NKB
06-19-2009, 01:07 PM
I took my 2006 650I convertible to the BMW dealer as a possible trade-in.
The appraiser reported, after using a paint thickness gauge, that I had had a body repair to my right rear quarter. This was based upon some thicker paint (7 mil vs 4-5 mil elsewhere). I know for a fact that there was never any work done on my car.
I found elsewhere that BMW (and other German cars) is typically 4-5 mils. The same article also indicated BMW (silver, my color) at 7 mils.
So the readings appear to be in range but there is a variation over the vehicle. The left vs the right rear panels are different as the salesperson used the gauge to show me.
The salesperson said that he believed me and the appraiser finally allowed that maybe it was OK.
But, this is really annoying to have been initially accused of hiding some accident damage.
Anyone else with experience on paint thickness variation? This seems to be very common now for dealers to use paint thickness when appraising trade-ins.
I also wonder if there was a factory or dealer initiated repair before I took possession of the car. Any way of determining or is this on record? This car was a Euro Delivery, wondering if there was damage in transit not reported to me, but fixed upon arrival and before turning back to me.
The appraiser reported, after using a paint thickness gauge, that I had had a body repair to my right rear quarter. This was based upon some thicker paint (7 mil vs 4-5 mil elsewhere). I know for a fact that there was never any work done on my car.
I found elsewhere that BMW (and other German cars) is typically 4-5 mils. The same article also indicated BMW (silver, my color) at 7 mils.
So the readings appear to be in range but there is a variation over the vehicle. The left vs the right rear panels are different as the salesperson used the gauge to show me.
The salesperson said that he believed me and the appraiser finally allowed that maybe it was OK.
But, this is really annoying to have been initially accused of hiding some accident damage.
Anyone else with experience on paint thickness variation? This seems to be very common now for dealers to use paint thickness when appraising trade-ins.
I also wonder if there was a factory or dealer initiated repair before I took possession of the car. Any way of determining or is this on record? This car was a Euro Delivery, wondering if there was damage in transit not reported to me, but fixed upon arrival and before turning back to me.
