Has This Happened to Anyone?

[MadisonOne]

Just happened over the weekend. Top was down and this area is where my knee rests. Temp was about 90 degrees and I was wearing sun block.

This "bubbling" can't be right, but I did a search and haven't come up with any other info.

Nothing was spilled on this area, just the place where my knee rests while driving.

[ChrisK]

:eyebulge:

Having owned 2 BMW convertibles...I can't believe this was a reaction from the sunscreen, but who knows what's in sunscreen these days. That spot is about where you would rest/rub your leg.

Sorry to hear about this.

[MadisonOne]

I forgot to mention that the car is only 6 weeks old with 5000 miles.

[Yoot1]

I know this isn't much help, but it looks like the damage was cause by a chemical reaction and not by trauma. That supports your theory.

[2AD Tanker]

Whatever caused it...That's not right!!

[EspressoBoy]

I suggest taking it to a very high end body shop (over priced maybe but does perfect work, restores old cars etc, people who know what they do and do it very well)... Then speak to the guy who repairs/restores leather/plastic, and ask him what he thinks. Ask if he can be quoted.

These people are artists! They have all the tricks to repair all this. Then get a quote from him/her.

Then go to another BMW repair shop, that is not a dealership, and have them quote out of warranty, and see what it takes for new replacement and what it will cost.

Then go back to BMW with the info, and be ready for a battle. If they say they don't have a way to fix it etc you have all the info. Use the info to your advantage. That will give you the "fix" and the "replace" costs.

Let us know how it goes. I have a similar issue that I have yet to deal with. Yikes!

EspressoBoy

[MadisonOne]

Super good plan. I just figured that they would replace that section of the dash. Maybe I could talk them into replacing it with European version that has a cubby hole, but I digress. I'm going to try to stop by the BMW place today and see what they say.

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

I suggest taking it to a very high end body shop (over priced maybe but does perfect work, restores old cars etc, people who know what they do and do it very well)... Then speak to the guy who repairs/restores leather/plastic, and ask him what he thinks. Ask if he can be quoted.

These people are artists! They have all the tricks to repair all this. Then get a quote from him/her.

Then go to another BMW repair shop, that is not a dealership, and have them quote out of warranty, and see what it takes for new replacement and what it will cost.

Then go back to BMW with the info, and be ready for a battle. If they say they don't have a way to fix it etc you have all the info. Use the info to your advantage. That will give you the "fix" and the "replace" costs.

Let us know how it goes. I have a similar issue that I have yet to deal with. Yikes!

EspressoBoy

[EspressoBoy]

Remember if you go to a dealership, there is a very high chance they use a computer and log stuff. You might want to go to a BMW aftermarket that can do warranty. Then more than likely you speak to the owner/repair people and not a Dealership repair desk "specialist" who just tells U what he was told to say. Remember it's one thing to have them quote you, it's another knowing they are really going to do the job right.

EspressoBoy

[IDBMW]

From my history with BMW is they will fix it. I had the bolster of my 3 series seat wear out from my braided belt rubbing on it when I ingress/egress. BMW replaced the seat under warranty no questions ask. However, the service manager refused to fix an issue where my hood was about ¼” below the fenders on my Z4. I called BMW and the next day the Service Manager called me to bring the car in for a warranty fix. There are a few other small issues that were in the gray area and BMW fixed them no problem. If denied the warranty from the dealer call BMWNA.

Also, watch out for bug spray with DEET in it, it eats plastic. I had bug spray on in my truck and my knee was touching the hard plastic trim around the inside door handle. The trim melted and was distorted from the bug spray.

[d3syd]

Yikes, that's nasty. Definitely agree that it looks like a chemical reaction of some sort.

Originally Posted by IDBMW

Also, watch out for bug spray with DEET in it, it eats plastic. I had bug spray on in my truck and my knee was touching the hard plastic trim around the inside door handle. The trim melted and was distorted from the bug spray.

Maybe your sunscreen contains DEET. I think I have seen some sunscreens that have insect repellent added.

I would imagine that this would definitely be a warranty issue. The dash board should be more resistant to common chemicals than that.

Good luck!

[Justin]

I'm curious to see how the dealer here in Madison treats you. Let us know how it goes. Who is your CA?

[ARES45]

Originally Posted by IDBMW

From my history with BMW is they will fix it. I had the bolster of my 3 series seat wear out from my braided belt rubbing on it when I ingress/egress. BMW replaced the seat under warranty no questions ask. However, the service manager refused to fix an issue where my hood was about ¼” below the fenders on my Z4. I called BMW and the next day the Service Manager called me to bring the car in for a warranty fix. There are a few other small issues that were in the gray area and BMW fixed them no problem. If denied the warranty from the dealer call BMWNA.

Also, watch out for bug spray with DEET in it, it eats plastic. I had bug spray on in my truck and my knee was touching the hard plastic trim around the inside door handle. The trim melted and was distorted from the bug spray.

They will fix the side bolsters? Cause mine are already showing wear and I am trying to be careful but sometimes it rubs and the leather is just starting to crack. I figured I would have to eat that due to wear and tear.

[AwesomeBMW]

You could take a little bit of your sunblock and apply it to a inconspicuous spot and see the results. You will either know that's the cause of have a little oily mess to clean up.

[x97Melbourne]

I'd take it back for warranty repair.....its not right, what ever the cause.

[Dr_Jones]

I have a slight spot that is similar where i rest my left elbow up on the doorsill. Its miniscule though in comparison

[.:Reflex]

Any word on how this turned out or what caused it?

[TagMan]

OK, let me get this right here... sunscreen freakin' melts plastic, and yet it's supposed to be good for our skin??!! :eyebulge:

Also, your post and those photos really make me question the quality of interior materials.

Man, that's messed up. I really hope they fix it for you.

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by TagMan

OK, let me get this right here... sunscreen freakin' melts plastic, and yet it's supposed to be good for our skin??!! :eyebulge:

Also, your post and those photos really make me question the quality of interior materials.

Man, that's messed up. I really hope they fix it for you.

People has disagreed with me that the interior of the new boxster is superior than that found in the 1 series.

But I use plently of sun tan lotion in the boxster and this has not happened.

Now a coupe is what I'm looking at but this is still not good.

I would like to know the outcome of this also.

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by Dr_Jones

I have a slight spot that is similar where i rest my left elbow up on the doorsill. Its miniscule though in comparison

doc,

have you tried to treat the spot with leather reconditioner.

Sometimes is just oils and dirt from the elbow. I have removed spots from my elbow resting on my X5.

[jbenington86]

well for starters I wouldnt rest my knee there.....and second I wouldnt even think of jumping in my car with a bunch of sunscreen on....and third your car is filthy inside

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by jbenington86

well for starters I wouldnt rest my knee there.....and second I wouldnt even think of jumping in my car with a bunch of sunscreen on....and third your car is filthy inside

silliest post I have read so far on this forum...

next you'll be saying to take a shower each time before you get in the 1....

[EINSER M]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek