I've been hearing complaints regarding paint chipping at the lightest road debris, has anybody had problems with the paint?

 

NO---4507 miles and counting
Motor On!!

 

>>I've been hearing complaints regarding paint chipping at the lightest road debris, has anybody had problems with the paint?

I know that BMW built the Mini plant from scratch (ok, they used the shells of some existing buildings, but they gutted them), including assembly and paint shops. I'm assuming that they are using the same quality of paint ant techniques they used on their luxury cars. I mean, why wouldn't they, right? BMW CERTAINLY doesn't want MINI to look bad!!

 

YESSSSS
My paint has 3 sports in the front from flying debry.... I dont know if is the quality of the paint but is the first time I have this with a new car.
I have to go to the dealer and will check with them, but i know is a common thing eith new minis..... :???:

 

Living in the Bay area with the worst roads anywhere there are always areas of loose rocks from decaying potholes or repaired asphalt and my MINI's paint seems to be holding up pretty well (6000 mi). There are a 2-3 small chips on the hood and none on the plastic bumper. I got a touch-up stick and put a little dab in the chips and I can't even find them again. What does NOT hold up well to the rocks are the plastic chrome grills, bumper inserts and headlight surrounds. These have numerous dings and pock marks. The chrome bumper inserts look years old already. These pieces seem pretty soft. I can tell how much the front of the car has been pelted by the marks in these pieces as opposed to the painted areas. I figure these pieces will be replaced every so often on an as needed basis.

 

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>>If you can afford it, try getting a ClearBra installed. Give the MINI another couple of years and the hood will look as freckled as a red-headed step child . Seriously, chips are unavoidable and even the best paint job can't hold up against rocks. You should see the hood of my car right now. It's almost 6 years old and the paint on the hood doesn't chip, it cracks. It looks like I have a bunch of lint on my hood. It's horrible.
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You are so right. I've had my car for almost 5 years and I do a lot of highway driving. My hood is a mess. Lots of white specks in navy blue paint .

 

Unfortunately you will find the new water-based paints that the German manufacturers use to be quite a bit softer than the old solvent-based paints. Better for the environment but not better at resisting chips & scratches.

 

two out of the three dealers i have spoken with here in fl make a clear coat required before you can motor off in your mini. at first it sounded like yet another way for dealers to cash in on the lust that these cars generate for consumers, but after these comments it sounds like they are actually doing it for a reason.