[FillUpAtTheBlackPump]

Oh well, I managed to have it 5 months without any damage!

Came back to it today to find someone has bashed the front bumper whilst parked and of course they just drove away - makes my blood boil

Damage limited to front corner, lots of red paint transfer but also some deep scuffs. Even though it's company car don't want to make insurance claim because it's classed as a "blameworthy" claim against the last person to drive the car if there's no third party which of course affects private insurance. Unfortunately I know this from recent experience on my last car which was also damaged whilst parked!

Anyway the point of the post, have been recommended chips away for repairing bumper scuffs, company is paying but just wondered if anyone had any experience of the quality of the repairs. Had even been avoiding car washes to try and keep the paint spot on!

[unclesbeemer]

for what its worth i hear they are quite good - but quality depends on the operative,
BMW dealers do smart repairs and in my experience were good and actually perhaps surprisingly at a reasonable price (£100 for a corner smart repair -scuff and gouges -on my previous f10 - and it was invisible and lasted)
might be worth getting a quote - i guess being bmw they dont want to give poor quality repairs,
hope that helps

[Wo-Wo]

Chartwells in Derby do smart repairs and I wouldn't use anyone else if that helps?

[F30AM]

I would take it to a BMW Dealer Bodyshop. They use specific BMW paint if this is needed for a good match. I had mine done by one such and the work was perfect.

[rich1068]

Some of the cosmetic repair firms are very good including ChipsAway but as mentioned, very much up to the skill of the franchisee.

Like unclesbeemer and F30AM I'd take it to your main dealer. I've had cosmetic repairs done to a very high standard on my old E91.

Unfortunately I've got another one pending due to being the victim of a hit and run like you. Luckily a neighbour saw it, got the registration and now the police are involved

I see you're in the midlands. Ever get near Sheffield? If so I can recommend Pete Mitchell at Sytner Sheffield bodyshop.

[Steve_M_Sport]

As other posters have said it depends on the Chips Away operative. I used the chap who has the Charnwood area franchise on another car and I definitely wouldn't use him again. The paint has peeled off the repaired area after a few months.

Best to use someone who is recommended.

I used an independent smart repairer from Leicester on my F31 and he did a brilliant job. If you are local I can let you have his details.

[FillUpAtTheBlackPump]

Thanks for all the replies.

I've had a quotefrom the chips away guy which is pretty reasonable. He's done some work on other cars in our company before without issue - but I'm a bit more pedantic about my car than others

I'll get a quote from BMW and chartwell as well, particularly since the weathers getting rubbish and the chips away guy will be working outdoors

Cheers

[FillUpAtTheBlackPump]

BMW were useless, we don’t have a local bodyshop apparently! After 15 minutes of being transferred around trying to find someone who could help me I gave up and hung up.

Chartwells were a real surprise though, gave me an instant quote (which is not that much more than Chips Away to be honest) and I’m sure the repair will be perfect.

The chandeliered reception with Bentleys, Ferraris and Astons in for repair only added to this confidence. I can even have a courtesy car if i want one 

Thanks for the recommendation BigNPT!

[Walesy]

I have seen some really good repairs and some horrors from the same smart repair company, the office adjacent to us had used a smart repair company and the guy was back 3 times to redo the repair.
The chipsaway in Glasgow have also turned out some horrendous repairs imo...I am not an expert do have an eye for detail as I like things to be near perfect and I just wouldn't accept the workmanship I have seen them turn out.
I would try a reputable bodyshop, ask them to quote for it and see what the difference is cost wise. If it were me, I would go down this route.

[FillUpAtTheBlackPump]

Thanks walesy, see my post above - barely £60 difference in the end!

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by 320d-ED

Thanks walesy, see my post above - barely £60 difference in the end!

Good result. Hope the result is to your satisfaction.

I am quite lucky in that my BMW Dealer in London is Berry, Chiswick. They have a superb bodyshop who also do smart repairs. The bodyshop manager is a painter by profession and is extremely fussy. Nearly as fussy as me!

[Walesy]

Originally Posted by 320d-ED

Thanks walesy, see my post above - barely £60 difference in the end!

sorry bud...missed that some how....DOH!

Yeah I would go down that route tbh. I have a guy, school friend, who does all my work, he told me from the word go 'no mates rates' I said that's fine, I would rather it was strictly business..he is always spot on and his attention to detail is spot on, he is usually £60 - £100 more expensive anywhere else but I would rather pay that for his work.

Hope it goes well buddy.

[Walesy]

Originally Posted by F30AM

Good result. Hope the result is to your satisfaction.

I am quite lucky in that my BMW Dealer in London is Berry, Chiswick. They have a superb bodyshop who also do smart repairs. The bodyshop manager is a painter by profession and is extremely fussy. Nearly as fussy as me!

I like that...would rather they were like that rather than turning it round asap to keep the numbers going.

[RichardM]

I've had bad experience with Chipsaway, I had 2 cars and one wheel repaired at the same time as the sales pitch was excellent. The finish on both cars was terrible and I made them redo both. After that it was satisfactory but not great but it only lasted a few months before the paint finish was pitted and dull.