M Sport paint chipping: Is it a 20in wheel issue ??

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Wed Mar 09, 2011 11:58 pm

I would really appreciate you feedback on this, as I've been trying to figure why some M Sports seem to suffer bad stone chipping whereas others seem to have no such problem at all.

I got talking to a guy at a dinner last night who turned out has an X5 35d M sport, with the 19in wheels. I asked, and apparently no stone chipping problem (he later wheel span off in his 997 Carrera S so don't think driving style would explain it!). I have received a comment from a forum member with a black 30d M Sport on another post that he hasn't had a problem with stone chipping, who as it happens also has 19in wheels. I have also done a quick look at some forum members who have said they suffer from bad chipping round the rear wheel arches and this time the 20in wheels seem to be a common thread.

Could be coincidence, but perhaps the added width is enough to send stones down the side of the car rather than underneath?

Is this consistent with members' experience - i.e. do all M Sports with 20 in wheels suffer chipping and 19 in wheels get away with limited chipping?? Really appreciate your feedback!

Many thanks in advance for any comments!

acideraser · Post by **acideraser** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 3:51 pm

here is something i found on the web might be useful unless you saw it already
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/1046316-post2.html

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 4:05 pm

Many thanks for digging that out - much appreciated! I do remember seeing that a while back when looking into the issue. As I'm also going for the M Sport, I'll also be getting the flared arches, and I had assumed that the arches are the same regardless of whether you go for the 19 or 20 in wheels (could be wrong?). The thing I'm not sure on is whether the chipping is down to the wider 20 in wheels (so cars with 19in wheels are not affected), or down to the arches sticking out more (so all M Sports are affected). That's why I was interested in hearing if the chipping problem was only experienced by those with 20 in wheels, and all those with 19 in M Sports are unaffacted ...

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 7:41 pm

Interesting. I'll keep an eye on the X6 as mine has 20" wheels for the Summer, and see if that shows any signs of chipping.

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 8:14 pm

Many thanks X5Sport - I really appreciate it! I'm expecting the car to come through in a few weeks (called the dealer today to get an update but didn't hear back) - I'm trying to work out if getting the protective film is necessary. Seems like it is on X5s with 20in wheels based on what I've heard so far - but interested to learn if it's necessary with 19in wheels.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 9:12 pm

The X6 certainly doesn't have any wheel arch extensions and the 19"s, though staggered fitting for the X6 do not stick the edge of the wheel near the outer edge of the arch. The 20" certainly does as they are 315 section as against 285. That small increase might make all the difference!

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Thu Mar 10, 2011 10:04 pm

Many thanks X5Sport - that's really helpful to know!! I wasn't sure if the 19s had larger spacers or stuck out less than the 20s, but do now! As you say, could make all the difference. I'm particularly interested in hearing experiences of MSport owners with 19in wheels??!!

davyk31 · Post by **davyk31** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 6:38 pm

My car has 20" wheels and lots of chipping, now repaired by BMW warranty and clear film applied.

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 7:27 pm

[copied over from the "is paint protection film worth getting" post:]

davyk31: Great that you managed to get it sorted by your dealer foc, as should have been the case! Well done, and many thanks for letting me know - much appreciated!! Are you able to say which dealer that was?

Unfortunately, I'm not sure if your experience has been shared by many, even when buying new - would be interesting to hear what other owners' experience has been?? I'd rather not fork out for the film if BMW can be persuaded to fit once chipping can be shown?

I had hoped based on some responses that the problem perhaps did not affect those with the smaller 19in wheels (as is the case for me) but have had sufficient responses from owners with 19in wheels who still get the chipping to know that it's an issue regardless.

acideraser · Post by **acideraser** » Tue Mar 15, 2011 9:17 pm

[quote=""davyk31""]My car has 20" wheels and lots of chipping, now repaired by BMW warranty and clear film applied.[/quote]

Is your X5 SE or MSport ?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

davyk31 · Post by **davyk31** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 7:58 pm

My car is an M Sport

sramsay · Post by **sramsay** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:17 pm

I was pretty much set to order a 40d M Sport with the 20" wheels! Now I'm stuck on whether to drop to the 19" or go for the SE with running boards!!

I noticed a used 40d in my local dealership had some sort of clear cover over the rear wheel arch which I had wondered what it was for before reading about the issue on this site.

Does anyone know if the issue has been somewhat resolved on new cars by this clear cover?

MJim · Post by **MJim** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:34 pm

In response to my original question, what I have gathered is that M Sports with 19in wheels will still be susceptible to chipping, but not so badly as those with 20in wheels. The main determinant will be the type of roads you drive on - in N America there can be a lot of loose stones on the road hence the severe chipping spoken of on US forums, and then here in the UK those sticking to good roads can end up with no chipping. Note that the film you saw is not fitted by BMW - you have to get it fitted yourself, or if you're lucky your dealer may fit it for you under warranty if you do suffer chipping - experiences here have been mixed. I chose to get Armourfend to protect mine to reduce the risk myself fwiw.

I also spent a lot of time deliberating re the wheels, and there's no right or wrong answer. For me I prefered the look of the 20s, but chose to opt for the 19s for a better ride, less road noise, plus I can get good snow tyres fitted to the same wheels (v little available for 20s). The 19s are still wide so certainly not lacking in grip. I also chose to select the sports suspension delete, and have been delighted with the results, as has my wife. Others with different priorities will be happy with the 20s and sports suspension. However note that the standard set up is still a sports set up, but not so hard core.

lyndono2010 · Post by **lyndono2010** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 10:37 pm

Just had my 2009 m sport rear archers and doors re sprayed and the protective film fitted under warranty by my local BMW dealer in swansea.The dealer is
Trainers
375 Carmarthen Road
Swansea
SA5 8LW
Tel:01792 651474
and the contact is paul ingram

janahan9 · Post by **janahan9** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 9:02 am

Hi,I've driven 3000 miles in my X5(20 inch wheels) and have noticed some chipping on the front of the rear arches and a bit along the sides at the bottom. Those of you who have had repairs done and film applied by BMW dealers, can I ask what parts they did this for.ie just the rear arches or also along the side, and even the front arches? Thanks!!

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