Black BMW 530i Bumper Scratch Repair

[Totoland Mach]

Here is a portion of a BMW that I am reconditioning (just came off lease and is 1 of 5 on my "to-do" list).

I'll concentrate on the bumper as it is in very poor condition.

What I started with last night

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_FrontBumperStart.jpg

First, a quick clay bar and detailer to remove surface junk, followed by a light wet sand with 3000 grit. Painted plastic is very touchy to work with and the light sanding is all I ever do.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_FrontBumperStart_WetSand.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_FrontBumperStart_WetSand3.jpg

I started with a Metabo rotary and a Meguiar's small backing plate with a #7006 cutting pad. This combo on the tool allows lots of control in painted plastic areas. Used compound, then switched to #83 as the bumper got repaired.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_FrontBumperScratchRepair.jpg

I spent approx. 2 hours on this bumper alone. Lots of time checking surface temp of the plastic to prevent burning.

After compounding, but before glazing

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_FrontBumperCompounded2.jpg

Glazed with a #8006 pad on the Metabo. I kept the rpm to 1,000 and worked slowly (I've burned my share of Bimmer plastic LOL)

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_FrontBumperGlazed1.jpg

I'll get some completed pics later.

Totoland Mach

[cnfowler]

I've always been impressed by your work. Fantastic job. I'll check back later for the completed pics.

[Sydster]

Looks pretty good already, nice save on that bumper!

[Totoland Mach]

Thanks for the compliments folks!

Here's some updated pics of the car in process. I finished the rear bumper and trunk lip using the same method: 7006 pad and compound, followed by an 8006 pad with glazing.

Trunk lip before

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_TrunkLipBefore.jpg

Trunk Lip after

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_TrunkLipCompounded.jpg

Glazed bumper and trunk lip

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_RearBumperGlazed.jpg

Pic without flash shows depth of black

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_RearPicOnLift.jpg

Totoland Mach

[HagFan]

I guess most of us here have to wonder why anyone would lease a car like that and let it look so bad while they have it. On the other hand, it keeps you pros gainfully employed.

I realize that it probably looked okay from a distance, but I think that leasee should consider white or silver for the next lease.

[Totoland Mach]

Finished the car last night....gotta get outta the house and head to the hospital for a heart stent insertion

Here's the finished outside pics of the car prior to waxing with #26

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_WashNotWaxYet3.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_WashNotWaxYet4.jpg

Inside reflection shot after Meguiar's #26

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_Finished26doorview2.jpg

See You all after I get out of surgery Friday!

Toto

[TrufflePig aka Calogero]

Toto, best of luck on your operation.

looks awesome by the way. nice improvement. :xyxthumbs

[J. A. Michaels]

First of all good luck with your surgery. Then I would like to say, I'm also always impressed with your work. You did a great save on those bumpers. The car looks very good. I like your reflection shots. The black does look wet. Once again My family and I wish your surgery a success.

[Ryan L.]

Hope the best with your operation, I have had many myself...

You work always amazes me, as 23Jam also stated...its amazing how people can let such a nice car get trashed like that, but you bring it back to better than new, its awesome!!

Great Work!!!:bigups

[Sydster]

Wish the best of luck on your surgery.

[Totoland Mach]

Thanks so much for the "get well's" folks! Everything went well at the hospital. The surgeon showed me my blockage during the procedure (kinda strange, but interesting) and it's the peripheral arteries that surround the heart. I didn't get stents because they are too small and are partially blocked. He's putting me on some new drugs + strict diet + exercise regimen, so I gotta pass up the Drive-Thru's 100%....

Here's some completed pics of the 330i taken outside. The car shows really well and I've got a "problem child" 545i started.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_OutsideFinished2.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/Apr07_BMWs/Black530i/0407_530i_OutsideFinished3.jpg

See you folks later.

Toto

[kellyinkc]

Glad you are back Toto!