[Steff]

Some jerk massacred my baby and I don't even know when exactly I got the scratch but I noticed it this afternoon. It starts off light and gets deeper. Any suggestions on my best bet to get rid of it?

Is there a way I can buff it or would I have to take it to a body shop? And an estimate on how much it would cost?

Here's a picture: http://puu.sh/1XBAE

Currently using the app and I don't see an option to upload a photo.
Please help and thank you!

I am aware that this is in the wrong section; sorry!

[ianturner]

try scratch x

[newbmwuser]

Seems like a scratch without a ding, +1 for scratch x. If that fails then take it to a detailer for more abrasive polish and or a proper touch up job

[fookie]

Buy or borrow a Porter Cable 7424XP and some foam polishing pads if Scratch-X doesn't work. In the end, it will be cheaper than a detailer and you can use it at a later time.

[Steff]

Thank you all for the advice! I'll definitely look into it tomorrow. People can be so cruel.

[BavarianFanatic]

Can you catch your fingernail in it or is it superficial? If you can feel it, then it must be compounded. I don't suggest you attempt this yourself unless you have experience. Your comprehensive insurance coverage should cover this for you.

[BMWforLife]

If you can feel your fingernail get caught in it when you run your hand over it don’t waste your time on scratch x.

from the looks of it, your going to need to work off that clear coat, and if you have never done that have a pro do it rather than risk burning a nice path of circles into your paint.

sucks people do this, mostly due to jealousy, good thing for karma though .

heart warming story... my buddy has a e92 335i, and we caught someone keying it at a bar....my buddy (also a cop) tazed him and called in some on duties to bring him in hahaha. justice.

also no offense...but whats with the e90 on the f30 page?

JK. miss my e90

[Steff]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Can you catch your fingernail in it or is it superficial? If you can feel it, then it must be compounded. I don't suggest you attempt this yourself unless you have experience. Your comprehensive insurance coverage should cover this for you.

Insurance will probably charge a huge deductible for such a small issue. Unfortunately, I can feel it. I guess I'll try going and see what they say anyway. Thanks!

[Steff]

Originally Posted by BMWforLife

If you can feel your fingernail get caught in it when you run your hand over it don’t waste your time on scratch x.

from the looks of it, your going to need to work off that clear coat, and if you have never done that have a pro do it rather than risk burning a nice path of circles into your paint.

sucks people do this, mostly due to jealousy, good thing for karma though .

heart warming story... my buddy has a e92 335i, and we caught someone keying it at a bar....my buddy (also a cop) tazed him and called in some on duties to bring him in hahaha. justice.

also no offense...but whats with the e90 on the f30 page?

JK. miss my e90

How much does it normally cost to do that? My mom said the same thing about the jealousy, haha.

That's pretty intense though, hopefully he learned his lesson
I'm new to the site and wasn't aware there were different sections for the year considering I was using the app. Forgive me for being new and unexperienced!

[Tsuvoi]

No offense to the OP but I went down to FL last Thanksgiving and I really felt welome... IN HELL!

People are mean bastards down there, especially on the road, I think it's a latino thing.

[Steff]

Originally Posted by ft1337

No offense to the OP but I went down to FL last Thanksgiving and I really felt welome... IN HELL!

People are mean bastards down there, especially on the road, I think it's a latino thing.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience here! It all depends on where you go and how you decide to spend your time I guess. The roads do get a little hectic.

[Tsuyoi]

For the price that Scratch X costs, i'd just get a tube and try it anyway. At most you'll be down $10, but have it for any future light scratches. At best, the scratch is not as bad as everyone here assumes, and Scratch X will get it out!

[SamS]

Originally Posted by Tsuyoi

For the price that Scratch X costs, i'd just get a tube and try it anyway. At most you'll be down $10, but have it for any future light scratches. At best, the scratch is not as bad as everyone here assumes, and Scratch X will get it out!

If you starting working Scratch X into it, you're just going to mar up the clearcoat.

The only real option to fix a scratch that you can feel with a fingernail is a respray.

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by Steff

Insurance will probably charge a huge deductible for such a small issue. Unfortunately, I can feel it. I guess I'll try going and see what they say anyway. Thanks!

Often the comprehensive deductible is much smaller than your collision deductible. In my case it's $100, but yours could differ.

[Steff]

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

Often the comprehensive deductible is much smaller than your collision deductible. In my case it's $100, but yours could differ.

Hm, thank you for the information. I'll definitely contact the insurance company on Saturday or so.

[Steff]

Originally Posted by SamS

If you starting working Scratch X into it, you're just going to mar up the clearcoat.

The only real option to fix a scratch that you can feel with a fingernail is a respray.

I wish Scratch X would work, but I don't think it'll get the job done. It looks like whoever keyed it actually dug their key into the trunk.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by Steff

I wish Scratch X would work, but I don't think it'll get the job done. It looks like whoever keyed it actually dug their key into the trunk.

Unfortunately, Scratch X doesn't defy the laws of physics. If you can feel it with your fingernail, it is too deep for this type of treatment.

[NANOCS]

I polished my old bmw , i had many of scratches You need polishing machine , Manzera or 3M pastes and about 20 minutes of free time. Step by step :
1.Wash car and this , dry,
2. Use clay for remove all dirts


3.Dry , and start polishing. You need to choose a paste i think Manzerna 500 will be to strong. If i were you i will start from Manzerna 2500 , then Manzerna 3000. After polishing remove paste using a towell. I had many scratches here



After paint correction is good to coat a surface , i made a big test on Cquartz coat this is a good chooice for car paint protection

[Steff]

Originally Posted by NANOCS

I polished my old bmw , i had many of scratches You need polishing machine , Manzera or 3M pastes and about 20 minutes of free time. Step by step :
1.Wash car and this , dry,
2. Use clay for remove all dirts


3.Dry , and start polishing. You need to choose a paste i think Manzerna 500 will be to strong. If i were you i will start from Manzerna 2500 , then Manzerna 3000. After polishing remove paste using a towell. I had many scratches here



After paint correction is good to coat a surface , i made a big test on Cquartz coat this is a good chooice for car paint protection

Thanks for the advice! Your car looks great. I still haven't done anything about it but every time I look at it, it makes me want to cry. I think I'll consult my insurance company first before taking it into my own hands.

[kobechrome]

Scratch X won't work unless for very fine scratches (believe me, I have tried many times). Based on your image, you will need a more abrasive polish and polisher. May need to take it to a detail shop unless you have the materials/tools.

[SamS]

If he can feel it with a fingernail, even an abrasive compound + polisher/orbital is not going to help. It's just going to eat away his clearcoat.

[Steff]

She*, but thank you for the information. I'll have to shop around and see where I can get the job done at a decent price.