Re-painting a BMW

[uzun]

Hi everyone,
Has anyone ever re-painted their BMW using a color that is different than the car's original color (for example, re-painting a black metallic BMW with silver metallic paint)? I suppose the plastic components such as front and rear bumper will have to be replaced as well to match the new color. If anyone has done such a re-painting job, how much did you spend for the painting and the new plastic components that needed to be replaced?

[Slvr e39]

I have never done this but I would recommend painting the plastic components for a good look. What car you doing this on? It kinda all depends on that if the plastic will look good or not. However, if you paint them they will have to be removed anyways...

[uzun]

The car is a black metallic 325I. I was just wondering about the feasibility of going to silver metallic paint on this car since I have come to realize that I like the silver metallic paint on BMWs best. (The reason I got this black metallic car was because the I had gotten a great deal on the car and had not wanted to miss the opportunity.) I also just found out on another BMW forum that such a color change would be too costly and would also affect the resale value of the car further down the road. So it might not be a good idea after all.

[businessman_b]

A quality paint job is very expensive....especially if you're doing a color change.

[Gulelin]

Remember that repainting a car like that will reduce it's value on a new car like that. In the engine compartment the paint color is engraved right on the strut tower, so it's easy to tell it's been repainted. And that will reduce resale value in the future if your going to sell it. Just something to keep in mind.

[TMac325is]

i dunno why you dont like the black on bmws, personally ive always thought it looks the best

[mikester328]

IMO, keeping my black bmw clean is super hard. Unfortunately, I don't have a garage all the time, and have to park it up under trees for shade, but it gets completely filthy and me living in South Carolina, it's fairly hot here. The stains from bird crap and just rain drops are seen really really easily. I had a white 328, and it looked clean almost all the time, black is sleek though when it's washed and wiped down well, but it's a hassle. I was also thinking of changing; I would immediately if it wasn't so expensive.

Mike

[jim86325es]

Originally posted by mikester318@Aug 4 2004, 11:33 AM
IMO, keeping my black bmw clean is super hard. Unfortunately, I don't have a garage all the time, and have to park it up under trees for shade, but it gets completely filthy and me living in South Carolina, it's fairly hot here. The stains from bird crap and just rain drops are seen really really easily. I had a white 328, and it looked clean almost all the time, black is sleek though when it's washed and wiped down well, but it's a hassle. I was also thinking of changing; I would immediately if it wasn't so expensive.

Mike

[snapback]158414[/snapback]

I am in the "scuffing" process of my paint job. It is Delphin Grey Metallic. I was going to paint it silver, but that is just too time consuming. Wifey wants it a darker grey than the delphin, so I'll have them mix it a shade or two darker. To the untrained eye it won't be too noticeable.

If you don't plan on selling the car then don't worry about resale value. Paint it the color you want and enjoy it. The purists are the only one's who will rain on your parade.

[BUSTaMOVE]

Wow , the thing is when repainting diffrent color you hafta almost dissasebmle all of as well as taking doors off to get in door trim, then removing all seals and wow its tough when u think of all the small stuff

[rsn48]

Look at the tv shows like "Overhaulin" that re-paint cars to get an idea of how far down a car has to be stripped of goodies before the new paint job. Everything comes off.

In Canada (higher prices) I have been quoted $12,000 to completely repaint a car. Most of the money goes towards stipping and re-assembling the car.