[shnaggs]

Hi guys,
First time in this section of the forum. I picked up a 2011 335d toward the end of the summer. Needles to say I was not happy at the current state of the body. It was owned by an older couple, and I'm sure they had grandchildren or something cause there are scratches all over the car, and a pretty deep scuff along the right side of the rear bumper, probably due to a parking incident.
My question is, do I need to take it to an auto body place for sanding and paint? Or could some magic be done by a detailer/ resto place?
I know very little on this topic, so I look to you guys. I know, I'm sure you will want pics, and I will get those soon.
I can tell you that most of the scratches are just surface scratches. But the one on the bumper is in the plastic, and there is one on the hood that looks like it pretty freaking deep.

Any input would be appreciated!

[SHEEDI]

Please post pics

[bd5400]

Pics would be better, but if you can catch your nail in the scratches that is going to limit what can be done with paint correction and a detail. They may be able to make it look significantly better, but they may not be able to actually remove the scratches.

[shnaggs]

These are the worst of them.

[shnaggs]

Another

[shnaggs]

And the last

[cpie168]

Look into RestorFX and report on your experience of you end up getting it. Thanks and good luck.

[shnaggs]

Yeah I looked into that. Couldn't find any info on people in my area that perform that

[feuer]

To properly fix those yout need to visit a body shop.

[shnaggs]

Originally Posted by feuer

To properly fix those yout need to visit a body shop.

That's what I feared!

I know I know, but I will foolishly ask anyway...any guess to how much it would cost to get these fixed at a body shop?

It just sucks cause I need to get rims at some point, (stockers are bent and I can feel a vibration) But I just feel like its not worth spending that kinda money on wheels and tires to put on a car that needs this kinda TLC

[feuer]

Originally Posted by shnaggs

That's what I feared!

I know I know, but I will foolishly ask anyway...any guess to how much it would cost to get these fixed at a body shop?

It just sucks cause I need to get rims at some point, (stockers are bent and I can feel a vibration) But I just feel like its not worth spending that kinda money on wheels and tires to put on a car that needs this kinda TLC

Locally, in my area not more than $750

[Rival]

Originally Posted by feuer

To properly fix those yout need to visit a body shop.

correct.

If you pretty GTG with a buffer, DA, etc, you could clean them up a whole lot.

Some touch up, DA & slow steady work wetsanding the touch up back, and maybe, maybe a can of clear and you could make them 60-80% better/smaller.


But id get a panel from a shop 1st, practice & try what your going to do on your car on this test panel at least 3 times. See what type of results you ll get.


I could tell you how well it would look if i did it and took 6-10hrs on it. But IDK your exp. with a DA, wetsanding, buffing, etc, etc.

Not sure if there are good detailers in your area and what they would charge, but it should be 30/35% of what a bodyshop would.


End of day, spend the money & have it done perfect or grab a few panels and get your craft going. it will take you 3/4/5 times and you will need to read a book on bodywork or 2.