There is something like CONVERT TO EDITABLE MESH in Cinema4D. But it doesn't works either.
Maybe you try "Plane-Mapping" in Cinema4D. Then the textures aren't distorted so much. But yeah, it doesn't solve all problems (e.g. animated mesh), but just try it.
Another (maybe) solution is to use Bodypaint 3D.
(It is developed by MAXON too. http://www.maxon.net/index_e.html )
I can't tell much about it, because I just tried the demo.
I hope that I could help you.
Used C4D 6 (Freeware)
Maybe you try "Plane-Mapping" in Cinema4D. Then the textures aren't distorted so much. But yeah, it doesn't solve all problems (e.g. animated mesh), but just try it.
Another (maybe) solution is to use Bodypaint 3D.
(It is developed by MAXON too. http://www.maxon.net/index_e.html )
I can't tell much about it, because I just tried the demo.
I hope that I could help you.
Used C4D 6 (Freeware)