[bavarianboar]

And now it's showing up like eye sores everywhere on the lower half of the front bumper. I have a deep sea blue car, and it is just bugging me, stupid move I know.

How can I make it look somewhat better? Looking for a somewhat simple solution. It was better before with just the chips on the lower half and almost invisible. now i see each one of them...

Any suggestions to fix this are greatly appreciated! Don't want to be dinged at lease return time. Was trying to make car look nicer while I prepped for a little photoshoot.

Thanks guys!


eDIT: used Menzerna SF4000 which is grey and stuck in chip cavities

[Steve33]

My idea:
Qtips and cotton pads. Soak the cotton pads in water (mix with a drop of car soap I guess) and leave on top of the spots to moisten up the compound. Take off the pads, use a Q tip to get rid of the compound.

If it's on a part of the car that would cause the pad to fall off, maybe try using a paper towel instead

[KamikazeNY]

Was it rubbing compound or polishing compound?

Abrasive compounds will soften the sharp edges of the rock chips but they will leave the paint hazy when you're done. Whenever I use rubbing compound I follow it up with a machine polish on a slightly more abrasive pad on my orbital. This removes the haze and restores the original shine. Make sure you prep the surface before using the orbital by cleaning it thoroughly and using a clay bar. Clean off any remaining polish and wax it when you are done.

Good luck!

Also, you just reminded me that I found the first rock chip on my brand new F30 over the weekend. Curse you!

[bavarianboar]

Using this

http://www.detailedimage.com/Menzern...P228/16-oz-S1/

What happened is, the paste which is supposed to be used with a light foam cutting pad, got stuck in these little crevices and would not come out now. I did a pressure wash before I actually applied wax. Pressure wash also helped removed the dusty particles left from the polishing process.

The polishing compound is like fine paste, and its now dried and probably close to white.

I was thinking claying the bumper again may help, not quite certain.

[KamikazeNY]

I think I understand. You can try using dish soap or rubbing alcohol to break down what's left of the polish. If that doesn't work you can use a toothpick as an agitator and try again.

Can you post pictures? That might help us better see what's going on.

[DesertSmokeBBQ]

Originally Posted by Steve33

My idea:
Qtips and cotton pads. Soak the cotton pads in water (mix with a drop of car soap I guess) and leave on top of the spots to moisten up the compound. Take off the pads, use a Q tip to get rid of the compound.

If it's on a part of the car that would cause the pad to fall off, maybe try using a paper towel instead

I ended up having to re-spray the whole bumper on my 328 when I got white wax in the chips on it

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by DesertSmokeBBQ

I ended up having to re-spray the whole bumper on my 328 when I got white wax in the chips on it

Looks like i am going to do nothing and see what BMW says on lease return.

Taking it back in on Friday to switch to F30. Will miss the E90!

[DesertSmokeBBQ]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

Looks like i am going to do nothing and see what BMW says on lease return.

Taking it back in on Friday to switch to F30. Will miss the E90!

Shouldn't be an issue, leases allow for "reasonable wear & tear" on lease return. Are you terming it or trading it in before lease term? If trading, damage doesn't matter. If terming, you still get normal wear & tear.

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by DesertSmokeBBQ

Shouldn't be an issue, leases allow for "reasonable wear & tear" on lease return. Are you terming it or trading it in before lease term? If trading, damage doesn't matter. If terming, you still get normal wear & tear.

Thanks! Lease expired yesterday. I am on courtesy extension period and I am picking up another one (turning this one in), later this week.

From what you are saying, I think it will be a non issue.

It was still good to know what all solutions might work in this case.

[kakeuter]

If all you are experiencing is compound build-up in the chips, it's not a huge issue. A respectable detailer will be able to take care of it, no need for repaints or worrying about the dealership trying to screw you over upon lease return.

-Kody-

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by kakeuter

If all you are experiencing is compound build-up in the chips, it's not a huge issue. A respectable detailer will be able to take care of it, no need for repaints or worrying about the dealership trying to screw you over upon lease return.

-Kody-

Worked out fine. No charge. They did not even point it out. BUT since I was also jumping into a new car, I am sure they were more lenient. Also, I believe since they were small, they are counted as normal wear and tear based on the CD sized reference chart that BMW sends for lease return.

Thanks everyone!