I had my 2 week old 2008 CR MCS washed on Sunday and I noticed that there was some etching spots all over the hood(bonnet) from bird poop on it.Today I went to the dealership to point it out to my MA(who was off yesterday) and got the "you've owned it for 2 weeks,yada,yada,yada" speech.Anyway the MA had the car washed again but the etching is still visible,then used some sort of cleaning solution on it and still no change.

Thursday the BMW/MINI Factory Rep is coming to look at it and if he finds a problem with the paint they will repaint the hood which can take a week or so to do.

Now I know that would hurt the resale value of the car(I read the buy back thread posted) being the hood is getting repainted.If they do decide to repaint it being the car is only 2 weeks old and less then 300 miles on it should I ask/demand for a buy back and put me into new one?

Thanks.

 

Shouldn't hurt resale value if you have all your documentation that it was done to fix a paint defect. This issue with repaint is because it's typically to repair accident damage.

 

repainting a hood doesnt lower resale value.
If the issue is in the clear coat then omit the next suggestion.

Make sure to ask for them to blend the fenders, being a red car. Reds are extremely hard to match and alot of minis have mismatching panels FROM FACTORY. (not uncommon, go look at the front bumper on any SRT-8) However, I wouldnt want them to risk making it match worse just for some bird crap. All they will do is sand down the fenders and hood, and just lay the paint they are putting on the hood over the sides and mist it over the fenders. Best result.

 

Unless the bird poop was obtained while at the dealership, why would the Dealership or MINI be responsible for bird poop getting onto your vehicle? If you park it where that is a possibility, that is your issue, is it not?

You should always remove bird poop within 1-2 hours of it being applied, as far as I know most people are aware of this. What's the difference if it happened within 2 weeks of ownership or 2 years?

Lastly, if the bird poop was obtained while in the dealerships possession, please ignore all the above comments and make sure you do not leave until you are made whole (whatever that is, in your mind).

 

Okay and thank you for your replies everyone.

The etching is in the clear coat as I forgot to mention that in my original post.

A little background on me:
I've owned over 20+ cars in 31 years of driving and yes I do know the importance of removing the bird poop as fast as possible before the acid damages the clear coat finish.I keep a spray bottle of Quick Detailer in the trunk just for that reason alone.I have owned other colored vehicles in the past but usually go with darker shades just for the fact it is easier to touch up without being so noticeable.This is the first red car I have owned so this was a bit of a shock to see that after washing it.

 

My 2007 CR was bombed by a bird last summer. I washed it off as soon as I could, but there was clear coat etching. After a detailing session at Griots I tried some machine polish 2 and it came out in a few seconds. I would try or have a detailer try something like that before any paint work.
Greg

 

That sounds smart to me. Try the Detailing 101 forum yet? Maybe the dealer would spring for an experienced detailer/finisher to avoid repainting the hood.

 

It doesn't matter. Anything repainted in a new car is automatically assumed to be accident repair. The day he trades that car in, the used car appraiser will give him grief about the respray by lowering his resale value by as much as 10%-15%.

 

The clearcoat os the MINI etches very easily. Bird poop attacks leave almost instant marks on the finish. However, I have found out when the car is left out in the sun for a few days, the etching marks evaporate from the clearcoat and disappear on their own. I also second the suggestion to see a professional car detailer and see what can he come up with. To me repainting a brand new hood for a few bird poop etches is a little excessive. This is akin to have a cut in your toe and have a surgeon perform an amputation. Get used to it. The MINI finish has a hard clearcoat, but this clearcoat chips and etches fairly easily. Thank the EPA and the environmentalists for the crappy water based auto paints in new cars today.

 

Sorry, but if a squadron of birds decided to target practice with your new car, is not really MINI's fault. I would be very, very surprised if the MINI factory area rep will put you behind the wheel of another MINI over a few etching marks, that quite frankly, yourself will ever notice. Don't get me wrong... I am very **** when it comes to my cars, but the reality is, that if we are going to enjoy them, we need to stop treating our cars as untouchable museum pieces and start using them for what their were meant to. Believe, this will lead to a healthier lifestyle and reduced chances of developing an ulcer over paintwork imperfections. Get busy and seek a second opinion from a professional detailer. I would leave the car alone, enjoy it and not getting into the mess of a hood repaint. I do not recommend opening that can of worms if you don't have to. The factory paint is impossible to replicate no matter what the dealer, factory rep and body shop may tell you to the contrary.

 

I see you are in South Florida. Birds at this time of the year are out of control. Bird poop season is between March and June.

 

^^Yeah the birds decided to use my car for target practice and there isn't a tree in sight.

Anyway I have the appointment tomorrow and thank you everyone for your posted advice/suggestions.

And I will also consult with a professional detailer in regard to buffing,etc. the clear coat finish then protecting the paint for future aerial bombardment assaults.Plus I will invest in a clear bra to protect the hood and front bumper from road debris.

 

Get some 3M Finesse-it™and lightly rub in one direction...do not rub too hard... then polish out by hand with polish, not wax. You can find at an auto finish store... not the PEP boys type, but a professional store.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...Vs6EVs6E666666--

 

I do thank them everyday that they make my job FAR less cancerous and toxic due to non-solvent based paints being misted in a sealed room around me

 

They don't care about you... just go to a government run shop and you'll find all the poisons they are saving us from... bunch of hypocrites helping the little man.

 

UPDATE

Today I went to Vista BMW/MINI to meet with the Factory Rep and he did agree there was a slight problem with the clear coat finish on the hood.I also met with the Collision Manager and he said that a very mild wet sanding should take care if it and suggested that as a first attempt.I agreed to have that done.Long story short it came out great and the etching was completely removed.

I got the repair receipt for the work done today and should something happen down the road with the repair they will take care of that again.

Thank you everyone.