Howdy,

My April 2003 build MCS came with a paint flaw on the bonnet. It's a dark shadow under the paint about the size of a silver dollar.

I took the car in, today, and I heard two possible scenarios:

1. Respray the blemish and blend it out.

2. Replace the entire bonnet.


My first reaction was #2. Replace the entire bonnet. But, that has some negative issues. The biggest negative is that I was told that by doing so, the bonnet would be required to carry a DOT sticker saying the bonnet was not original and could negatively affect resale value. Also, I have rally lights, so those would need to be re-installed. And, I have custom stripes, so those would need to be re-applied.

#1, respray the bonnet, would be performed by a state of the art paint shop and the paint job would be warrantied for the standard warranty period. Satisfaction guaranteed. This would certainly be the less intrusive and also quicker route.

Just FYI, my car is Chili Red, so no metallic paint matching issues to deal with.

What would you do?

Thanks for your thoughts,
JS

 

I would choose number 1 assuming the results would be the same with both methods :smile:

 

If it was me, I would go with # 1 What ever you go with I hope all turns out well.

 

JS,
I understand your apprehension with option #2, stripes & light bar, but the DOT sticker thing sounds like horsehockey. This was the Dealership you took it to, wasn't it? Who do they buy their parts from, an after market company? Can't imagine the part being any different then what's used in the factory.

I have never liked the idea of a re-spray, regardless of how high tech the "system”. Paint applied at the factory is far better then after market, with the exception of GM products with a production date from 1991 (bad primer that year). The factory has the ability to control the environment insuring a better bonding between the paint and the car.

A new question comes to mind: Is the new hood coming pre-painted? That would be odd, at least in my mind. Most sheet metal parts that I’ve ordered have come in primer, and required many hours of work to get smooth enough to paint, squirt then block sand, squirt then block a never ending process.

Any others have bodywork performed by the dealer recommended shop? Did that work involve replacement parts, if so did they come pre-painted, or in gunmetal gray.

John, if either option requires a re-spray, they go with #2 as it would be easier, but they will more then likely have to re-spray the entire hood and maybe even have to blend to the fenders to get a match that pleases the eye, depending on where your blemish is.

 

Had a hood replaced...comes in primer. Just respray, trust me. When it comes time to sell, having ANY bodywork done is a big turnoff IMHO.

 

>>Had a hood replaced...comes in primer. Just respray, trust me. When it comes time to sell, having ANY bodywork done is a big turnoff IMHO.
>>
>>

Ditto to what Chitown_COOP said. Go with #1. I had a bumper replaced and I cannot see any difference from the original. On a new car, it's much easier to match the paint and my car is SG metallic.

 

As long as the paint shop is top notch, go with #1.

 

Morn'n,
Here's my spin

>>Howdy,
>>
>>My April 2003 build MCS came with a paint flaw on the bonnet. It's a dark shadow under the paint about the size of a silver dollar.

I never would have taken receipt of the car....
Why did you accept it with an obvious visible flaw.??????

>>
>>I took the car in, today, and I heard two possible scenarios:
>>
>>1. Respray the blemish and blend it out.
>>
>>2. Replace the entire bonnet.

Given these 2 options...I'd go w/ #2.
I've never heard of the "dot" marking... and regardless....it's a new car ...& will be easy to match.

Peace,
D

 

Do #1 first, if it isn't satisfactory then do #2. (shrug)

Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

-Jim

 

well, lets see: you have to respray regardless of your option, small section or whole bonnet.

resale potential with a non-OEM panel is something to consider; I enjoy having the piece of mind that my car is 100% original (ok, if just the bodywork, lol). That said I'd pick #1 option; solid colors are easy to match, and you'll keep your original VIN-number-marked bonnet. Your MINI will not be a homologation, and everyone will be happy :smile:

Good luck,
Ryan

 

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Jayoung, I like the idea of getting in writing that if the respray isn't satisfactory, they'll replace the entire bonnet. No matter what I decide, I will have something in writing that I have to sign-off on the job before it passes. And my poor service advisor already knows how picky I am about cosmetic imperfections.

D, I went over the car in the showroom very well (actually, it was the service bay), but this flaw isn't visible under white light. Under sunlight, especially late afternoon light, it becomes highly visible. In fact, I could barely see the spot, even knowing where it was, when I was showing the service advisor. I had them drive it out into the light, and then everyone around shook their head in agreement, "Oh yeah. Wow. Never seen anything like that, before. Clearly a mfg defect.".

It's crappy to get damaged goods, that's for certain. So far, the dealership, Century MINI, has treated me very well, so I'm pleased with their service. Do you think I should ask for some type of compensation from MINIUSA, since I got a bad paint job that has the potential to lower the value of my car?

See ya,
JS