Front end re-spray

[lvm3sm46]

So I have been contemplating getting the front end of my Carbon Schwarz. My dilemma is the other rock chipped areas like in front of the rear quarter panels and other little scratches.

Has anyone done it? How far did you take it?

Is there a way to get all the rock chips professionally repaired without painting the whole hood?

Also curious if it will affect the value.

Im just looking for some opinions so everyone feel free to add your thoughts on it.

[bigjae46]

From my limit knowledge of body work...you can take it all the way down to the primer and repair the primer.

Most places will fill in the chips with body filler, sand the panel and respray.

Then will likely need to blend adjacent panels.

Value depends on the quality of the work.

[usdmej]

its a slippery slope analyzing the wear and tear that exterior paint accumulates over time. best thing you can do is find reputable shops, get estimates, and decide if you'd rather have a fresh paint job or a few grand in your pocket

Also curious if it will affect the value.

you'll most likely not get your money back in resale if that's what you're asking
a quality paint job will be appreciated by a discerning buyer
a poor paint job will be noticed by almost all buyers

[Toby22]

So I have been contemplating getting the front end of my Carbon Schwarz. My dilemma is the other rock chipped areas like in front of the rear quarter panels and other little scratches.

Has anyone done it? How far did you take it?

Is there a way to get all the rock chips professionally repaired without painting the whole hood?

Also curious if it will affect the value.

Im just looking for some opinions so everyone feel free to add your thoughts on it.

it would probably cost the same to paint the whole hood vs trying to blend it etc. Quality paint job in original color will be more sought after than beat up factory paint.

[Maxima SE]

So I have been contemplating getting the front end of my Carbon Schwarz. My dilemma is the other rock chipped areas like in front of the rear quarter panels and other little scratches.

Has anyone done it? How far did you take it?

Is there a way to get all the rock chips professionally repaired without painting the whole hood?

Also curious if it will affect the value.

Im just looking for some opinions so everyone feel free to add your thoughts on it.

The answer to your question really boils down to how OCD you are. You can chase rock chips and paint imperfections all day long. You can either fill them with kits like doctor color chip to make them less noticeable or get the panel resprayed. And then a couple drives later you’ll have a new chips and be back to square one.

hood, front bumper, front fenders and mirrors is as far as I would go. Touch up the rear quarter chips and then add PPF.

[dr_011]

I recently repainted my front end, rear end, and passenger side. I'll be doing the roof next year. Biggest issue is finding a shop that'll do it since most of them work on accidents/insurance claims. The car needed it due to rock chips, scratches, and dents. I don't really care about resale value since I'm not selling it. Cost about $4k and I am totally stoked by how much better it looks now.

[maw1124]

For cars you intend to keep, I think front end respray is inevitable after 15 years. It just comes with the territory. I just did both bumpers on a car with a color correction and after it was done, I sort of wish I had done the hood (didn't even think about it). I'm the only one who'll ever notice other than the discerning buyer who won't likely get the opportunity. The next car up will get the hood, front and rear bumpers and lower doors / wheel wells done as part of a refresh -- another car I have no desire to replace. The M will get the same treatment for the same reason, along with a new front bumper. In my view a cosmetic refresh is just part of the game, like new headliners, seat covers, suspension refresh, whatever. It's always cheaper than a new car that you don't like as much.

maw

[lvm3sm46]

I plan to go to a couple of shops that have been recommended to me in my area for the re spray to discuss with them my options etc.

Also after the respray has cured I planned to get paint protection film applied in order to preserve it.

[Casa de Mesa]

I'm 100% supportive of a respray.

[AvusM5]

I actually just had the front end of my Carbon Black (Carbon Schwarz) re-sprayed. The front bumper was replaced and the front fenders and hood were resprayed. Also replaced the front windshield for good measure. I paid a bit more than the standard body shop would charge by choosing to have the work completed by a speciality paint and fab shop. They nailed the paint match and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. If done right, a proper re-paint will make such a difference.

[lvm3sm46]

AvusM5 how bad are the rear quarters on your car? It looks like it came out great, im sure you are pleased.

[jrgatfh]

OP, where in NY are you located and what shops are you considering?

[M3logik]

On my previous e46 m3, I had a ton of rock chips on the front and did the whole front bumper, both fenders and blended it into the doors. It was a good result. I'm sure when you get with your painter, they can give you some good advice. It's really subjective and dependent on the painter's experience, imo.

And to answer your question about value, I think it will affect it in a good way.

[RoyalFlushness]

I have done a front end respray on my 01 Imola. I also ended up painting all of the fenders and doors because it was such a can of worms with paint matching faded red paint. I would definitely recommend doing the entire front clip and having them blend into the doors.

Some Photos:
Before respray:






How she sits now:

[lvm3sm46]

RoyalFlushness wow that turned out beautiful. I have a feeling mine will turn into a can of worms also since the rear rockers are pretty bad and quite a few scratches spread all over.