More paint woes

Z4Andy · 05-27-2010, 07:16 PM

Anyone have this problem?

My car got wet whilst the lawn was being watered (I didn't know) and today after baking in the sun for a whole morning I have water spots etched into the paint.

I've clayed and polished with a buff and that has taken some out but I still have little rings that seem to be etched into the lacquer.

A quick google has revealed that some BWM owners have been complaining with similar problems on newer cars and some have been put into body shop ovens to "refloat" the clear coat.

I can't understand how a car that is as well waxed and maintained as my own can have this problem from just a little tap water. It looks terrible

Will be calling the dealer tomorrow.

jparnes1 · 05-27-2010, 07:19 PM

Likely minerals deposited after the water evaporated. However, I can't understand why they are resistant to removal. Well, paint aint what it used to be, what with all the environmental regulations. The quality definitely declined.

Memphis1 · 05-27-2010, 07:39 PM

thats weird, i've left water by accident dry on my car and with simply washing it the spots go away.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ead.php?t=4891

cdeslandes · 05-28-2010, 09:03 AM

Has your car been waxed recently? That would help keep the spots for sticking.

Personally I find that using a quick detailer takes care of water spots without the need for a clay bar.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 05-28-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z4Andy

Anyone have this problem?

My car got wet whilst the lawn was being watered (I didn't know) and today after baking in the sun for a whole morning I have water spots etched into the paint.

I've clayed and polished with a buff and that has taken some out but I still have little rings that seem to be etched into the lacquer.

A quick google has revealed that some BWM owners have been complaining with similar problems on newer cars and some have been put into body shop ovens to "refloat" the clear coat.

I can't understand how a car that is as well waxed and maintained as my own can have this problem from just a little tap water. It looks terrible

Will be calling the dealer tomorrow.

Andy, Please keep us informed what the Dealer has to say.

Alext · 05-28-2010, 06:18 PM

I'll tell you what's strange. I had the same problem on my jet black paint. I had some water spots that REFUSED to go after buffing with all sorts of compounds on my bootlid (flat so water just collects there and dries). I even tried white vinegar etc. Looked like holograms in the clear coat just like in the link Memphis gave above (I actually looked at that at the time). I couldnt believe it and I swore then I would never buy another black BMW as I have never had such a severe problem with other black cars. And I protected that finish with layers of Collinite, Optiseal, Zaino etc. This made me even more annoyed.

Anyway I just gave up.

Then, after a month or so of everyday driving in the sun, washing and detailing etc and they have mysteriously dissappeared! No kidding, not even a trace.

SHADOW4 · 05-28-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alext

I'll tell you what's strange. I had the same problem on my jet black paint. I had some water spots that REFUSED to go after buffing with all sorts of compounds on my bootlid (flat so water just collects there and dries). I even tried white vinegar etc. Looked like holograms in the clear coat just like in the link Memphis gave above (I actually looked at that at the time). I couldnt believe it and I swore then I would never buy another black BMW as I have never had such a severe problem with other black cars. And I protected that finish with layers of Collinite, Optiseal, Zaino etc. This made me even more annoyed.

Anyway I just gave up.

Then, after a month or so of everyday driving in the sun, washing and detailing etc and they have mysteriously dissappeared! No kidding, not even a trace.

After a month driving much when dark and complaining for myself over the worthless windshield that made every stoplight shine like small suns i lowered my sidewindow, leaned out and the stoplights still looked like small suns.
I now have lenses/glasses and the suns are gone, just like that! Maby the spots are still there?

Alext · 05-29-2010, 05:59 AM

Haha very funny!

m6pwr · 05-29-2010, 10:19 AM

Z4Andy: Hard-water spots can be difficult to remove, particularly with hand polishes and even with DIY buffers. The urethane clear coats on euro paints are relatively soft, so they scratch, etc. relatively easy. If it really bothers you, I'd try to find a pro detailer. Unless your dealer is much, much different than most, I wouldn't take it there for help. I won't let my dealer even do the free wash after service. Here' a good article that might help -
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...r-wash-my-car/

Memphis1 · 05-29-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z4Andy

Anyone have this problem?
My car got wet whilst the lawn was being watered (I didn't know) and today after baking in the sun for a whole morning I have water spots etched into the paint.I've clayed and polished with a buff and that has taken some out but I still have little rings that seem to be etched into the lacquer.A quick google has revealed that some BWM owners have been complaining with similar problems on newer cars and some have been put into body shop ovens to "refloat" the clear coat.I can't understand how a car that is as well waxed and maintained as my own can have this problem from just a little tap water. It looks terrible

Will be calling the dealer tomorrow.

you know, the answer might be that you have hard water... i'm not sure how it works where you live, but that might be the problem and not your car or wax.

Z4Andy · 05-30-2010, 05:00 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Spoke to the dealer and they want to look at the car ASAP. So i'm taking it tomorrow.

The dealer knows how well I keep my car.

I'm shocked that a little water cased this much havoc to the paint.

Z4Andy · 06-01-2010, 04:16 PM

Ok update.

Dealer had a look and now wants the area rep for BMW take a look. They tried to give the car a rub and the spots would not budge.

Made all sorts of remarks like "something in the water" "screenwash additive" ect but lets be realistic here. There was some water splashed on the car followed by a shower of rain then sunshine at about 18c (warmish for this area).

I'm really worried about these marks and they look terrible. Will try and get some good pics up tomorrow.

Z4 Beemer · 06-01-2010, 04:19 PM

Yikes, this is worrying! Has it really etched the clearcoat, does the paint feel rough in any way? Have you tried a more aggressive compound (Menzerna)? Keep us updated and good luck in getting it sorted.

Z4Andy · 06-01-2010, 05:35 PM

The paint feels real smooth and the dealer used some 3m. Nothing

They want the car overnight so they can have a good go at it but this really is nonsense that these marks are there in the frist place.

If they do manage to buff them out surely the marks will return next time it rains and dries in the sun. Also buffing removes a layer of clearcoat.

I've had a look about on the net and there is some very worrying stories out there.

I'll get some pics up ASAP. Also the car last had 3 hits of Autoglym SRP, two hits of extra gloss protection. It was washed twice since then with Autoglym shampoo with a hit of Megs Ultimate detailer after each wash.

Alext · 06-01-2010, 08:08 PM

Exactly what I used when I had the marks too. Autoglym super resin polish and Meguiars UQD.

Z4 Beemer · 06-02-2010, 02:42 AM

It might be worth trying an aggressive compound like Menzerna Power Gloss (S100) or Meguiars Scratch X to see if it will shift them. BMW paint/clearcoat is known to be hard, meaning you need a hard cut polish/compound to get any defects out. Keep us updated.

m999psw · 06-03-2010, 12:22 AM

Hi,
I've have had similar. The car was in for roof noises and a leak last week and i did ask them not to wash it. When I picked it up it was sitting in the sun covered in dried water. I tried to clean it but the water staining is still there.The dealer is having it back today to have a look. They aslo left it with 5 miles of fuel in the tank and now the fuel tank petrol pump is noisy again, it has a leak from the passenger window and new scratch on the rear of the roof and when cornering right it sounds like the window is hitting something. I am not very impressed!

Paul

Alext · 06-03-2010, 01:37 AM

Yes I remember that is what happened to my jet black paint. There was a suprise shower of rain when my car was parked then the sun came out and it dried for the rest of the day. Later that evening I found these strange waterstains that I couldnt remove. But a few weeks later they mysterously dissapeared no joke!

Z4Andy · 06-26-2010, 09:26 PM

Ok update on the water spots.

I have made a few posts on another forum about this but i'll try to be brief. Dealer was instructed to remove polish and heat the problem areas.

They are now gone but dealer has badly swirled the car and put a scratch on the rear bumper.

HOWEVER the car got wet in a shower and I have them again. So after ringing the dealer I got the hairdryer out and removed most of them myself and today after letting the car sit in the very hot sun I can just about see one of them.

I've asked the dealer to find out a solution to this especially as I am about to buy another Z4.

I think I was lucky that the sun wasn't that strong when the car was wet or I might not have sorted this by myself.

Still love my Z though.

Wcollins · 06-28-2010, 03:32 PM

I have the white color and have had no problems with water marks. I use a good wax and a quick detailer product between washings.

Silver-Bolt · 06-28-2010, 06:18 PM

Be very careful if you decide to cut & buff the paint. The factory finish is extemely thin and very easy to cut through to the metal. If you don't have experience with a buffer pay a pro to do it. Buffers work magic in trained hands but can burn through an edge in seconds. Clay bars come in fine, medium, and corse. If you buy an off the shelf name brand clay kit it will have the fine bar inside. A good detail/paint supply store will have the other two. Start with the coarse and work down. Before you start be sure to strip the existing wax off. Easy way to do that is use Dawn dish soap. It will strip in just by washing the car. From there use all three grades of clay starting with coarse and working down. If that does not remove the spots then chances are very high your clear coat is damaged. If that is the case the entire car will need to be wet sanded and re-shot with clear.

Karen and John · 07-15-2010, 02:31 PM

We had a similar problem on our Space Grey Z4 when a pipe on the (well water) irrigation system got punctured, spraying the car with hard water which then dried in the morning sun. I used white wine vinegar and then a wash down with lots of fresh water - job done!

05-27-2010, 07:16 PM	#1
Z4Andy Private First Class 10 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belfast iTrader: (0)	More paint woes Anyone have this problem? My car got wet whilst the lawn was being watered (I didn't know) and today after baking in the sun for a whole morning I have water spots etched into the paint. I've clayed and polished with a buff and that has taken some out but I still have little rings that seem to be etched into the lacquer. A quick google has revealed that some BWM owners have been complaining with similar problems on newer cars and some have been put into body shop ovens to "refloat" the clear coat. I can't understand how a car that is as well waxed and maintained as my own can have this problem from just a little tap water. It looks terrible Will be calling the dealer tomorrow.
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05-27-2010, 07:19 PM	#2
jparnes1 Colonel 241 Rep 2,389 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	Likely minerals deposited after the water evaporated. However, I can't understand why they are resistant to removal. Well, paint aint what it used to be, what with all the environmental regulations. The quality definitely declined. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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05-27-2010, 07:39 PM	#3
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 89 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	thats weird, i've left water by accident dry on my car and with simply washing it the spots go away. http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ead.php?t=4891 __________________
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05-28-2010, 09:03 AM	#4
cdeslandes Captain 27 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 s35i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Jeep Wrangler ... [0.00] 2013 Volvo XC90 [0.00] 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [8.67]	Has your car been waxed recently? That would help keep the spots for sticking. Personally I find that using a quick detailer takes care of water spots without the need for a clay bar. __________________ 2010 BMW Z4 s35i 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2013 Volvo XC90
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05-28-2010, 06:18 PM	#6
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	I'll tell you what's strange. I had the same problem on my jet black paint. I had some water spots that REFUSED to go after buffing with all sorts of compounds on my bootlid (flat so water just collects there and dries). I even tried white vinegar etc. Looked like holograms in the clear coat just like in the link Memphis gave above (I actually looked at that at the time). I couldnt believe it and I swore then I would never buy another black BMW as I have never had such a severe problem with other black cars. And I protected that finish with layers of Collinite, Optiseal, Zaino etc. This made me even more annoyed. Anyway I just gave up. Then, after a month or so of everyday driving in the sun, washing and detailing etc and they have mysteriously dissappeared! No kidding, not even a trace.
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05-29-2010, 05:59 AM	#8
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Haha very funny!
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05-29-2010, 10:19 AM	#9
m6pwr First Lieutenant 38 Rep 374 Posts Drives: '14 335i M sport Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Z4Andy: Hard-water spots can be difficult to remove, particularly with hand polishes and even with DIY buffers. The urethane clear coats on euro paints are relatively soft, so they scratch, etc. relatively easy. If it really bothers you, I'd try to find a pro detailer. Unless your dealer is much, much different than most, I wouldn't take it there for help. I won't let my dealer even do the free wash after service. Here' a good article that might help - http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...r-wash-my-car/
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05-30-2010, 05:00 PM	#11
Z4Andy Private First Class 10 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belfast iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. Spoke to the dealer and they want to look at the car ASAP. So i'm taking it tomorrow. The dealer knows how well I keep my car. I'm shocked that a little water cased this much havoc to the paint.
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06-01-2010, 04:16 PM	#12
Z4Andy Private First Class 10 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belfast iTrader: (0)	Ok update. Dealer had a look and now wants the area rep for BMW take a look. They tried to give the car a rub and the spots would not budge. Made all sorts of remarks like "something in the water" "screenwash additive" ect but lets be realistic here. There was some water splashed on the car followed by a shower of rain then sunshine at about 18c (warmish for this area). I'm really worried about these marks and they look terrible. Will try and get some good pics up tomorrow.
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06-01-2010, 04:19 PM	#13
Z4 Beemer Colonel 83 Rep 2,353 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive 23i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E92 [0.00] 2004 Z4 2.2i [8.00]	Yikes, this is worrying! Has it really etched the clearcoat, does the paint feel rough in any way? Have you tried a more aggressive compound (Menzerna)? Keep us updated and good luck in getting it sorted. __________________ E89 Z4 sDrive 23i... for the more discerning driver
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06-01-2010, 05:35 PM	#14
Z4Andy Private First Class 10 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belfast iTrader: (0)	Re: The paint feels real smooth and the dealer used some 3m. Nothing They want the car overnight so they can have a good go at it but this really is nonsense that these marks are there in the frist place. If they do manage to buff them out surely the marks will return next time it rains and dries in the sun. Also buffing removes a layer of clearcoat. I've had a look about on the net and there is some very worrying stories out there. I'll get some pics up ASAP. Also the car last had 3 hits of Autoglym SRP, two hits of extra gloss protection. It was washed twice since then with Autoglym shampoo with a hit of Megs Ultimate detailer after each wash.
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06-01-2010, 08:08 PM	#15
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Exactly what I used when I had the marks too. Autoglym super resin polish and Meguiars UQD.
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06-02-2010, 02:42 AM	#16
Z4 Beemer Colonel 83 Rep 2,353 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive 23i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Glasgow, Scotland, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E92 [0.00] 2004 Z4 2.2i [8.00]	It might be worth trying an aggressive compound like Menzerna Power Gloss (S100) or Meguiars Scratch X to see if it will shift them. BMW paint/clearcoat is known to be hard, meaning you need a hard cut polish/compound to get any defects out. Keep us updated. __________________ E89 Z4 sDrive 23i... for the more discerning driver
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06-03-2010, 12:22 AM	#17
m999psw New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 35i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: hampshire england iTrader: (0)	Hi, I've have had similar. The car was in for roof noises and a leak last week and i did ask them not to wash it. When I picked it up it was sitting in the sun covered in dried water. I tried to clean it but the water staining is still there.The dealer is having it back today to have a look. They aslo left it with 5 miles of fuel in the tank and now the fuel tank petrol pump is noisy again, it has a leak from the passenger window and new scratch on the rear of the roof and when cornering right it sounds like the window is hitting something. I am not very impressed! Paul
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06-03-2010, 01:37 AM	#18
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Yes I remember that is what happened to my jet black paint. There was a suprise shower of rain when my car was parked then the sun came out and it dried for the rest of the day. Later that evening I found these strange waterstains that I couldnt remove. But a few weeks later they mysterously dissapeared no joke!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-26-2010, 09:26 PM	#19
Z4Andy Private First Class 10 Rep 170 Posts Drives: Z4 Sdrive 35iS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belfast iTrader: (0)	Ok update on the water spots. I have made a few posts on another forum about this but i'll try to be brief. Dealer was instructed to remove polish and heat the problem areas. They are now gone but dealer has badly swirled the car and put a scratch on the rear bumper. HOWEVER the car got wet in a shower and I have them again. So after ringing the dealer I got the hairdryer out and removed most of them myself and today after letting the car sit in the very hot sun I can just about see one of them. I've asked the dealer to find out a solution to this especially as I am about to buy another Z4. I think I was lucky that the sun wasn't that strong when the car was wet or I might not have sorted this by myself. Still love my Z though.
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06-28-2010, 03:32 PM	#20
Wcollins Wcollins 4 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 35i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Decatur AL iTrader: (0)	I have the white color and have had no problems with water marks. I use a good wax and a quick detailer product between washings.
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06-28-2010, 06:18 PM	#21
Silver-Bolt Captain 26 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [9.00]	Be very careful if you decide to cut & buff the paint. The factory finish is extemely thin and very easy to cut through to the metal. If you don't have experience with a buffer pay a pro to do it. Buffers work magic in trained hands but can burn through an edge in seconds. Clay bars come in fine, medium, and corse. If you buy an off the shelf name brand clay kit it will have the fine bar inside. A good detail/paint supply store will have the other two. Start with the coarse and work down. Before you start be sure to strip the existing wax off. Easy way to do that is use Dawn dish soap. It will strip in just by washing the car. From there use all three grades of clay starting with coarse and working down. If that does not remove the spots then chances are very high your clear coat is damaged. If that is the case the entire car will need to be wet sanded and re-shot with clear.
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07-15-2010, 02:31 PM	#22
Karen and John New Member 4 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 1M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Portugal iTrader: (0)	We had a similar problem on our Space Grey Z4 when a pipe on the (well water) irrigation system got punctured, spraying the car with hard water which then dried in the morning sun. I used white wine vinegar and then a wash down with lots of fresh water - job done!
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