I had this very same problem with my 2 week old jet black S. I nearly cried. Nothing was taking out the "ghosting." I even went and paid $90 to put permanent stripes on. I pulled them off 2 days later because the magnetic stripes were put on uneven and you could still see some "ghosting" still with the new stripes.

I was going to have it repainted becausing nothing was working. I took it to the local Zaino rep to see if he could suggest anything. The clay didn't work, but then he pulled out this wonderful 3m product that has been talked about and it did the trick. I couldn't be happier or more gratefull.

I am so upset with these folks that continue to sell these magnetic stripes.

But do try the 3m product. I purchased the stuff at NAPA.

Cheers,
Debi

 

NEVER use any sort of magnetic stripes or stickers in the MINI's paint surface. This is asking for major clearcoat trouble.

The 3M product is called "Swirl and Scratch" remover. The bootle is about $5 and can be purchased at any autoparts store.

 

3M Perfect-It Swirl Mark Remover for Dark Colored Cars.

I had to sacrifice my self-imposed trade sanctions against PepBoys to get it, as they did not have it at my local Auto Zone. It worked so well that I'm not the least bit sad to have briefly ended my boycott. (It's back on now)

And I also use Zaino, so now you can be double stoked about expecting similar results.

 

Okay,

So we know not to use magnetics...

Now can someone explain, scientifically, in layman's terms, how or why this happens.

I've never heard of this.

I do know that MINI paint is CHEAP and CRAPPY.

Go push a thumbnail in it on a hot day...

Cottonballs chip the bonnet, this paint is cheap
It's the HAZMAT laws in Europe I believe.
I think the MINI Paint is water based Polyurathane or something weak like that.

I even tried to make an order for an UNPAINTED mini and was denied. I know certain companies will allow this, not all and it's rare, but it was worth asking.

Got a Mini? Live with the crappy paint... It's the best it gets.

now... how do the magnetics ruin the clearcoat, I don't get it.