I smashed up my Mini a few weeks ago. I get my car back next week (yeah). The good news It was just a long scrape on the side (and the side mirror got knocked off). So nothing with the frame or anything too important which is great.

My Question though, the body shop got in a new bumper, hood, door and front side. They are going to paint them (it's PW/B).

I know years ago, anyone could tell but now are body shops better?
Most importantly, do they also do clear coating on it so it shines?
Well it have that rich paint look like from the factory?

I know it depends where you go. Lets assume it's one of the best in the area (which is is, and also owned by the BMW and Mini Dealer).

I just want to know what to expect. I can't sell it because I can't take the loss right now. Thanks for anyone's input on Body Shops.

 

With today's EPA regs, and the toxicity of certain paints, auto painting is almost all done in filtered, temperature controlled environs. If your shop doesn't have one of these (readilly visible) they probably sub-k'ed the job to a paint shop.

 

Sorry to hear that you smashed up your baby; glad it's not that serious.

I had Peanut's rear bumper cover replaced a few weeks ago. They did a good job of matching the paint, and yes, they clearcoat. They even waxed it up for me. Since she's EB, and it's a metallic color, it's not as easy to match as a flat color. I wouldn't worry too much.

Just make sure you do a good inspection of your car before you sign any release papers (or pay for the work). About a week after I picked her up, I found a large scratch in her side that had been expertly covered with clearcoat. Since it wasn't in an area near where they did the work, I didn't notice it until I detailed her. The scratch had NOT been there when I dropped her off. If it had come from a random parking lot incident, there wouldn't be clear coat on it... dead giveaway!

Here's a link to my story, if you're interested: STEAMED at MNS

 

I had my rear bumper painted twice (seperate rear end accidents....stupid people you know) and they matched the color great.

I also had the small panel between the bonnet and door (contains the marker light) painted and it matches great.

I have Chili Red and was told that reds are hard to match cause they dry a different shade.

If you are doing this through insurance, they should be able to lead you to a quality shop (turns out the shop I go to and the shop my insurance suggested are one and the same).

Hope that helps.

 

Thank you very much. It makes be feel better when I hear other people have had luck. Normally it wouldn't bother much BUT the Mini is my baby (and it had less then 5,000 miles on it).