BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-31-2011, 11:48 AM   #1
rohan_b79
New Member
8
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw X3 xdrive35i
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Paint flaking away leaving small pits

My 9 month old Alpine White 2011 X35 , has this unusual problem of the paint literally flaking off like dust when I tried to touch the curious looking powdrey thing sticking on my car.

I have been noticing small pits like these at random places where the paint is gone almost all the way to the metal leaving a pit , and dismissed them earlier as being rock chips. But then they started appearing at places where rock-chips or other things hitting the paint work and taking it off were almost impossible and confounded me. Such as the rear tailgate- close to the place where the rear glass ends, then another one on the driver side door again near the window above the door handle and much far away from it, so I know it couldn't be some thing that I hit on it by accident.


I am concerned and want to take up this mater with BMW, but wanted to know from the forum if anyone else is experiencing the same?

I feel that BMW has very poor qulity standards compared to my previous car which was a VW, that after even 5 years looked like the paint was Brand new and had no rattles at all.
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 01:19 PM   #2
LEDZEP
Lieutenant General
LEDZEP's Avatar
417
Rep
12,276
Posts

Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Area 51

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
You should immediately contact your dealer and schedule an appointment for them to look at it. This is very unusual. BMWs paint is not very good, and I've noticed several fisheye spots on mine - but nothing like what you're reporting.
__________________


I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 02:32 PM   #3
BIMMER UK 76
Major
BIMMER UK 76's Avatar
United Kingdom
48
Rep
1,089
Posts

Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Sounds like a duff paint job.

3rd bmw and only paint complaint here is tendancy to mark with bird shite

6 months and 8k miles and x3 paint perfect
__________________

BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE
Black Sapphire | Oyster Leather | Fineline Sienna Wood | 307 V Spokes | Auto | Prof Multimedia Package | xLine Package | Xenons | Business Radio | Sports Steering Wheel | Sports Seats | Panoramic Sunroof | Sun Protection Glass | Sun Blinds | Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille | Chrome Exhaust Trim | Mudflaps
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 02:35 PM   #4
skier219
Captain
United_States
607
Rep
969
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i, M2C, Ferrari 328
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

How about some pictures?
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 04:16 PM   #5
midlifecrisis
Major
midlifecrisis's Avatar
804
Rep
1,206
Posts

Drives: 2017 X5 35d, 2019 230i X
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

I haven't had any problems with my March build Sparkling Bronze, or any of the other BMW's I've purchased.

Is it possible that it contacted some sort of solvent that affected the paint?
__________________
2017 X5 35d (Performance Center delivery March 2017)
2019 230i X-drive
2022 M3 base
2000 328i sedan (UUC suspension - still the favorite), 2006 M3 slick top - Alpine White/Cinnamon
SOLD! 2008 E90 M3 SOLD! 1991 325iX (both great), 2019 Miata RF - various others not as memorable but gone.
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 05:22 PM   #6
ILuvMy335i
Enlisted Member
ILuvMy335i's Avatar
4
Rep
44
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 3.0d Msport
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

iTrader: (0)

My X3 is the 11th car I've owned new and I have to say that it has the crappiest paint job ever! I don't have the same issue as the OP but do have a lot of dust specs and fish eyes as well on the paintwork. Really cr@p paintwork. My 2011 VW Polo, at a third the price, has perfect paint work in comparison.
__________________
F25 X3 3.0 d MSport
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 07:14 PM   #7
Dukat
First Lieutenant
Dukat's Avatar
United_States
25
Rep
383
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 35i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

I found several paint defects below the clear coat on mine as well.
I also seem to have an awful lot of chips on my hood considering I only have 800 miles, have done mostly city driving and kept a considerable distance from the cars in front of me.
__________________
2012 X3 35i | Mineral Silver | Oyster | Wave Wood
Packages | Sports | Cold Weather | Dynamic Handling | Premium | Technology | Premium Sound
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 10:54 PM   #8
rohan_b79
New Member
8
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw X3 xdrive35i
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Here you go. The paint chips or pits as I like to call it, had flaky paint powder on them and upon touching the flakes fell away leaving this pit.

The pictures are as result of that.... let me know what you guy think....

Quote:
Originally Posted by skier219 View Post
How about some pictures?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rohan_b79 View Post
My 9 month old Alpine White 2011 X35 , has this unusual problem of the paint literally flaking off like dust when I tried to touch the curious looking powdrey thing sticking on my car.

I have been noticing small pits like these at random places where the paint is gone almost all the way to the metal leaving a pit , and dismissed them earlier as being rock chips. But then they started appearing at places where rock-chips or other things hitting the paint work and taking it off were almost impossible and confounded me. Such as the rear tailgate- close to the place where the rear glass ends, then another one on the driver side door again near the window above the door handle and much far away from it, so I know it couldn't be some thing that I hit on it by accident.


I am concerned and want to take up this mater with BMW, but wanted to know from the forum if anyone else is experiencing the same?

I feel that BMW has very poor qulity standards compared to my previous car which was a VW, that after even 5 years looked like the paint was Brand new and had no rattles at all.
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 11:06 PM   #9
xDrive35i
Lieutenant Colonel
xDrive35i's Avatar
United_States
122
Rep
1,781
Posts

Drives: Porsche Macan S
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

I was unfortunate enough to have newly paved road tar flung up onto my D-pillar the day after I took delivery of my second F25. My first one that I picked up back in February, though, had a fantastic paint job.

This second one has permanent "scars" from that first interstate trek from bugs curing themselves into BMW's joke of "environmentally friendly water-based paint." It shouldn't take 90 days to cure after delivery. I'm going in for service this weekend to have a few rattles and creaks checked out, as well as finding out what can be done for my paintjob. BMW has given me two of the same car with the same operating problems in less than one year. If it's not taken care of, BMWNA will reimburse the dealership for one of the 2011 fully spec'd 5-series or 7-series loaners they have for premier customers, as I will be taking one of those home with me until the problems are fixed to the liking of my upturned nose.

Finished with service people.

Last edited by xDrive35i; 04-17-2012 at 07:55 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2011, 11:12 PM   #10
Want the thrill
Lieutenant Colonel
326
Rep
1,560
Posts

Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MI

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2022 X4M40i  [10.00]
What are all the black specs all over the paint????!!!
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2011, 04:32 PM   #11
LEDZEP
Lieutenant General
LEDZEP's Avatar
417
Rep
12,276
Posts

Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Area 51

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
You seriously need to get that car to the dealer if you want them to do anything about it. Paint problems are difficult enough to prove manufacturer liability, but the longer you wait the more chance you have of them saying "could have been anything that did that". If you have any spots that look like what you described as the "before it chips away", you should be careful not to touch them, and let the dealer see it.
__________________


I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2011, 06:33 AM   #12
Rodion
First Lieutenant
Finland
27
Rep
350
Posts

Drives: X3 (F25)
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Helsinki, Finland

iTrader: (0)

Looks very bad.

You don't have any metallurgy factories nearby? Looks a bit like metal dust polluted...
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2011, 10:56 AM   #13
rohan_b79
New Member
8
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw X3 xdrive35i
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodion View Post
Looks very bad.

You don't have any metallurgy factories nearby? Looks a bit like metal dust polluted...
NO, the black specs are just dirt left behind after a rains shower.
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2011, 12:46 PM   #14
Want the thrill
Lieutenant Colonel
326
Rep
1,560
Posts

Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MI

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2022 X4M40i  [10.00]
So what was the outcome on this?
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2011, 06:24 PM   #15
rohan_b79
New Member
8
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw X3 xdrive35i
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Re:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Want the thrill View Post
So what was the outcome on this?
So, the dealer had a look and has taken some pictures, and is having the BMW 'market team' look at it (whatever market team means).

At first they tried telling me that this was some paint job done on the car that was coming off, which is completely ridiculous and the worst story they could have come up with. I really think the paint-work is pretty bad on the first production lot of X3's that were built, mine was built in Jan 2011. I don't know if the paint quality has improved now after so many complaints.

Will keep you guys posted as to wht BMW decided to do with the pit's in the paint as I like to call them.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2012, 11:06 AM   #16
Chalky White
Private First Class
14
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: 2006 e90, 325i
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: atlanta

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 325i  [0.00]
Any update on this? I took mine into my dealer to show them all the paint "inclusions" I found. They are setting up an appointment with the regional TSE's to show them my car. I told the service manager (and he agreed with me) that I am not real interested in having my new car totally disassembled and repainted.
__________________
12/5/13 PCD Delivery of X3 3.5i, Alpine, Chestnut, Premium, Tech, Heated Seats, BMW Apps

2006 325i, Sparkling, Grey, Xenons, Premium, Heated, Comfort (SOLD)
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2012, 09:04 PM   #17
gerem
Private
Canada
3
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 35i M-Sport
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Montreal, QC

iTrader: (0)

I think I'll take BMW's appearance protection just in case....
__________________
2013 BMW X3 35i M-Sport/DSB/RB nevada leather/WB wood trim/Tech pck/Exec pck/Premium pck....
Appreciate 0
      05-05-2012, 03:12 PM   #18
rohan_b79
New Member
8
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: 2011 bmw X3 xdrive35i
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: California, USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chalky White View Post
Any update on this? I took mine into my dealer to show them all the paint "inclusions" I found. They are setting up an appointment with the regional TSE's to show them my car. I told the service manager (and he agreed with me) that I am not real interested in having my new car totally disassembled and repainted.
After reading more about paint problems, I gave my 2011 alpine white x3 a closer look for paint problems, and here is what I found, dirt/debris/bubbles in the paint, I can't make out what it is though. Also, found a paint bubble on the edge of the fuel filler door.


Moreover, as I had stated in my original post of this thread, the paint flakes away very easily. See the third picture, which is from the bottom of the rear hatch door. Note: no impact ever happened in that area.
Attached Images
   
Appreciate 0
      05-05-2012, 04:04 PM   #19
April1
Love All
April1's Avatar
United_States
170
Rep
740
Posts

Drives: X3 28i 2011
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (2)

You had been waiting for the solution for last six months and surprisingly nothing is done. Are you living with the problems as BMW is not helping you at all?
Appreciate 0
      05-05-2012, 09:52 PM   #20
KingX
Unregistered
KingX's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
177
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 M-Sport 35i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Midwest, USA

iTrader: (0)

I can't help but notice there seems to be more than one thread with paint issues on the alpine white. There was a thread earlier with someone showing how it's flaking off in the wheel arches on his alpine white and now this thread.

Maybe there are more issues with that color in particular seems strange.
__________________
2013 F25 X3 35i M-Sport

[Black Sapphire/Oyster/Wave Wood: ZPP/ZTP/ZCW/ZCX/ZDH/ZPS/ZMP/6NR]
Appreciate 0
      01-08-2013, 05:04 AM   #21
rr2012
Registered
0
Rep
2
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 2013 model
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Cleveland OH

iTrader: (0)

Paint Flaking away leaving small pits: BMW X3 2013

I seem to be having the same problem: I got an Alpine White 2013 X3 on lease on December 14 2012. Within a week I noticed 1 small "pit" on the rear left door where the undercoating and metal was seen- I initially dismissed it thinking it was from parking in a public garage. 2 days later I noticed another small powdery flake and when i touched it it just peeled away. I took the car to the dealer and they washed it down and then said it could be small rock/ pebble hits. I brought the car back and its been in the garage since then and now I find 2 more spots now on the driver door too. I called the dealer and the BMW USA- this is my first BMW and the X3 drives great but this paint problem is very disappointing and I am also concerned about what will happen at the end of the lease??
Appreciate 0
      01-08-2013, 02:03 PM   #22
rmeir
Private First Class
23
Rep
160
Posts

Drives: x3
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: chicago il

iTrader: (0)

almost looks like rust from the inside out. is this a new car or did you buy it used? I wonder if the car wasnt submerged at some time. bmw has a electrosis paint production something about the paint being negatively charged and then applied to a positively charged body. it should never come off.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:14 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST