to paint or not to paint

[shimmy]

my CSL is now 105k miles ish, and is in need of a paint job to be honest. front end is stone chipped from follwing too close behind ONeill, just before going past him, and rear arches are stone chipped from sprints on airfields.

i now do maybe 3-5000 miles a year max probably less, just 2 trackdays which will probably reduce every year.

now if i get it painted this winter what are the chances i will leave it in the garage more and drive it less?

also then i will be forced to take the inside to bits and make good all the scriatches and dents. this will make me take out all the aftermarket seats, change the damaged parts, and return it to OEM. THis will make me drive it even less and then i will be forced to sell it

what shall i do?

[pops]

My personal thought is that if you get it painted it will start to resemble a garage queen.

It's this that is making me think twice about getting my front end done or leaving it until a time arrives when it might be going up for sale.


Or maybe you are thinking of getting rid?

[Trawler]

Unless there are any rust blisters leave it as it is. The only paint mine has seen is a touch up brush for the hundreds of stone chips. Front wheels arches will be treated soon as they have caught the E46 blistering disease. :bigcry:

[Yanto]

Jeezus......place is going to the dogs....

[GregorFuk]

I had mine painted last winter and put 6k on it this year. The secret? Find a local guy that will do a good job for a reasonable price. If you go for a Rolls Royce job you'll never use it.

[O'Neill]

Put it back to oem, then I can kick your arse in both modded and standard X.

Standard means brakes too;)

[shimmy]

Put it back to oem, then I can kick your arse in both modded and standard X.

Standard means brakes too;)

my brakes are green again :(

[billyboysm3]

Get it painted then it's done if you decide to sell.

[shimmy]

Get it painted then it's done if you decide to sell.

but if I paint it, I think I will sell it :smokin:

[Rick H]

Wrap it - adds some protection and still usable . . .

or . . . top notch paint + Paintshield.

[billyboysm3]

but if I paint it, I think I will sell it :smokin:

But then your have £60k in the bank to have a good time with.

[PeteGray]

Find a local guy that will do a good job for a reasonable price. If you go for a Rolls Royce job you'll never use it.

This, although don't accept or expect just a 'reasonable' job.

[0836whimper]

top notch paint + Paintshield.

This, you can take part on the odd parade lap knowing the OCD part of you will still be happy.

[digi]

but if I paint it, I think I will sell it :smokin:

dun paint then. :smokin:

[AlexGTT]

I'm doing the same right now. All the bits and tiny marks I've gathered in 8+ years ownership. I've gone past worrying about using it or not and resigned myself to probably not tracking it....much.

I've gone through the "shall I sell it, not using it" bollocks two or three times now and have come to the conclusion I just wasn't trying hard enough. What I realised is, there's always the opportunity to use it on a nice day, provided I can clean it reasonably before putting it away again. When it does go out I really enjoy the car.

So, mine is getting properly looked after, stone chips sorted, bit's replaced, etc. It's always, without exception been kept mechanically tip top. Now the cosmetics are getting the same. Then it's getting paint protection.

For you Shim, you have a race car now to actually race rather than fanny about on TD's without half the satisfaction. Keep the CSL or similar for dicking about with us lot on touring hols, etc. Tart the ol' girl up, you know it makes sense. ;)

[shimmy]

I'm doing the same right now. All the bits and tiny marks I've gathered in 8+ years ownership. I've gone past worrying about using it or not and resigned myself to probably not tracking it....much.

I've gone through the "shall I sell it, not using it" bollocks two or three times now and have come to the conclusion I just wasn't trying hard enough. What I realised is, there's always the opportunity to use it on a nice day, provided I can clean it reasonably before putting it away again. When it does go out I really enjoy the car.

So, mine is getting properly looked after, stone chips sorted, bit's replaced, etc. It's always, without exception been kept mechanically tip top. Now the cosmetics are getting the same. Then it's getting paint protection.

For you Shim, you have a race car now to actually race rather than fanny about on TD's without half the satisfaction. Keep the CSL or similar for dicking about with us lot on touring hols, etc. Tart the ol' girl up, you know it makes sense. ;)

tbh though I still like TDs. Spa the other week was limited to 3 hours running but had a great time. Shame to stop doing them and especially in the CSL.

I love the whole drive it there, hack around and drive it home mentality.

[AlexGTT]

You can still do that couple of times a year Shim, won't kill the car. Just means a touch more comfort, a tad slower times and less shiny boy racer wheels. ;)

[khooni]

the engine still going strong at 105k miles or did u have a rebuild somewhere?

[shimmy]

the engine still going strong at 105k miles or did u have a rebuild somewhere?

third one if going great :)

wonderful BMW

[Clubber]

I have a weird logic with wear and tear on my cars.

If I buy them used, which has been the case with all my ///M cars, I immediately freshen them up to mint shape,almost like new so I can enjoy as the first owner did.

BUT whatever happens after, chips on paint, wheels, worn fabric or leather inside etc., I don't refresh again. I see them as my own patina and story of the car (unless they are emberasingly ugly stuff).

I'd much rather have my cars stone chipped at the ring then being pampered day and night and loosing sleep on parking spots at the mall.. Just my opinion.

[cslsuperfan]

tbh though I still like TDs. Spa the other week was limited to 3 hours running but had a great time. Shame to stop doing them and especially in the CSL.

I love the whole drive it there, hack around and drive it home mentality.


Agreed..... when are we off again?

[cslsuperfan]

For you Shim, you have a race car now to actually race rather than fanny about on TD's without half the satisfaction. Keep the CSL or similar for dicking about with us lot on touring hols, etc. Tart the ol' girl up, you know it makes sense. ;)

She deserves a lick of paint.

No selly though.

And lots more Spa days.

[khooni]

third one if going great :)

wonderful BMW


I was thinking the same. The CSL engine seems not to be able to take more than 60k without a rebuild if used on track frequently.

[shimmy]

I was thinking the same. The CSL engine seems not to be able to take more than 60k without a rebuild if used on track frequently.

I think as a rule when the head goes, it would be worth dropping the sump and inspecting shells and bearings for wear.

[billyboysm3]

I think as a rule when the head goes, it would be worth dropping the sump and inspecting shells and bearings for wear.

Very true!!

And change oil every 2 TD.

[cslsuperfan]

Very true!!

And change oil every 2 TD.


Managed oil service after every TD





Apologies to all...I do believe I'm responsible for starting a thread that's gayer than Julian Clary.