Factory paint, heavy orange peel, what options do I have?

[M0nk3y]

I agree with leaving it a alone, not worth the risk. Unfortunately, on BMWs orange peel is a standard option.

BMWs are horrible on orange peel....My 2002 E46 has horrible orange peel, dad's E90 is not as bad as mine........



When I did my mom's 04 X3, it was just about at the same level as mine

Orange peel is the answer for a not-so-perfect panel. Most people think that is accidental paint defect, but it has a purpose ... deflect the light around a panel defect such as lows, wrinkles, buckles, etc. I have only seen a few cars that are orange peel free and they have been high-end vehicles.

BMWs have not-so-perfect panels? :nixweiss



My E46 has looked perfect since 2002. Orange Peel from the factory..........German Engineering ftw........

 

[gdal]

I don't mean that the panels are no good. Most outer sheet metal has defects that most people can't see unless they "stone" panels right after stamping. Primer covers a lot of the defects and smoothes them out. Defects that are not covered by primer can be improved if the paint sprayed on the panel is not perfect. Orange peel breaks the light in and around the defect. It's amazing to see here that detailers use the same lights that are used in the stamping/assembly process to detect and repair imperfections. One way of knowing how a defect is going to look after a panel is painted is by coating it with mineral oil using a cloth rag.



G