BMW paint correction help needed

So I`ve been lurking on the forum for nearly a year now without posting before. Just about every question had has been answered and I have got much out of it. I just bought the replacement for my `77 Volvo 242 which is a `03 BMW 530i. I have never had to deal with a clear coat before much less one that is hard as rocks. Without a picture the best way to describe the clear coat is sandblasted. Horrible but can be fixed I believe from some of the threads I`ve seen. I have a pc7424xp and need advice as to which pads and products I need to purchase to have success with the new baby. Thank you in advance :)

First, what color BMW is it?

BMWs of that era shouldn`t be too hard. If I recall correctly, BMW didn`t start using the super hard clear coat in their European production until post 2005 or 2006. If I where you, I`d use Menzerna or Wolfgang polishes/compounds and try to stick with foam cutting pads if possible.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Swanicyouth

First, what color BMW is it?

---

Slate Green

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bridgetown

Slate Green

---

It was called Tasman Green paint code A81...

I never see this color out there...

Can you describe this "Sandblasted" look ??
Is this on the front end of the vehicle, the front of the hood and front bumper, or where???

I ask because if it is indeed Sandblasted, you will not be able to make that look better because the paint is gone from being hit by most likely water from concrete freeways mixed with well, you guessed it...
Or, if the vehicle came from years in say, Arizona, where there are frequent sandstorms, and you are driving through them a lot, this will also sandblast the finish..

You can still, however, improve the finish a lot if you use the Porter Cable with some good compound and pads..
It will take some time, because the machine rotates slowly, so I would definitely go for the next smaller size from the 6" standard, get the appropriate backing plate and several foam pads..

What is your experience level with the machine and correction ?

Dan F

The condition of the paint is key. I know you said sandblasted but that`s still open to opinion and interpretation. I have done and own BWM vehicles. For correction I (nearly exclusively) use menzerna products. Although I have a suspicion these are relabled and sold with other branding. Anyway use the least aggressive product to get the results you want, do some test areas. I haven`t used a PC in forever, but using a flex I would start with a white pad and go from there. For reference I included a chart of Menzerna products.

For a PC 7424xp I`d use...

The Meguiars Soft Buff DBP5 5" backing plate is a good choice.

My thoughts on correction compounds from most to less aggressive.

Meguiars M101 Foam Cut Compound 32 oz.
Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction Compound

My thoughts on correction pads from most to least aggressive.

CarPro Flash Pad 5"
Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Discs, 5 inches
Lake Country 5.5 x 7/8 Inch Hydro-Tech Cyan Cutting Foam Pad

NOTE: Always start with the least aggressive first!

Here is a picture I just snapped, unfortunately it is dark out but if you look outside the reflection of the light you can see how distressed the finish is.
Attachment 26627

This is found on the hood, deck lid, and roof. The sides have been spared. Too many trips through a car wash? The car was originally sold and has always been licensed in the Northwest.

My experience level is low. My PC which I have had for less than a year came with three different hydro pads and a couple of Wolfgang products ( swirl remover and finishing glaze) which had always been enough. Good thing for me there are sales right now!