BMW Door Handle How-To Recondition

[imported_Totoland Mach]

I`m reconditioning a Black 740i with 90,000 miles and would like to share how I recondition scratched door handles. The Bimmer handles are painted pot metal and have to be treated a little differently than the surrounding sheet metal.



I start with taping the handles while I`m compounding the doors.



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/740i_Black_DoorHandleTaped.jpg



After completion of sheet metal, I remove the tape to work on the handles.



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/740i_Black_DoorHandleBefore.jpg



Next up, I wet sand the handles with 3000 grit. Typically, I stuff a rag under the handle to lift it away from the door area. For the recess, I hand apply compound with a rag until the scratches are gone, then hand apply 3M glaze for a nice finish



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/740i_Black_DoorHandleWetSanded.jpg



Using my Metabo (lighter than "Big Bertha" the DeWalt) with a small pad and backing plate, I compound the handle with light pressure. BMW`s handles burn easily, so I watch my work carefully.



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/740i_Black_DoorHandleAfter2.jpg



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/740i_Black_DoorHandleAfter.jpg



After completion of the car, I will use 3M Ultrafina SE for any leftover surface swirls and Meg`s #26 as the LSP.



Here`s the work-in-process so far:



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/Black740i_2001_DoorAfter.jpg



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/Black740i_2001_DriverSideAfter2.jpg



This works well on recessed door handles that are a different base material than surrounding sheet metal.



Toto

[jtford95]

Thanks dude, I`ve got a BMW to do with the same problem and I`ll follow your steps.Thanks

Joe

[Old Pirate]

Great write up on the door handle, will keep this inform for a future 7 series that is about 7 yrs old and never wash or detail.

[imported_Totoland Mach]

Black Again!



Finished with 3M Ultrafina SE and tomorrow gets a coat of Meguiar`s #26 for protection.



http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/July07_BMWs/740i_July07_UltrafinaSE.jpg



The dealer is super happy with the outcome...for a 6 year old car with 90,000 miles, it now looks showroom fresh (after I do the interior tomorrow)



Toto

[DreamersPersuit]

I LOVE 3m ...that ultra fina is so nice ...

[imported_Jakerooni]

What are you going to do about the wheel wells looking so aged and dull?

[imported_Totoland Mach]

What are you going to do about the wheel wells looking so aged and dull?



I will apply a coat of Adams Under Carriage Spray which is a great product for giving the wheel wells an OEM look. If you do a search on Autopia, you`ll see an example of the BMW that I did a while back.



Toto