I am going to get a bit of body work done on my 3 for no charge from the bodyshop who did the work after a fender-bender (some rust around some seams they did). I also have the front of the car sandblasted from 5 years of Cleveland winters. The car is Jet Black. After I get the rust work done, I want to re-paint the whole car - again, Jet Black. I would like something tougher than the factory paint. Any suggestions on the type of paint for a car that only sees Cleveland winters and summer track days. I need something bulletproof!!!!!

Request Dupont

BMW used Sikkens and as all of us are full aware of (People with black cars most of all) the paint they used was of extremely low quality.

Sikkens is supposed to have some of the best paint, but I think from looking at our cars it is some of the worst paint. Chips easy, scratches easier, fades, loses luster, and is just overall not good paint at all.

Talk with the people at the paint shop and tell them you want bullet proof + shine and most likely they will respond with Dupont.

Look into finding a shop that will paint your car with airplane paint. Its like 4 times thicker and is damn near scratch proof.

I had a friend who used to have all his BMWs painted with airplane paint and they looked beautiful for many years.

Brian

Thanks - but I was thinking about formulation of the paint. I know the diference between Laquer and Enamel, but I hear about "epoxy" type paints that are two part and are tough as nails. Has anyone used that stuff?

I have heard of epoxy paints...

They will never come off and are tougher than nails.

There is a place online that sells Mil Spec paint that the US military uses to paint the jets, tanks, and submarines. The stuff is impossible to destroy without destroying the vehicle.

But on the other hand it does not look as shiny as normal paint... Perhaps a clear coat could remedy that...

I drive it like a tank......

But seriously, I guess I'm looking for something in the middle - tough but still looks factory....

Do as Dallasboy suggested and look into Boat, or Airplane paint.

It will have the same luster, but will be much more durable.

But once again I think that is a Dupont product if you ask me.

What ever you decided keep us informed and tell us how it comes out.

Sure will, and thaks to both of you!

PS- who is the hottie in your sig?