Paint hardness - G05 X5

[eljaber]

Hello,

We recently purchased a 2025 X5 xDrive40i (Black Sapphire Metallic). I never worked on newer BMW paint and wonder if the paint is soft or hard. I always start with the least aggressive method first and work my way up, but I am just looking to get feedback or any tips on paint correction for it

[TboneS54]

Medium. Most amatuers would say hard. You won't be making much progress with a d/a, foam pad & diminishing compound, let's just put it that way.

I think new cars are barely coming with 4mils. But if it is new, then there shouldn't be much correcting to do. I'd say paint hardness is inconsequential. Just get some polish and soft/medium foam pad and clean up the light swirls/holograms/etc. Leave as much clear as you can.

[eljaber]

Originally Posted by TboneS54

Medium. Most amatuers would say hard. You won't be making much progress with a d/a, foam pad & diminishing compound, let's just put it that way.

I think new cars are barely coming with 4mils. But if it is new, then there shouldn't be much correcting to do. I'd say paint hardness is inconsequential. Just get some polish and soft/medium foam pad and clean up the light swirls/holograms/etc. Leave as much clear as you can.

Thank you. I quickly measured the paint thickness in various areas, some average 5mil and some are around 4mil.

The dealer we purchased from all have a ceramic coating (Permatplate) installed as soon as they hit the lot. I was not too thrilled about that, but, long story short we were able to negotiate the price off that. After washing it a few times, the coating sucks. I might just let it ride like this until after winter and then do a light polish and ceramic coating in the spring.