Why so many stone chips?

[waderman]

I just bought a new '04 330i. It's my first BMW. In the one month I've owned it I've had more stone chips than in my previous three cars combined. It seems like every time any pebble hits this car it chips the paint. Has anyone else had this problem? Does the quality of the paint on these cars suck or what? Other than the paint issue I love the car. Please advise.

[catalyst.]

i beleive bmw uses a waterbased paint, i dont really know why. Ive heard it chips more easily than other car companies paints

[RetroSpek]

Yeah... i know how that feels. The best thing to do is get a clear bra (vinyl sticker) from makers like 3M.

[KillFox]

Yeah... You can wax and buff them out a little, but the best solution is to touch up paint them and then install the clear sticker bra from Bav auto, which is completely invisible.

[Gulelin]

They do use water-based paints, the sales guy told me it was because the EPA is making everyone do it. I had the same kind of thing happen, I hadn't got a chip in my old car for 3 years, then got one the first 2 months that i've had my 330xi. I haven't had one since, but I stay pretty far back from other cars now as a precaution. Not much that we can do, cept maybe get a bra.

[junchoi]

yup... my car is black and its like white hood now... (exacerated :P )

Anyway just don't go to any constuction area or new road

and do not go behind the trucks i guess thats only solution

I will change my hood some day

[320CDI]

I have not had this problem with either of my BM's.

I used to have this problem with a Honda Civic Coupe but I was much younger then and used to drive very close to people in front of me.

I guess I am becoming a Sunday driver in my old age!