too.

[Flying Ace]

^ This. clear coat scratches....

At least it's just clear coat, could be worse.

[OneSickM]

Thanks for the responses. I don't want to go to body shop to fix it. If there is a DIY, I would do it..would this product make it at least invisible?

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G1030.../dp/B0002UNON8

or this

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirro.../dp/B001O7PNW8

[InnerBlueSkies]

Those products will work though I'd start with a polish first to see if that would do the job. The good news is I think you can get that out and it will no longer be noticeable. Good Luck!

[1MOREMOD]

Wash it, could be dirt from the looks of picture

[TrevorM3]

get a mild compound/polish, get a mf cloth, rub it. end of story. i'm 99% sure it doesn't have to be sanded down.


let's not overcomplicate this.

[AnisotropyIsKey]

^+1

That looks really easy to fix.

I would spot it with FG400 or Meguiars ultimate compound and call it a day.

[OneSickM]

Originally Posted by AnisotropyIsKey

^+1

That looks really easy to fix.

I would spot it with FG400 or Meguiars ultimate compound and call it a day.

I will try that but I didn't hear good feedback about Meguiars for scratch in the clear coat

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Wash it, could be dirt from the looks of picture

It is not a dirt. I tried rubbing it with car shampoo and water but it didn't go. I can tell that it scratched through the clear coat.

Originally Posted by TrevorM3

get a mild compound/polish, get a mf cloth, rub it. end of story. i'm 99% sure it doesn't have to be sanded down.

let's not overcomplicate this.

I don't want to overcomplicate it. Please suggest for me a good working mild compound to get rid of it. I like to keep my car in perfect condition. I can't stand any scratch on the car

[burtonsbs5114]

Take it to a detailer and see if they will be able to get it out.

[M3Bimmer77]

Its not difficult with the right products. Do you have a DA? Is so get compound and start with a medium abrasive pad. Pace yourself and inspect on each step. Use a less abrasive pad and a polish. Once it's gone start with the glaze, sealer and wax. My concern is that if you are asking on this minor scratch is because you have no experience in detailing. Probably Im wrong and I hope I am. Be careful not to make it worst for not paying a detailer to do it. Good luck.

[mw_m3]

That scratch should come out completely. First you need to wash your bumper to remove any dirt or debris around the scratch. Then i would wet sand the scratch down with a 2000 grit sand paper until you don't see the white scratch anymore (press lightly or use a block). Wipe dry with a micro fiber towel and you should see a white sanded spot. Next you need to polish the scratch out with a regular grade paste compound and a foam pad for compounding ( i like using farecla products G3, G10). Polish the spot with a bit of water around 1500rpm to 2000rpm until the clear coat is shiny again (be careful not to burn thru the clear). Then apply your swirl remover and use your foam polish pad and polish until its shiny and clear. Finally i would put a coat of sealant or wax to protect the paint. Lemme know if you have any questions. Cheers!

[GLZ]

Just got side swiped by a jerk while I was parked in a lot - ironically I always park away from all cars and was hit anyway. No one left a note either.

Car has scrapes on around wheel wheel but two panels. I'm told the whole car needs painting and I need to make an insurance claim. It's not a lot of damage but penetrates the paint and there is a small crack. I was hoping to avoid a car fax. Any suggestions welcomed.

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by GLZ

Just got side swiped by a jerk while I was parked in a lot - ironically I always park away from all cars and was hit anyway. No one left a note either.

Car has scrapes on around wheel wheel but two panels. I'm told the whole car needs painting and I need to make an insurance claim. It's not a lot of damage but penetrates the paint and there is a small crack. I was hoping to avoid a car fax. Any suggestions welcomed.

Avoid insurance claim by all means. If you don't want the value of your car to go down, do it from your own pocket if it is not too expensive.