Kief
New member
Okay guys I need your advice.:help:
Some of you may already know my story (so I apologize in advance).
1 month ago, I received my latest stable mate: 2009 BMW Z435i. It is black sapphire and I would have never of picked the color if it weren’t for two of my must-have options: dual clutch trans and 19” rims. My local dealer located the car in Jersey and went out there to retrieve it. When I took delivery, I had not noticed the “no-charge dealer inflicted swirl mark option.”
Long story short, I brought it back to the local dealer and asked for them to fix the problem. In their defense (I do have great relationship with their sales and service departments) the 60-grit sandpaper drying technique may have originated at the original dealer. Before they attempted to correct the issue, I spoke with their detail guy. He was very nice and mentioned seeing the swirls when he prepped the car for delivery, but he just did the typical pre-delivery wipe down. He was well aware of the hard paint of black sapphire for BMWs. I work by hand and do not know much about pads, but he said he would need to use a wool pad given the amount of swirls and the stubbornness of the paint (I cringed), but gave him the benefit of the doubt.
When I went to pick up my car again, of course it was slightly overcast, but the car did look better. I should preface that the car looked good the first day I picked it up, but for someone as anal/OCD as I am, I only really saw the swirls under my garage light. I talked to the detailer and thanked him, but he was honest and said he did the best he could, but the paint still had problem areas. I realize he does not have the time to devote to a full paint correction and I wasn’t paying to have this “corrected.” I'm glad I didn't pay anything (other than tipping the detail guy), b/c the swirls are all still there
Since then, I was directed to DC by Ron. He connected me Tuscarora Dave, who happens to be out my way in PA. Dave is wonderful and we have been communicating via email almost everyday. My original intent of contacting Dave was to find a reputable professional able to correct my paint finish. Since then, Dave has given me tips and techniques and has directed me to PB products. I have no problem paying for Dave's service, but I'm upset about the whole situation. This should be taken care of by the dealer--not me--right?
My question to you guys, is I just emailed my sales guy at my dealer to tactfully express my concerns about the paint finish. Honestly, I have not stopped thinking about this since I first picked up the car. My wife is ready to kill me!!!! My sales guy said he would talk with the service manager and they will fix this for me. I believe them, but…I’m not going to have their same detailer try and fix the problem (whether they give him more time or not). I’m not suggesting their guy is incompetent, but I need to be reassured that whoever attempts to fix the problem is going to do it right and not at the expense of removing excessive amounts of CC. Who knows how much was removed the 1st time. So what would you do if you were me? Of courses not knowing what the dealer will propose makes that a difficult question to answer, but I just would like to gain your thoughts.
Thanks!
Here are some pics, but you won't be able to tell:
KODAK Gallery | Photo Merchandise
Some of you may already know my story (so I apologize in advance).
1 month ago, I received my latest stable mate: 2009 BMW Z435i. It is black sapphire and I would have never of picked the color if it weren’t for two of my must-have options: dual clutch trans and 19” rims. My local dealer located the car in Jersey and went out there to retrieve it. When I took delivery, I had not noticed the “no-charge dealer inflicted swirl mark option.”
Long story short, I brought it back to the local dealer and asked for them to fix the problem. In their defense (I do have great relationship with their sales and service departments) the 60-grit sandpaper drying technique may have originated at the original dealer. Before they attempted to correct the issue, I spoke with their detail guy. He was very nice and mentioned seeing the swirls when he prepped the car for delivery, but he just did the typical pre-delivery wipe down. He was well aware of the hard paint of black sapphire for BMWs. I work by hand and do not know much about pads, but he said he would need to use a wool pad given the amount of swirls and the stubbornness of the paint (I cringed), but gave him the benefit of the doubt.
When I went to pick up my car again, of course it was slightly overcast, but the car did look better. I should preface that the car looked good the first day I picked it up, but for someone as anal/OCD as I am, I only really saw the swirls under my garage light. I talked to the detailer and thanked him, but he was honest and said he did the best he could, but the paint still had problem areas. I realize he does not have the time to devote to a full paint correction and I wasn’t paying to have this “corrected.” I'm glad I didn't pay anything (other than tipping the detail guy), b/c the swirls are all still there
Since then, I was directed to DC by Ron. He connected me Tuscarora Dave, who happens to be out my way in PA. Dave is wonderful and we have been communicating via email almost everyday. My original intent of contacting Dave was to find a reputable professional able to correct my paint finish. Since then, Dave has given me tips and techniques and has directed me to PB products. I have no problem paying for Dave's service, but I'm upset about the whole situation. This should be taken care of by the dealer--not me--right?
My question to you guys, is I just emailed my sales guy at my dealer to tactfully express my concerns about the paint finish. Honestly, I have not stopped thinking about this since I first picked up the car. My wife is ready to kill me!!!! My sales guy said he would talk with the service manager and they will fix this for me. I believe them, but…I’m not going to have their same detailer try and fix the problem (whether they give him more time or not). I’m not suggesting their guy is incompetent, but I need to be reassured that whoever attempts to fix the problem is going to do it right and not at the expense of removing excessive amounts of CC. Who knows how much was removed the 1st time. So what would you do if you were me? Of courses not knowing what the dealer will propose makes that a difficult question to answer, but I just would like to gain your thoughts.
Thanks!
Here are some pics, but you won't be able to tell:
KODAK Gallery | Photo Merchandise
Now I am happy to drive a charcoal car that never shows the swirls that I am sure are there, but at least I can rest easy knowing the whole world isn't looking at my car wondering why I don't get it polished. So anyway, either get used to swirls or start reading up on how to correct them yourself or else you are going to go either insane or broke. 
