I currently have a Black 2001 E55 with 116k miles, no accidents on the carfax, but both rear quarters, rear bumper, and trunk have all been repainted. The hood and both front rockers could use a paint correction or re-paint due to some mild scratches and rock chips. I'm planning to sell the car next month, if you were the buyer, would you rather see the rest of the car repainted, or would a full re-paint scare you away? I recall a fully re-painted silver E55 going on BaT a few years back with 121k mi. for around $9k. Your thoughts/advice/recommendations are very welcome! Thanks!

 

At that mileage, I don't think it matters or better yet, the cost to respray will not be realized in the sale.

I would prefer a car to be mechanically sound and up to date more so than be cosmetically perfect. That being said, black shows everything and I dont know how rough yours looks like.

 

It’s mechanically sound at this point and that’s why I’m moving on to the cosmetic quirks. I could have it repainted for just the cost of paint as I have a connection who specializes in MB restorations, that’s the only reason I’m contemplating the full re-spray.

My real concern is whether or not buyers will be turned off by non-original paint. Current coat looks good from 5-10 feet away, imperfections up close tho - Pictures below!

 

Its your money. If anything just have someone retouch and repair all the bad spots. That way the car looks much better without the stigma of it being "repainted".

 

Leave the paint, buff out those headlights... Personally I get nervous around painted cars, who knows whats underneath... if these top end car guys on TV can't tell what underneath then im sure we can't tell either... my .02

 

I've been fooled on a motorcycle tank, paint looked good and was told it was factory, till i started to smooth it out and went thu the clear immediately... i questioned this "factory" paint and started to go further, found a 1/4 of bondo in baseball size dent on the tank...

 

Id say that fully documenting this process from before paint to after should eliminate any worries. It's the non disclosure that scares/angers people. Besides you could always point to this thread as well.

It will be buyer dependant as to who will pay a premium for the re spray you may perform.

I wish I had a friend who would respray mine at cost!

 

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I’ll let you know which route I go come spring time!