Paint flaking away leaving small pits - XBimmers

rohan_b79 · 10-31-2011, 11:48 AM

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.

LEDZEP · 10-31-2011, 01:19 PM

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.

BIMMER UK 76 · 10-31-2011, 02:32 PM

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

skier219 · 10-31-2011, 02:35 PM

How about some pictures?

midlifecrisis · 10-31-2011, 04:16 PM

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?

ILuvMy335i · 10-31-2011, 05:22 PM

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.

Dukat · 10-31-2011, 07:14 PM

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.

rohan_b79 · 11-03-2011, 10:54 PM

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

How about some pictures?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rohan_b79

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.

xDrive35i · 11-03-2011, 11:06 PM

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.

Want the thrill · 11-03-2011, 11:12 PM

What are all the black specs all over the paint????!!!

LEDZEP · 11-04-2011, 04:32 PM

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.

Rodion · 11-05-2011, 06:33 AM

Looks very bad.

You don't have any metallurgy factories nearby? Looks a bit like metal dust polluted...

rohan_b79 · 11-13-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodion

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.

Want the thrill · 11-13-2011, 01:46 PM

So what was the outcome on this?

rohan_b79 · 12-15-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

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.

Chalky White · 04-17-2012, 11:06 AM

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.

gerem · 04-17-2012, 09:04 PM

I think I'll take BMW's appearance protection just in case....

rohan_b79 · 05-05-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chalky White

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.

April1 · 05-05-2012, 04:04 PM

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?

KingX · 05-05-2012, 09:52 PM

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.

rr2012 · 01-08-2013, 06:04 AM

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??

rmeir · 01-08-2013, 03:03 PM

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.

10-31-2011, 11:48 AM	#1
rohan_b79 New Member Drives: 2011 bmw X3 xdrive35i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: California, USA Posts: 17 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.
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10-31-2011, 01:19 PM	#2
LEDZEP Lieutenant General Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 Posts: 12,277 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [3.93] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	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

10-31-2011, 02:32 PM	#3
BIMMER UK 76 Major Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,080 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

10-31-2011, 04:16 PM	#5
midlifecrisis Lieutenant Drives: 2008 E90 M3 - IB/ExBB Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 546 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? __________________ 2008 E90 M3 2000 328i sedan (UUC suspension - still the favorite) 2012 Mini Cooper (wife's) 1991 325iX (sold - gone but not forgotten!) 2011 X3 (Performance Center delivery done May '11)

10-31-2011, 05:22 PM	#6
ILuvMy335i Enlisted Member Drives: 2011 X3 3.0d Msport Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Posts: 44 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

10-31-2011, 02:35 PM	#4
skier219 Second Lieutenant Drives: Z4 S30i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: USA Posts: 285 iTrader: (0)	How about some pictures?

10-31-2011, 07:14 PM	#7
Dukat First Lieutenant Drives: 2012 X3 35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 383 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

11-03-2011, 11:06 PM	#9
xDrive35i Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,503 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. __________________ 2001 Audi A6 Allroad 2.7T (C5); 2005 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (C6); 2005 BMW X5 4.4i (E53); 2008 BMW 535xi Sports Wagon (E61); 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i (F25); 2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro Prestige (B8) Last edited by xDrive35i; 04-17-2012 at 07:55 PM.

11-03-2011, 11:12 PM	#10
Want the thrill Major Drives: X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MI Posts: 1,034 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 X3 35i [4.00]	What are all the black specs all over the paint????!!!

11-04-2011, 04:32 PM	#11
LEDZEP Lieutenant General Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 Posts: 12,277 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [3.93] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	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

11-05-2011, 06:33 AM	#12
Rodion Second Lieutenant Drives: X3 (F25) Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 229 iTrader: (0)	Looks very bad. You don't have any metallurgy factories nearby? Looks a bit like metal dust polluted...

11-13-2011, 01:46 PM	#14
Want the thrill Major Drives: X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MI Posts: 1,034 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 X3 35i [4.00]	So what was the outcome on this?

04-17-2012, 11:06 AM	#16
Chalky White Private First Class Drives: 2006 e90, 325i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: atlanta Posts: 130 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)

04-17-2012, 09:04 PM	#17
gerem Private Drives: 2013 X3 35i M-Sport Join Date: May 2011 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 78 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....

05-05-2012, 04:04 PM	#19
April1 Love All Drives: X3 28i 2011 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Francisco Posts: 735 iTrader: (1)	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?

05-05-2012, 09:52 PM	#20
KingX Unregistered Drives: 2013 X3 M-Sport 35i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Midwest, USA Posts: 176 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]

01-08-2013, 06:04 AM	#21
rr2012 Registered Drives: BMW X3 2013 model Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Cleveland OH Posts: 1 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??

01-08-2013, 03:03 PM	#22
rmeir Private First Class Drives: x3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: chicago il Posts: 148 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.

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