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      09-08-2013, 11:05 AM   #1
UTurnFactory
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Due to an extremely foolish mistake on my part (still kicking myself in disappointment), I managed to dent the edge of the driver's side door on my Silverstone II E93 M3.

The sheer emotion of distress at my own failure was difficult enough to overcome, but upon doing some research on my own and using a rubber mallet, a plank of wood, and a hot hair dryer to prevent paint from chipping, it dawned on me that molding the sheet metal in that area was no easy task. My determination did net me at least one win: the interior door card was pretty badly damaged, and the little plastic unlock/lock pin that pops up and down had completely fallen out unto the ground. I found a handy guide here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...19&postcount=8, took apart the door card, and completely repaired everything within - a small victory.

I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience, or if anyone has any tips for effective solutions to at least mitigate this terrible, self-inflicted eyesore?

I'm definitely not expecting it to be brought back to perfection, but I wanted to try and at least reduce the severity of the dent - I've thought about body shop + repainting, but blending the Silverstone II metallic color is very tricky, and I'm willing to just live with a small dent on my door edge, if it affords me the opportunity to get around the need to repaint. Thankfully, none of the paint in the area has chipped, and although the very leading edge of the panel has its paint scraped off, the primer is still there - meaning no rust worries for now.

Philosophically, I felt that I should probably leave the damage as it is, as a very personal reminder that even the most coveted of material possessions are just as mortal and vulnerable to any sort of mistakes as humans are... but then again, it is my beautiful M3.

I'd be enormously grateful for any helpful tips, or referrals to professional body panel restorers near the New York City area sans the requirement to repaint...

Last edited by UTurnFactory; 09-08-2013 at 11:25 AM..
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      09-08-2013, 11:06 AM   #2
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Pictures attached...
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Last edited by UTurnFactory; 09-08-2013 at 11:19 AM..
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      09-08-2013, 11:08 AM   #3
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Pictures attached...
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      09-08-2013, 12:22 PM   #4
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pics work fine
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      09-08-2013, 12:53 PM   #5
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See pics now....the only solution is a very good body shop !
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      09-09-2013, 12:24 PM   #6
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Agree on the good body shop; I've heard of heat being used for things like this and luckily it's not damaged the crease too badly.
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      09-09-2013, 08:45 PM   #7
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It's not that bad, but take it to a body shop so they can work it right, whatever you do don't bang on it yourself
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      09-09-2013, 10:01 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by edwinm3 View Post
It's not that bad, but take it to a body shop so they can work it right, whatever you do don't bang on it yourself
+1. This damage is way too much for a DIY job in your garage. Live and learn my friend.
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      09-10-2013, 01:33 AM   #9
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The solutions with making it less visible and straightening it out, are just temporary, they will never look good, and will always be an eyesore. Especially in that spot?

Get it done properly, in a good body shop, and move on. Silverstone is a little bit trickier, and takes more effort to match, but i would not be worried about it, if it is a reputable body shop (i worked many years in this field).

Goodluck with everything, and im sorry to hear.
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      09-10-2013, 04:30 PM   #10
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everyone for your thoughts - I appreciate the feedback... still mulling on what to do - trying to find some solid body shops in the NY/tri-state area.

A paintless dent repair (PDR) business from Whitestone, NY is asking $225 after I texted them pictures of the damage - apparently they're pretty famous, but what v_bimmer says above rings truth in my ears...

Out of curiosity (trying to weigh all options here), has anyone had any experience with PDR for damage of this type (edge of body panels...)?
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      09-11-2013, 12:33 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UTurnFactory View Post
everyone for your thoughts - I appreciate the feedback... still mulling on what to do - trying to find some solid body shops in the NY/tri-state area.

A paintless dent repair (PDR) business from Whitestone, NY is asking $225 after I texted them pictures of the damage - apparently they're pretty famous, but what v_bimmer says above rings truth in my ears...

Out of curiosity (trying to weigh all options here), has anyone had any experience with PDR for damage of this type (edge of body panels...)?
This seems way too severe for PDR, but I'm no expert.

I don't know your location, but try Martino Auto Concept. I think they are sponsors here and they've had some pretty crazy projects.

IMHO, do it right first time.
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      09-13-2013, 12:47 PM   #12
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Just take it to a body shop and get it fixed right. Stuff happens.... This is in a location that you are going to see every time you get into the car. I have lived with dents / scratches in the past (none this bad). I then fixed them before selling the car. After doing so I asked myself why I would live with the damage when I was going to get it fixed in the future.... Why not fix it now and enjoy the results vs. doing it for the next owner? As far as paint match... A quality body shop will have no problems. Plus I would rather have a bad paint match than that nasty looking dent and scratch.
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      09-15-2013, 02:31 PM   #13
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to all who've responded - I respect everyone's feedback and am thankful - I've made my decision, since the general consensus here is to get it done right - JMK BMW's bodyshop seemed like a good place to start, as they're the closest BMW-certified repair center in the tri-state area...
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      09-15-2013, 02:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by UTurnFactory
to all who've responded - I respect everyone's feedback and am thankful - I've made my decision, since the general consensus here is to get it done right - JMK BMW's bodyshop seemed like a good place to start, as they're the closest BMW-certified repair center in the tri-state area...
Glad you decided right
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      09-18-2013, 08:21 PM   #15
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get a really good dent guy to fix it he/she should be able to make that look perfect.
then with the paint get a good person to blend and paint it. go to a dent guy first.
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      09-18-2013, 08:22 PM   #16
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wow your in NJ, wish I saw this we have a great dent guy that I can send you his info.
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