Paint Problems

[wellung1]

Has anyone had any problems with the paint finish on a Supaguard-ed car?

I bought my R53 about 8 weeks ago (03-plate, 33k) with the thing already "Supa"-ed. Having had a 3-series treated and had a blister form on the bonnet of a pristine motor ("due to an accelerant", as the BMW paint expert informed us), I was scepticle but had no choice.

I washed my Mini for the first time last weekend and found a dozen or more blisters had formed under the top coating. Most of these are on the boot and only about 1mm across, but still visible all the same. There are four more on the the rear drivers side panel, all about 5-6mm across and highly visible. There is even one on the plastic panel above the rear number plate.

Has anyone else had similar problems? If so, what was the outcome?


The car's booked in on the 12th May to have a series of issues looked into:

a knock through the steering column on slow speed left turns,
a squeaking drivers seat,
blistering alloys (allegedly sorted for collection, but basically poorly sprayed over).

I've mentioned the paint issue over the phone, so I'll give an update about what happens when I know more. If anyone's interested.....

I can also attach some pictures of the paint blisters tomorrow, if anyone's interested....

[fordcymru]

I worked for a large car supermarket and regularly delt with the supaguard vehicle treatments and can honestly say we never had an issue on any vehicle`s paint work that was related to the supaguard paint sealant cream. The paint sealant cream is basically a high resin water based polish that will wash off, and will need retreatment in the future. I think your paint issue probably lie`s with the manufacturer .

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

I've recently seen reports of "dealer" Superguarded cars having milky (almost blistered) looking spots on the paint-work caused by not actually preparing the car properly and trapping dust and other contaminants under the layer of Superguard.

Frankly Superguard isn't worth the tube it comes in and is applied by people who have no real knowledge of any kind in paint restoration/preservation - it is an easy way of making more money on a sale (the kit costs £20, they apply it as quickly as possible and then charge you £400 for the privilege - kerrrrrrrrrching!!).

Fortunately it can be removed without too much effort - head over to A world for detailers...
or
Autopia - Autopia Home
and you'll find loads of helpful info on correctly looking after your paint and exactly why you should never let the dealership touch your paint-work (this doesn't just apply to Mini's have seen plenty of Porsches and Aston Martins etc delivered "new" covered in swirl marks and buffer trails etc..........)

Cheers, Geoff.

[TimCS]

Hang on a minute..... 8 weeks between getting your MINI and washing it for the first time - shame on you!!!!

Agree with previous post - Supaguard/Diamondbrite whatever con you want to go for - waste of money - I've done it - never again.

[David McDermott]

I am having problems with paint peeling from the edges of the doors from a brand new mini clubman - 20K! I paid for Surelook paint protection. My dealer painted over the problem saying it was "impact damage" but refused to provide evidence. The paint is peeling off again.

I have inspected dozens of Minis and they are all the same.
I urge all mini owners to inspect the sides of their doors and inform their dealers of any paint peeling problems.

I am going to press about the problem as all attempts to find a solution with the dealer have failed so far

[TDLC]

Also happened to me, described in http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-f...-cooper-s.html

[Gemini4321]

I have a paint problem on the bonnet of my 57 clubman, it looks like the paint has cracked, you can feel it with you nail. One dealer is trying to say that it isn't a paint problem but from an outside sorce, he only saw a picture that the body shop had taken of it. We were not happy with that so we have taken it to another dealer and am awaiting an inspection from the regional techical manager but that cant be done until the 8th Dec.
The car isn't even a year old and is washed regularly and any bird poo washed straight off.
Hope picture ok if not a couple in my gallery.

Sue

[Derepente]

Hello Sue, Nice picture - excellent focus. The dealer should take care of this. I wouldn't let it pass either. Please post back when you get an answer from MINI.

[David McDermott]

Hi Sue
I would be interested in the outcome of your paint inspection. My mini clubman is getting worse and am preparing my press release.
David

[dalboyne]

Sue - that looks very much like a bad paint job - the lacquer topcoat appears to have "crazed" on top of the paint. I find it hard to believe this would have passed QA in the factory, though , having seen how much attention is paiod to QA at Plant Oxford.....

Good luck - very much hope this is totally fixed to your satisfaction, by a profesional paint shop.

Ian

[Gemini4321]

Good news car was looked at on17th after a cancelled appointment on the 8th and they are going to sort it out under warranty. But will not be this side of Christmas. Strange how one dealer wouldn't do it but another one will.
Another interesting piont the BMW area techincal manger told us is that the Supaguard that is used is not always Superguard but another product. The dealers all use different products. They dont use the BMW approved treatment, which I find very strange.
Which could have caused the problem with the paintwork but they are still going to honour the warranty.

Sue