Steep Driveway, scraped front bumper

Justin · 08-08-2008, 03:47 PM

I hit a steep driveway this afternoon and managed to put some deep gauges in the underside of the front bumper lip. It's only noticeable when I get down on my hands and knees, but it still makes me mad. Oh well, it happens.

What do you guys think about putting some 3m underbody coating to cover it up? My car is black, so it would blend nicely. Would I have to rough up the paint before applying it so it will stick? Good idea or bad? I figure I can put the car on ramps and tape off the area.

Rye · 08-08-2008, 04:08 PM

Just learn to go up driveways and entrances at an angle.

Justin · 08-08-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rye

Just learn to go up driveways and entrances at an angle.

Hmm, not a very productive tip considering it's already happened. I'm also not exactly new to driving. Sh*t happens.

backtoreality15 · 08-08-2008, 04:17 PM

I'm lucky to have the only driveway on the block where the curb is flattened.

But at my friends' houses who don't, I just go up at an angle like suggested, or park on the street.

Severious · 08-08-2008, 04:22 PM

Sorry to hear about the bad luck but before someone else asks...

We need PICS PICS PICS!!!

Can you see it from the front at all? Or do you have to get on the ground to see it? And then is it just the clear coat or is it deep into the paint?

xSegFaultx · 08-08-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

I hit a steep driveway this afternoon and managed to put some deep gauges in the underside of the front bumper lip. It's only noticeable when I get down on my hands and knees, but it still makes me mad. Oh well, it happens.

What do you guys think about putting some 3m underbody coating to cover it up? My car is black, so it would blend nicely. Would I have to rough up the paint before applying it so it will stick? Good idea or bad? I figure I can put the car on ramps and tape off the area.

Sorry about the bad luck. Unfortunately, things are going to happen no matter how careful we are.

As for the undercoating, it really depends on what you want out of this. If you can barely see the gouges, I probably wouldn't worry about it. Being plastic, it isn't like it is going to rust, although I suppose it may peel and chip further. Also consider that down low on the bumper rocks and uneven surfaces may just tear it up again.

Without knowing more, my only comment would be, I'm not sure of the one you have chosen, but many undercoatings are rubberized, so I wouldn't recommend any of those. Not only will they not be completely smooth, but they are a flatter black as well.

Why are you leaning towards undercoating instead of a tough enamel?

Justin · 08-08-2008, 05:15 PM

Luckily it's far enough under to not be noticable until your head is a foot off the ground. Maybe I'll just leave it for now. I cleaned up the dirt and it doesn't look too bad. Maybe I should just hit the worst parts with touch-up paint.

As for undercoating vs enamel, guess I didn't consider the difference. Is there a particular brand of enamel you'd recommend?

Pics attached. Sorry, not the best quality. For the first pic, the scratches are in the middle of the pic. The rest of it is just dirt on the paint.

EspressoBoy · 08-08-2008, 05:39 PM

I personally don't think there is anything other than bolting on a pad of some kind that will protect the car. Even then, if U hit it hard enough it may even do more damage than good; ripping a hole etc. The good news is bodyshops can fix this. At a price of course! Maybe a few quotes just in case you wondered if you decided to sell later. And the new owner wanted to put a price on the damage.

Personally if it is black, maybe just paint yourself at the time of selling. (a lil spray to cover the scratch...hmmm) This is one area it is bound to get scraped at some point. The day I first sat in the car, CA told me to ALWAYS BACK IN to every spot. I have done this every time and so far, zero dings/scratch/etc on outside body.

Look on the bright side, at least you have your first damage where it's not seen. As for 3M tape etc, if it requires roughing up, you might want to talk to some body shops. Call around before you muck around yourself. I assume by you posting, you have not done this before. I can tell you from experience that mucking with paint on a car without any exp is not a good idea. Years ago, someone keyed my car on the hood. I tried to "fix" it myself, using what ever I thought was a good idea. In the end it was a total mess. I was lucky that I was able to cover it with a cheap plastic hood guard. Now I know, if you can see it, get advice from the pro's. If they say you can fix it, or show you how, then go for it. Otherwise forgetaboutit!

ExpressoBoy

Note: you asked opinion that why I bothered...*smile*

emm3tt · 08-08-2008, 05:40 PM

That's just gonna happen. I wouldn't get too bent out of shape about it.

warmtoes · 08-08-2008, 06:41 PM

From the pics it doesn't appear that it would ever be visible unless you were lying on the ground which is a good thing. I'd just leave it.

xSegFaultx · 08-08-2008, 07:11 PM

I couldn't agree more with the above "leave paint to the pros" advice and I am an avid do-it-yourselfer.

And actually, in all honesty, looking at the pics I would definitely just leave it. Nobody will ever see that unless they are under your car, and if by chance it ever gets any worse, then head to a paint shop.

I know it hurts to know the scar is there, but only you will know it. Your secret is safe with us. :wink:

carl135i · 08-08-2008, 07:50 PM

Use touch-up paint and don't worry about it. It you are really concerned you can fill the deep scratches with paint, wait unit it dries and wet sand down (1000 grit) to the level of the rest of the paint. There is no better place to practice since it is under the car. No one is going to see this except you.

Justin · 08-08-2008, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the "don't worry about it comments" guys. Makes me feel better... I'm on my way to forgetting about it now. I just went for a drive on the nearest twisty road and remembered why I really bought it... for the drive, not for the paint imperfections you can't even see.

warmtoes · 08-08-2008, 11:14 PM

Good for you. It's always tough when you mark your new car for the first time but with the 1 you can just drive it and you forget about everything else.

135iPSU · 08-09-2008, 12:33 AM

ya you should be fine, just try to forget its there, and after a few days i bet you really will forget its even there with everything that goes on during your day

energie · 08-09-2008, 04:02 AM

OP:
This happened to me a week after buying my 330i three years ago. It's actually common with performance cars that have low clearance. I had pulled forward in a parking spot, and grazed the concrete "parking stop."

Months later, I also got a scuff on the rear bumper (I lived in a condo building with tight parking downstairs). I took the car to the dealership, and they airbrushed both sets of scuffs for about $125.

Everything looked like brand new!

Oregon · 08-09-2008, 04:18 AM

That is going to happen as you can't really predict the geometry of every single entrance. Here in the old part of town with high crowns and deep curbs, slow near stationary ingress and egress are de rigeur.

d3syd · 08-09-2008, 05:25 AM

Yes I got a few scratches on mine as well from concrete parking stops. Fortunately I get a second chance as I get a new bumper when my car goes in for repairs for my recent roadkill accident.

1speedbike · 08-09-2008, 03:20 PM

my rule is that if it's a minor problem thas not visible in everday driving/looking, it's not worth fixing. it's a low ground clearance car and many roads are pretty horrible, so it'll happen to everyone

ONE · 08-09-2008, 03:26 PM

"my rule is that if it's a minor problem thas not visible in everday driving/looking, it's not worth fixing. it's a low ground clearance car and many roads are pretty horrible, so it'll happen to everyone"

Sorry about the mishap.

Same thing happened to my 2008 3 series sedan about a month after ownership.

agree with previous poster... If its under and not visible,
just be careful in the future and forget it's even there.

Btw, Thanks for posting this thread, so others will be more aware in the future.

TagMan · 08-09-2008, 10:17 PM

There are a couple of busy streets in my area that have large crowns in the center that are so high that the sides of them are more like ditches. Every time I cross over those streets at a couple of intersections, I am forced to drive extremely slow through the intersections, or else I'll nail the underside of my front bumper.

I agree that some sort of protective material would be helpful. But what would look good and be functional?

So, in the meantime, I just do the best I can.

08-08-2008, 03:47 PM	#1
Justin Private First Class 21 Rep 161 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Steep Driveway, scraped front bumper I hit a steep driveway this afternoon and managed to put some deep gauges in the underside of the front bumper lip. It's only noticeable when I get down on my hands and knees, but it still makes me mad. Oh well, it happens. What do you guys think about putting some 3m underbody coating to cover it up? My car is black, so it would blend nicely. Would I have to rough up the paint before applying it so it will stick? Good idea or bad? I figure I can put the car on ramps and tape off the area.
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08-08-2008, 04:08 PM	#2
Rye Private First Class 1 Rep 117 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Just learn to go up driveways and entrances at an angle.
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08-08-2008, 04:17 PM	#4
backtoreality15 Captain 81 Rep 752 Posts Drives: 2019 330i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I'm lucky to have the only driveway on the block where the curb is flattened. But at my friends' houses who don't, I just go up at an angle like suggested, or park on the street. __________________ 2019 M-Sport 330i \| G20
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08-08-2008, 04:22 PM	#5
Severious Private 4 Rep 69 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hear about the bad luck but before someone else asks... We need PICS PICS PICS!!! Can you see it from the front at all? Or do you have to get on the ground to see it? And then is it just the clear coat or is it deep into the paint? __________________ 135i Manual Transmission Sparkling Graphite Metallic Black Boston Leather Walnut Trim Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Ipod/USB interface, Premium Audio, BMW Security System Ordered: March 8, 2008 RE-ordered: June 20, 2008 Production complete: July 7, 2008 Delivered: August 5, 2008
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08-08-2008, 05:15 PM	#7
Justin Private First Class 21 Rep 161 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Luckily it's far enough under to not be noticable until your head is a foot off the ground. Maybe I'll just leave it for now. I cleaned up the dirt and it doesn't look too bad. Maybe I should just hit the worst parts with touch-up paint. As for undercoating vs enamel, guess I didn't consider the difference. Is there a particular brand of enamel you'd recommend? Pics attached. Sorry, not the best quality. For the first pic, the scratches are in the middle of the pic. The rest of it is just dirt on the paint. Attached Images
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08-08-2008, 05:39 PM	#8
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I personally don't think there is anything other than bolting on a pad of some kind that will protect the car. Even then, if U hit it hard enough it may even do more damage than good; ripping a hole etc. The good news is bodyshops can fix this. At a price of course! Maybe a few quotes just in case you wondered if you decided to sell later. And the new owner wanted to put a price on the damage. Personally if it is black, maybe just paint yourself at the time of selling. (a lil spray to cover the scratch...hmmm) This is one area it is bound to get scraped at some point. The day I first sat in the car, CA told me to ALWAYS BACK IN to every spot. I have done this every time and so far, zero dings/scratch/etc on outside body. Look on the bright side, at least you have your first damage where it's not seen. As for 3M tape etc, if it requires roughing up, you might want to talk to some body shops. Call around before you muck around yourself. I assume by you posting, you have not done this before. I can tell you from experience that mucking with paint on a car without any exp is not a good idea. Years ago, someone keyed my car on the hood. I tried to "fix" it myself, using what ever I thought was a good idea. In the end it was a total mess. I was lucky that I was able to cover it with a cheap plastic hood guard. Now I know, if you can see it, get advice from the pro's. If they say you can fix it, or show you how, then go for it. Otherwise forgetaboutit! ExpressoBoy Note: you asked opinion that why I bothered...smile
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08-08-2008, 05:40 PM	#9
emm3tt Out Driving 29 Rep 685 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2007 iTrader: (1)	That's just gonna happen. I wouldn't get too bent out of shape about it. __________________ Emmett 01 E46 M3
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08-08-2008, 06:41 PM	#10
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	From the pics it doesn't appear that it would ever be visible unless you were lying on the ground which is a good thing. I'd just leave it. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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08-08-2008, 07:11 PM	#11
xSegFaultx Private 2 Rep 79 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	I couldn't agree more with the above "leave paint to the pros" advice and I am an avid do-it-yourselfer. And actually, in all honesty, looking at the pics I would definitely just leave it. Nobody will ever see that unless they are under your car, and if by chance it ever gets any worse, then head to a paint shop. I know it hurts to know the scar is there, but only you will know it. Your secret is safe with us. :wink:
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08-08-2008, 07:50 PM	#12
carl135i Enlisted Member 5 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Use touch-up paint and don't worry about it. It you are really concerned you can fill the deep scratches with paint, wait unit it dries and wet sand down (1000 grit) to the level of the rest of the paint. There is no better place to practice since it is under the car. No one is going to see this except you. __________________ "mix it up a little" 135i Alpine White 2003 Mustang Cobra 460 RWHP 1984 Mustang GT 347 w/200 hp nitrous 1968 Chevelle(slow but looks cool) 1973 MGB 1999 S-10 Extreme
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08-08-2008, 08:42 PM	#13
Justin Private First Class 21 Rep 161 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the "don't worry about it comments" guys. Makes me feel better... I'm on my way to forgetting about it now. I just went for a drive on the nearest twisty road and remembered why I really bought it... for the drive, not for the paint imperfections you can't even see.
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08-08-2008, 11:14 PM	#14
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	Good for you. It's always tough when you mark your new car for the first time but with the 1 you can just drive it and you forget about everything else. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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08-09-2008, 12:33 AM	#15
135iPSU Enthusiast 11 Rep 272 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	ya you should be fine, just try to forget its there, and after a few days i bet you really will forget its even there with everything that goes on during your day
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08-09-2008, 04:02 AM	#16
energie Private 1 Rep 91 Posts Drives: honda civic Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: midwest iTrader: (0)	OP: This happened to me a week after buying my 330i three years ago. It's actually common with performance cars that have low clearance. I had pulled forward in a parking spot, and grazed the concrete "parking stop." Months later, I also got a scuff on the rear bumper (I lived in a condo building with tight parking downstairs). I took the car to the dealership, and they airbrushed both sets of scuffs for about $125. Everything looked like brand new!
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08-09-2008, 04:18 AM	#17
Oregon NRA Life Member, BMW CCA 30 year member 180 Rep 2,614 Posts Drives: 04' M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon iTrader: (1) Garage List 1971 2002 [0.00] 2004 M3 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	That is going to happen as you can't really predict the geometry of every single entrance. Here in the old part of town with high crowns and deep curbs, slow near stationary ingress and egress are de rigeur. __________________ Resigned 1ADDICTS Moderator “To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them.” – George Mason
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08-09-2008, 05:25 AM	#18
d3syd Major 50 Rep 1,474 Posts Drives: 135i MT, LMB, ProNav Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scamander, Tasmania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i Coupe [0.00]	Yes I got a few scratches on mine as well from concrete parking stops. Fortunately I get a second chance as I get a new bumper when my car goes in for repairs for my recent roadkill accident. __________________ Fun Car: 135i Manual LeMans Blue / Beige Leather / Grey Poplar / pro nav / euro plates. Delivered 24 June 08 Family Car: Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 Spare Car: Volvo V70 Sydney Car: MB 420SEL
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08-09-2008, 03:20 PM	#19
1speedbike Brigadier General 732 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2022 X4 M40i, 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MKE iTrader: (15)	my rule is that if it's a minor problem thas not visible in everday driving/looking, it's not worth fixing. it's a low ground clearance car and many roads are pretty horrible, so it'll happen to everyone __________________ 2022 X4 M40i - 2008 135i - 2015 F700GS On Order - 2024 i4 M50 Scruffy's gonna die the way he lived... Mmhm.
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08-09-2008, 03:26 PM	#20
ONE YearOneOfThe1 10 Rep 217 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	"my rule is that if it's a minor problem thas not visible in everday driving/looking, it's not worth fixing. it's a low ground clearance car and many roads are pretty horrible, so it'll happen to everyone" Sorry about the mishap. Same thing happened to my 2008 3 series sedan about a month after ownership. agree with previous poster... If its under and not visible, just be careful in the future and forget it's even there. Btw, Thanks for posting this thread, so others will be more aware in the future. __________________ Black Sapphire - 6 Speed - Coupe - Black On Black Interior - Sport Package - Cold Weather - Navigation - Park Distance - BMW Assist - USB/ iPod - Xenon [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] O N E's - 1 2 8 i Delivered: 08 “Year One -11- Of The 1” 08 - Debadged: 08 “Day One -11- Of The 1” 08
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08-09-2008, 10:17 PM	#21
TagMan Car Addict!! 60 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: '08 135i Convertible Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Malibu, California iTrader: (0)	There are a couple of busy streets in my area that have large crowns in the center that are so high that the sides of them are more like ditches. Every time I cross over those streets at a couple of intersections, I am forced to drive extremely slow through the intersections, or else I'll nail the underside of my front bumper. I agree that some sort of protective material would be helpful. But what would look good and be functional? So, in the meantime, I just do the best I can. __________________ 2008 /// Commemorative /// 6-Speed /// Titanium Silver /// Fully-Loaded /// 135i Convertible
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