The problem is that someone has used polyester filler on the seams instead of lead.
The only seams that are filled in and leaded are above the headlights. The ones below the head lamps are open as are the ones above amd below the rear tail lights.
The shells flex a lot so that is why the filler has cracked.
I would suggest that you check the bonnet hinges that they are the same shape and are not bent as that will affect the lining up of the bonnet and doors. The doors can be moved up and down at the hinge to try and line up all the panels as can the bonnet, but it isn't a 5 minute job.
Cheers,
John.

Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:53:57 +0000From: paulhill2002@btopenworld.comTo: bmw02@jiglu.comSubject: Re: [bmw02] paintwork

Sounds like filler shrinkage issue, I will ask my local body shop if they can shed any light on this. The factory cars were lead loaded on the seams wings to front panel. Most shops don't lead load nowdays.

Best Paul Hill Sent from my iPhone
On 12 Nov 2008, at 09:57, Richard Baptiste <...> wrote:

ok I need some help understanding what is happening to my paintwork, the respray is about 3 years old, is perfect elsewhere, and for some inexplicable reason it has now got a hair line crack where the rear drivers side wing meets the back panel this started about a month ago and now the front panel below the bumper has a crack where it meets the wing, all on the seams.
Any ideas.
Would a strut brace help to stiffen up the shell or would this just make it worse?
Really frustrating, our roads arent great, but I cant see this is it.
Would it be worth getting fixed or just forget, it is mostly dry here and the car is always polished (autoglm if that helps) and stored out of whatever weather there is. i'm wondering if its been nudged as I think the bonnet is also out of line a liitle and catches a piece of trim on the waist of the door now.

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