XSeries-forum

Lurking and working (wrong order but you get my drift!)

The car is in and having had a dent specialist look at it and work on it for two days it requires a new bonnet and roof, the rest is apparently salvageable, has been repaired and will be as new.

Apparently the roof is bonded and riveted into position and whilst it has to be done right is a job BMW are very comfortable doing.

I'm assured it will be delivered back at the end of this month as new with no damage or rattles - I hope they're correct!

I'm going to drop by tomorrow unannounced to have a look and take some photos.

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Hope they are as good as their confidence. Guessing it will be done to the standards you are hoping. Good luck with your visit.

Good luck. If they are good you should be OK. Working in various car plants, I have witnessed complete bodyside panels being changed on cars- and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference compared to a virgin car.

Replacement of Painted Wings, doors etc are fairly routine on brand new cars in the factory. (factory drivers are not te most careful/best!)  The roof is the most important one to get rights as you stated. Just check the joints before they fit the roof rails and windscreen if possible. Also at the top of the tailgate aperture, especially where the seam sealant is applied.

My biggest concern with roof replacement would be possible water leaks. No doubt they will test it (even if you have to nudge them) prior to trim being fitted.

The factory would have a wter test facility after build (basically a big car wash type tunnel about 50m long with monsoon levels of water being sprayed/dripped/dropped onto the car!) The dealers will probably use the next best thing- a garden hose!

Therefore i'd also be tempted to sit a garden sprinkler on top of it and leave it running for a few hours after you get it back, to make sure no water is tracking through. Good luck!

Fingers still crossed for you

Quick update.

The car is three weeks into the fix, two still to go.

It only needed a new top skin of the roof and bonnet. The dent magicians have done a remarkable job and the doors aside from a couple of small bits of filler are now perfect. The A pillars were more difficult and needed filling, all of the trim on the doors and near the windows is new regardless of if there's any damage and the top rails are also being replaced.

I've been along three times to view the progress and the garage are very understanding and from what I can see (as a printer with a keen eye) it's almost perfect.

Currently being sprayed with a black coat to rub down and identify any minor marks they've missed but from what I can see, they've missed nothing.

I'm disappointed that the damage happened to such a new car, but I'm confident the repair won't be noticeable and we will move on and have a good story to tell in years to come.

Not sure what the total bill will be yet, but they've spent over 120 hours prepping the car ready to apply paint, so with the parts some the total bill will be over £10k I guess.

The top section of the roof simply peeled off being held on with rivets which are drilled out with a special tool and then glue, apparently a much easier job than cars of old and the accuracy of the replacement panel is as good as the factory as the new skin can only go back where the old one came off with no movement in any direction. They claim this isn't the only E70 roof they've replaced and are confident with the process and the final result.

Clearly the finished job will be inspected as best I can, but I've been told that even when I've taken it away, if I find any faults are anything they've inadvertently missed some months after the repair they'll happily have it back and have a look at it.


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Sounds like they are doing a superb job from your description. And atleast you have some comeback in months to come if not 100% happy which is always a good feeling to have.

As you say, it is a real shame it happened to such a new motor and even the smallest amounts of filler are not a great feeling with the initial outlay from yourself to purchase it in the first place but then such is life I guess. As long as it looks like new then no real issues.

Sounds drastic but good progress.  If it is being done in one of the dozen or so proper BMW Bodyshops in the UK then it should be a pukka job.

Richard

Good to hear that things are progressing satisfactorily, have you taken any pics when you've visited?

As for a touch of filler, I think you may be surprised at how many 'brand new' cars are are delivered to customers with filler already in place! They don't all manage to get assembled and transported without the odd indiscretion in you know what I mean.  Black X5 Can tell you more


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Glad you are getting there

Thanks guys

I have some photos but I'm currently in Budapest, off to Turkey Friday, then Birmingham, then Holland, then Spain and finally Dubai so it may be a little while before I get them posted!

I'm at home for 24 hours tomorrow so will try then (am also going to the garage so I'll take some more).

The more involved I am in the process the less I'm worried, but as you say just fed up it happened to such a new car  >:(

Our paths may cross as I am in Spain as well  :'(

Good to hear about the car though.

[quote="pvr"]
Our paths may cross as I am in Spain as well  :'(

Good to hear about the car though.
[/quote]

Probably in the sailor bar in puerto banus then!

Nah, Madrid at the moment.

At least it is 28c here all week  >:D

Bloody cold here in Budapest.

But a good Italian meal an wine helps pass the time

Here's some images....












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[quote="pvr"]
Our paths may cross as I am in Spain as well  :'(

Good to hear about the car though.
[/quote]

Barcelona....when?

I'm there third week of November.


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