BMW iX Wheel Repair & Painting Review — Plastic Wheel Restoration

Electric Era, BMW iX Wheel Repair Concerns?

After purchasing BMW's new electric vehicle, the iX, wheel damage is often one of the first issues encountered. While the excitement of a new car is brief, scratches can appear on the sidewalls from flying debris while driving. Furthermore, driving in areas like Gangnam, with narrow parking spaces and high curbs, can lead to repeated wheel damage. Owners typically first consider visiting an official service center, but they often recommend full replacement even for minor damage. This is why they seek out services like 'Today's Car' in Gangnam. This review introduces a special wheel repair case for the BMW iX.

The customer had visited several repair shops and received the response, "This wheel is difficult to repair." The reason was simple: the BMW iX's wheels are made of plastic material, not standard metal. Plastic wheel repair requires a completely different approach than conventional painting. Every step, from manual labor and precise heat treatment to sufficient curing time, needs careful attention.

How to Repair BMW iX Plastic Wheels?

Upon inspecting the actual BMW iX wheels brought in, a clear scratch was visible at the 5 o'clock position. While not deep, it was more noticeable on the white wheels. The owner debated, "Is replacement the right choice for this level of damage?" However, 'Today's Car' in Gangnam confirmed the possibility of repair.

The first necessary step is manual adjustment of the air suspension. The BMW iX is equipped with an advanced suspension system, requiring the vehicle to be lifted before wheel removal. After ensuring safety and removing the wheel, a surprising fact was revealed.

The wheel was constructed from plastic. While the internal frame is metal, the outer surface is plastic. In such cases, most conventional painting shops decline the job, as paint may not adhere properly to plastic and could peel off over time.

From Manual Work to Heat Treatment: The Core Process of Gangnam Wheel Repair

The process at 'Today's Car' in Gangnam differed significantly from standard painting. First, each screw on the wheel was manually removed. This is to separate the frame without causing damage. This step alone takes 30 minutes. All parts were organized and stored in a box, preparing for reassembly without mix-ups.

The scratched area was first smoothed out through sanding (surface polishing). The edges of the damaged area were softened, followed by a thin application of a plastic-specific primer (adhesion promoter). Skipping this step can lead to future paint peeling and the need for rework.

The painting work was finished with a glossy clear coat. Maintaining gloss on plastic materials can be challenging, so the clear coat layer acts as protection against UV rays. The most crucial step after painting is heat treatment.

'Today's Car' in Gangnam conducts heat treatment in a dedicated oven at temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to 1 hour. During this stage, the paint chemically bonds with the plastic. If the wheels are released without heat treatment, paint peeling ('chilbeotgim') can occur due to temperature fluctuations and vibrations during driving. Therefore, it is essential to confirm that heat treatment is a mandatory step at any repair shop you visit.

After heat treatment, the wheels move to the natural drying phase. This is not simply placing them in a warm space but involves curing for over 48 hours in a controlled temperature and humidity environment. This is the most critical time for the final hardening of the paint layer.

Completed BMW iX Wheel Repair: Quality Verification Process

The drying process is followed by a thorough quality check. This includes inspecting for any imperfections, ensuring the color match is precise, and verifying the overall finish. The repaired wheels are then carefully reinstalled onto the BMW iX, completing the restoration process.