2007 3-Series

kyfdx

I would think that at the VPC, on a car that hasn't yet been exposed to the elements, that they could duplicate the finish, perfectly... After all, they probably have a paint shop that is equal to that of the factory.

But, once it gets to the dealer? No way..

Mr_Shiftright

I know paint shops that could do it--probably better than the factory :P

But your run of the mill dealer body shop....no, I don't think so. That would be cause for concern.

MrShiftright
Visiting Host

habitat1

I am not familiar with what a "factory" paint job entails, but do they not have a multistep process that includes electrically charging the body / panels and/or dipping them in a charged primer?

I am sure there are some top notch custom paint shops but, unless they did the entire car, their "better than the factory" finish might still produce an undesired mismatch.

There was one such shop here in the DC area in which the owner, "Jack" claimed to be able to look at any car and be able to tell which panels had been repainted. I took my 1984 black Toyota Supra to him when it was barely 2 weeks old and had been pummeled by gravel when I mistakenly attempted to drive on the PA Turnpike in a snowstorm. Idiot PA highway department spread gravel on the road instead of salt. My insurance company was pretty good about it, being that they also were from PA. The cost to completely repaint the car to "better than factory" finish back in 1984 was $4,500. Even unaffected rear panels were repainted, to assure a perfect match. Given the Supra only cost $16,000 new back then, that would probably be the equivalent of at least $10-15k paint job today.

I remember Jack once made a local TV news spot around 1985. A local Mercedes body shop challenged him to figure out what panel they had repainted on a nearly new car. He showed up wearing a blindfold, ran his hands over all the panels and correctly identified the rear passenger door.

driver100

Hi guys (I don't think I saw any women onboard here). Considering trading in my 2004 X3 automatic which I love for a 2008 3 Series convertible. Tried a manual and really thought that was a kick - haven't had a stick since I was a teenager (no comments about second childhood either). I like my X3 but it is a bit harsh of a ride and anyway I should semi-retire soon and just want a fun car. A little concerned because the X drive was great in snow and ice.....won't have that with the convertible. My wife will probably get an Audi with Quattro so we shouldn't be stranded if it snows.
Any comments or ideas what to look for...or to avoid???

habitat1

Any comments or ideas what to look for...or to avoid???

Yes - buy the car though European Delivery and take your wife to Germany for a second honeymoon. You should be able to get the car at $1,200+/- over ED invoice, which will be about $2,000 UNDER US invoice. On a hot car like the 335i convertible, the savings are substantial ($5-7k). You should be able to turn it into one heck of a trip and still come back with money in your pocket, compared to buying a US delivery model.

driver100

That would be fantastic! I didn't think about this but it might be a great way to buy. The Audi salesman said that if you buy an Audi you can time a trip so you can actually see your car being built (of course we would by it from him here and not save anything). There are a few things I would have to figure out. One is that the Canadian dollar has skyrocketed and is only 5 cents below a U.S. dollar, but cars in Canada are still about 20% more just like the price was before our dollar took off. The other thing is warranty matters. Mainly, have to see where you take it in for warranty work.
I am going to look into this......and I thank you Habitat1 for the idea!

todd_ski

I cannot find a garment hook in my 328i convertible. I also cannot find it in the owner's manual. Did I miss it?
If not, can anyone help with an aftermarket product?

Hanging Loose,

Todd_Ski

driver31

Production company in Southern Cal is looking to compensate someone for use of their '07 328i Silver Convertible (with front end damage) for 2 days to shoot in a feature length film. Car must be able to drive If there is anyone out there with a BMW that matches the description above, please contact me. We have a budget for this and it is a necessity for the film.

sil29

I went to a dealer yesterday in NJ and was told I was too late to do ED for 2007 convertible 328. Is that true?

shipo

Almost guaranteed. The 2008s will be in production in a matter of weeks (if they aren't already).

Best Regards,
Shipo

andrei3