Flat, swirled paint.

[Flying Toilet]

Hi all,

Picked up a E46 for the Mrs and after I gave it a good wash, Polish and wax yesterday and noticed the bootlid is way flatter than any other panel. It looked dull when we got it but after giving it a once over it looks awful.

The whole panel looks like it's been washed with a scouring pad at some point as it has deep swirls, is dull in colour and just looks flat.

Is it something I can use a rotary on and get it back sparkling of do you think the laquers done and a respray might be better?

Any tips to try bring the shine back would be gratefully received.

[IN51GHT]

To know for sure you'll need to get a PTG on it & check the paint thickness.

[Flying Toilet]

I'll see if I can borrow one.

I just been out and applied some Poorboys Black Hole on it and it does look better, obviously filled the swirls snd gave it some more shine.

It's just annoying me now I know it's there.

[belleair302]

Sounds like accident damage and a backstreet respray. A good machine polish may help, but most BMW paints are quite hard....then it is a decent wax layer. However until the depth is checked I would not machine polish.

[Flying Toilet]

No accident damage or respray, I have known the car from new.

Like I said I think the old couple who previously owned it didn't give the bodywork the best TLC when cleaning it.

Looking at it again this afternoon in sunlight I think the laquers gone thin as you can see some water marks underneath.

It is odd though as the rest of the car came up with a mirror finish, maybe because the bootlid is so flat they just went to town on it.

[J12KJR]

If you are going to have to go the route of a respray then surely there is nothing to be lost giving it a go with a rotary.

[Flying Toilet]

Yeah that's what I'm thinking. There's a bootlid in Bedford for £30 in the right colour if the rotary kills it.

Edited by Flying Toilet on Tuesday 10th March 17:31