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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum Sophisto Gray with Xirallic Paint Damage
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      05-23-2011, 12:36 PM   #1
F10550xi
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Sophisto Gray with Xirallic Paint Damage

Does anyone with Sophisto Gray have experience getting parts painted? The paint has some additive in it called Xirallac from Merk Chemicals. I need to have my rear bumper repainted and am wondering if body shop will be able to match and procure the additive.

Last edited by F10550xi; 05-23-2011 at 12:49 PM..
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      05-23-2011, 02:46 PM   #2
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Go to a BMW certified shop.
http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...c/default.aspx
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      05-23-2011, 02:57 PM   #3
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That Metallic called Xirallic

Quote:
Originally Posted by F10550xi View Post
Does anyone with Sophisto Gray have experience getting parts painted? The paint has some additive in it called Xirallac from Merk Chemicals. I need to have my rear bumper repainted and am wondering if body shop will be able to match and procure the additive.
I looked up Xirallic out of curiosity the other day. Xirallic pigments include special highly reflective aluminum oxide flakes or particles. The product is described here: http://www.merck-chemicals.com/pigme...wAAAEWg8UfVhTn

Xirallic is used by various paint manufacturers to supply auto manufacturers with metallic colours that meet their individual specifications (Ford, GM, Toyota, as well as BMW). I suspect it would be extremely difficult to achieve a decent colour match unless you use the same paint supplier and mix that BMW uses at its factory. A slight variation in the concentration of Xirallic or the other components will undoubtedly affect the appearance. I would recommend trying to purchase the paint through BMW.

Merck produces Xirallic at a factory in Japan, which was affected by the recent earthquake. I believe that caused BMW to suspend production of Sophisto Grey, although Merck recently restored production at its plant.

More on the background appears here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...521120106.html
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      05-23-2011, 03:01 PM   #4
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I would agree with Gatoman's succinct reply. Apart from the paint itself, a BMW certified shop should have the expertise to apply the stuff properly.
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      05-23-2011, 03:13 PM   #5
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If the factories in Germany were effected by the shortage of Xirallic (due to Japan factory closing), the body shops in the US are less likely to have access.

Does anyone know if paint can be ordered directly from BMW? This is for a bumper respray and not for touch up.
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      05-23-2011, 03:18 PM   #6
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Mine is in the body shop (BMW certified) now getting a new fender and repainted driver's door. It's supposed to be ready by Friday, 5/27. Body shop is telling me no worries with the paint as their paint is not the same as the water-based used in the factory but will be a perfect match. I'll let you know when I see it completed in person. Keeping fingers crossed!
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