One problem related to paint has been reported for the 2009 BMW 3 Series. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Paint defect on new car, 2009 BMW , purchased on March 2010. The paint is pealing in 4 places. Car purchased new in March 2010. Manufacturer claims pealing is from a "external source". This is not plausible as pealing is in 4 spots, two different locations. Bmws own warranty vendor for body work indicated that is was "apparently a paint defect ". The BMW regional inspector said no, an external problem, denying what is obviously a manufacturing ( painting )defect. . BMW, offered, a "good faith" adjustment of 50% of repair cost but if it is a defect it should be covered in full as part of the warranty. Clearly a new cars paint on a BMW should not be peeling in a few months in 4 places and BMW should acknowledge and cover a paint defect.