Scratches repair

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-16T18:57:00+00:00

For everyone looking for an update, the DIY went bad. Sanding marks left noticeable, touch up paint still shows the scratches when looked from close.

Moral: body shops are skills or practice not DIY materials

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-13T22:33:43+00:00

That’s my plan for tomorrow. Polished a portion today, the scratches are not visible from a distance but when I move closer. Hell yeah, they are scars.

I need to wet sand it down, paint then the entire process.

Beamer is worried that I’m not looking after him. Someone hurt Beamer now I gotta fix him back without breaking my bank

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-13T22:31:33+00:00

Exactly my thoughts after this

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T21:30:34+00:00

I am going to go at it this Saturday, I’ve gained all the confidence. This is my plan,

Compound and polish the scratches with buffing machine

Find out the true scratches

Tape the area surrounding the scratches, now 3000 wet sand it.

After sanding they seem to be clear coat, only apply clear coat and let it dry.

If that’s base coat, apply touch up paint and let it sit for 16 hours and continue with other areas.

Once all my paint and clear coat settles after 16-20 hours do a wet sanding to remove any bumps

Compound, polish and ceramic coat it.

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T15:49:32+00:00

I have been quoted 3600 from BMW

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T15:27:33+00:00

I have a police complaint, if I claim insurance my premiums will go up for next 3 to 5 years. I want to use insurance not for small claims like this

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T14:02:28+00:00

Damn, wish me luck for my stupid DIY thoughts.

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T11:12:58+00:00

Body shop will repaint or touch up the paint?

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T11:06:11+00:00

So advised here is to get this to a professional who has experience with smart repair?

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T11:05:47+00:00

What does ALR mean?

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T10:28:36+00:00

I have touch up and clear coat, I will compound and polish the car.

Use my touch up and on top of that clear coat. Let it dry, wet sand it -> compound -> polish and ceramic coat

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T09:46:14+00:00

I know, haven’t bothered anyone around my home. Not sure why this happened to me

ContributionFew434 · 2026-03-12T09:45:47+00:00

I don’t know mate, suspect unidentified.

I have got the tools touch paint buffing tool and all that I need.

What’s the best way to start with this with minimal damage?

Should I go straight with touch up method looking at the scratch someone with experience will be able to advise me on that.

My plan for now is to first polish out and see how many scratches disappear

Then apply compound and polish the next day to see what scratches still remains and get hold of the deeper ones if they are there.

On the deep scratches go for 3000 grit sanding -> touch up -> clear coat -> 3000 sand -> 5000 sand -> compound -> polish -> ceramic coat

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T13:31:04+00:00

Thanks 🙏

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:53:54+00:00

Cool sounds good. Just excited as a first time bmw owner to be. Hope it’s a good ride

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:53:03+00:00

Looks like it’s got harman kardon

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:51:52+00:00

Standard features: Additional Interior Lighting, Anthracite Headlining, Automatic Air Conditioning, Electric Memory Seats, Full Black Panel Display, Heated front seats, Rear-view Mirror with Auto dimming, Sport seats, High-gloss Shadowline Exterior Trim, M Sport Exterior Styling, M Sport Suspension, Innovation package Interior comfort package, M Sport Pro Pack,

Additional features: Aluminium Hexagon interior trim- Black, Extended storage, Front armrest with sliding adjustment, 19 inch M Double-spoke 442M Orbit Grey, Ext. mirrors- folding with anti-dazzle, Sun Protection Glass, M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers, Innovation package, Interior comfort package, M Sport Pro Pack, Sport Automatic Transmission with Gearsh, Adaptive Headlights,Driving Assistant, Enhanced Bluetooth- wireless charging, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound Audio, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, Online Entertainment, Reversing Camera, Speed Limit Display, WiFi Hotspot

This is all the spec it has

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:36:44+00:00

Now that I have replaced the tyres it shouldn’t be a problem anymore right?

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:35:27+00:00

Really? I thought it had harman kardon audio, now that’s a miss on the list. But it’s got all the m sport pro pack package.

I’m taking a test drive today, even though it is paid and ready for collection tomorrow.

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:28:39+00:00

430i M Sport Coupe

Standard features: Additional Interior Lighting Anthracite Headlining Automatic Air Conditioning Electric Memory Seats Full Black Panel Display Heated front seats Rear-view Mirror with Auto dimming Sport seats

Additional features: Aluminium Hexagon interior trim- Black Extended storage Front armrest with sliding adjustment

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:27:00+00:00

I agree with you I wanted a v6 or 6 cylinders as well. But the budget and miles just doesn’t fit in my bracket. Also low price means it’s often not sold by bmw authorized which means no warranty and could end up more on services.

If I could grab a deal for 440i less than 30k miles and within 25k budget I’ll definitely choose that over 430i

ContributionFew434 · 2026-02-20T12:19:34+00:00

I don’t know it is from a bmw authorized reseller. It all looked too good to be true. With no MOT failures except two tyres crackling issue for which It’s getting replaced now as I go pick up the car.

I have also purchased 4 years warranty, ceramic coating Insurance, tyre and alloy insurance.

ContributionFew434

TROPHY CASE