First Major Rock Chip

sunrun8188 | 2026-03-11 01:48 | 1 views

I picked up my AWD in Ultra Red on Dec 26th, handing over the keys to my 13yo 6 speed BMW 335i. Life is much busier now in my mid 40s, especially with a toddler. So in addition to getting all of the comfort of a new and larger car, I was also hoping to give up stressing out over aesthetic defects ike rock chips, scratches, etc. I considered getting PPF after deliver, but I decided against it.— I the car since the capitalized cost was cheaper than buying (with the YE lease credit) outright while still giving me the flexibility of returning it at 36 months if an electric vehicle didn’t fit our 1 car lifestyle. But mostly, I couldn’t justifying spending $2k on something that has little-to-no resale value, and worse could even become a liability re: yellowing or removal later. But after just 1700 miles on NJ roads littered with salt and pothole debris, I got my first MAJOR rock chip on the bumper. It’s bumming me out, so I’m coming here to feel a bit better: 1. Do you think this is something that can be improved with Dr. Colorchip? Can I build up the hole with paint alone before smoothing it out? 2. I’m considering a bumper-only PPF now just to eliminate the mental fatigue. a. Would it have prevented this damage, or is it likely this would have still caused an indentation? b. How will the PPD over some paint chips if I touch them up first? I’m likely to buy out the lease. FSD is life changing re: stress reduction commuting around and in NYC. Thanks!

Comments (17)

Taxthepoor100 2026-03-11 01:52

Who gives a shit just drive the car

colokan2224 2026-03-11 01:53

lol

l0cknessmonsta 2026-03-11 01:58

Yup. Get used to it. My car is over 9k miles. My front bumper is peppered.

NiceBench9100 2026-03-11 02:00

Shoulda gone with your gut- what do you expect for a car that doesn’t have air intake grill on the front?

Lebrongains27 2026-03-11 02:05

Who cares I have crazy ocd and I have like 3-4 chips Idc anymore and you shouldn’t either I am a ocd freak and I got over it ppf won’t protect everything and adds no re sale value Op i understand the ocd, coming from someone with the exact same thought, don’t sweat it, grab touch up paint and go on

Lebrongains27 2026-03-11 02:05

brianmatute 2026-03-11 02:11

I appreciate this comment, coming from and having the same issue.

Pristine_Cricket_633 2026-03-11 02:15

I have 23 and 24 MY. They both have 5 or more rock chips each.They are both leases as well. We drive mostly I-24 to town and trucks are everywhere. I try to avoid getting to close to cars ahead but someone is always cutting in and im in a hurry as well. I clean the front off of bugs with Meguiars quick detailer. To me it is unavoidable normal wear and tear. 🤷‍♂️

midnight_to_midnight 2026-03-11 02:17

I have rock chips on my 2014 S that rival the Chicxulub Crater. Get used to it. Lol

PN2096 2026-03-11 02:36

All cars eventually get rock chips. PPF can reduce the risk, but it can still get chipped if a projectile is at its optimum velocity. Just live with it and enjoy the car. Or you can buy a new bumper every year or 2.

Wants-NotNeeds 2026-03-11 02:44

Ow! Not the red one! I couldn’t sleep knowing that was there.

FamousStore150 2026-03-11 02:51

PPF

asthmaticdabber 2026-03-11 03:14

Totaled

FitterOver40 2026-03-11 03:17

NNJ here. I’m self diagnosed OCD and got the entire front end PPF’d the day after delivery. My wife commute is all 287. Yes, PPF has no resale value. It’s there to keep me sane.

Balancedone_1 2026-03-11 04:17

You can take two routes: 1. Live a stress free life now that your bumper has a chip. Similar to dropping your phone for the first time 2. Get it repaired and add ppf. I went with ppf on only the bumper and it was the best idea so far.

Lebrongains27 2026-03-11 05:24

Fr, just easier to let it go Earlier this year, I scratched my passenger side side mirror on my snowblower handle when I was backing up into the garage I’m not want to be very clumsy like that and I freaked out didn’t do any damage for a scratch, went on Amazon and spent 30 bucks and got two replacement caps and it’s good as new, things happen

GizmoSwd 2026-03-11 20:25

Leased: Hmm, a rock chip. Sucks, but oh well, drive on. Owned: My OCD would be triggered by such an event, so I would at least PPF the bumper.

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