Horrible finish on the trunk lids (edges).
 

I was just inspecting the general finish of the vehicle when I opened the trunk lid and found that the edges of the trunk lid and the lower lid that opens down have horrible uneven finish that seems like it was done by a teenager with absolutely no experience. If I can, I'll post some pictures, but it really does look like a kid was playing with a clay and left it without ever smoothing it out. Not even a Hyundai that I was renting had a finish like this. I'm just so speechless that I'm starting to think that this is a case specific to mine only, because this just can't be universal on every BMW X5, it's unacceptable IMO. I will drop by at the dealer and maybe inform them of such poor craftmanship.

BMW paint is not done very well. Most BMW paint jobs from the factory are lower quality than a Ford Focus or a Chevy Malibu. The orange peel on many BMWs, particularly those from Europe is such that MACCO would probably do a better job.

I'm not sure why BMW paint is done so poorly, but I suspect it has to do with BMW wanting to be on the forward edge of the Green movement, and using more water-based and other Green technologies.

It's not really the paint job. It's worse. Let the pictures do what words can't. These are pictures of the edges of lower trunk lid.

look like machine welds.... :dunno:

mine looks about the same

That is typical of pretty much all BMW trunk lids and SUV tailgates. If you push your fingernail into it you will see that it is not metal and has absolutely zero to do with the paint itself. It is some sort of silicone sealer that BMW likes to use around the edges when the metal is bent. Maybe to keep water and dirt out or something. Even the inside of the trunk lid on my e36 325i has this material.

The dealer is going to laugh you out of the showroom if you bring it to their attention as there is nothing wrong with your car. IMO, it really isn't a big deal. My e53 also looks exactly like yours.

Also, I don't really think BMW paint is bad. The paint on my 14 year old 325i looks as good as new with only an occasional coat of wax and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the paint on my e53 other than some stone chips in front.

Lets be honest here, it is a far stretch to compare anything Ford or Chevy to BMW quality.

Looks like the mastic they apply, usually by long arm applicator/machine,
that is supposed to help seal the body panel "skins" where they meet and
add protective cover to the welds...looks like a thumb/gripper print
in one pic. I tend to agree it is pretty shoddy "workmanship", but not
sure what you will get the stlr to do, unless he takes on bodywork.
GL,mD

Nah~ I wasn't gonna bother them with it anyways, it's just that I was surprised with the finish and wondering if BMW salesman himiself knows of this kind of workmanship. Maybe let them know about it and who knows, they might want to improve on this later on if they care at all.

I agree though, it could be done better. They use the same stuff on the doors as well. Open your driver door and look where the outside door panel meets the inside, near the tire pressure spec sticker. I just think they do a better job on the doors as that is an area that people often notice. They must cheap out a little on the trunk and tailgate sections because they think not as many people pay attention to those areas.

The key/main reason for that mastic stuff,(other than bonding and weld covering),
is to prevent moisture from percolating into and under the body panel "skins", thus
reducing the potential for oxidation.

I am surprised...most of my '01 X5 "skins" look better than that.
Kinda reminds me of my cheapazz, US made "company cars" from the '90s.