Discussion
I have rust on both sides of my 330Ci in the area highlighted. It was 'repaired' last year around this time by a local body shop that is the approved repair centre for the local Honda dealer. There are various other spots of rust that have also come back although the ones pictured are the worst by far. Is there any way to go about getting rid of all the rust properly without spending an arm and a leg?
It's an 04 plate as well.
Can't see from the pics whether that's on the wing panel or sill?
If it's on the wing, then you might end up just replacing the panel. My (2002) has rust on driver's side front wheelarch, and a body shop have tried to fix it twice, but it just comes back. Muck and mud gets behind the arch liner, and traps moisture.
The wings bolt on, so it's not the massive job it might seem (but I guess will end up costing a few hundred)
Although if it's on the sill, obviously thats not an option.
If it's on the wing, then you might end up just replacing the panel. My (2002) has rust on driver's side front wheelarch, and a body shop have tried to fix it twice, but it just comes back. Muck and mud gets behind the arch liner, and traps moisture.
The wings bolt on, so it's not the massive job it might seem (but I guess will end up costing a few hundred)
Although if it's on the sill, obviously thats not an option.
The last time it was done did they remove the side skirts and the wings to totally remove all the rust or did they just rub down the visible area and repaint?
Not sure you would get that under the perforation warranty as they'd probably say it was due to stone chips, being located directly behind the front wheels.
Not sure you would get that under the perforation warranty as they'd probably say it was due to stone chips, being located directly behind the front wheels.
The skirt is held on with a number of plastic rivets, the wheel arch liner will need to come out too, although you probably want to take this out anyway and clean out all the muck that accumulates behind it from the drain.
The wing is bolted on and will require removal of the front bumper which isn't a massive job, but if you want the rust gone it's the only way to proceed.
If your handy with spanners if you stripped the car down and reassembled it yourself you would save yourself some money.
The wing is bolted on and will require removal of the front bumper which isn't a massive job, but if you want the rust gone it's the only way to proceed.
If your handy with spanners if you stripped the car down and reassembled it yourself you would save yourself some money.
k sake.Do not think E90's have this prob, Mercs at that time had rust problems also.
Have your back wheel arches rusted also ?
Reason am asking is you can change the front to non original panels, if I recall cost me about 80 quid each 4 yrs ago.
They are a good fit however you have to make sure that you use a good painter which will cost a bit to spray 2 wings and blend it in.
If I was you I would also post on the Bodywork/Detailing section as you might get some expert advice from there.
Have your back wheel arches rusted also ?
Reason am asking is you can change the front to non original panels, if I recall cost me about 80 quid each 4 yrs ago.
They are a good fit however you have to make sure that you use a good painter which will cost a bit to spray 2 wings and blend it in.
If I was you I would also post on the Bodywork/Detailing section as you might get some expert advice from there.
Patrick Bateman said:
It's the sill that's more of the issue though.
+1 
That first picture shows quite severe rust on the sill panel (the long rectangular part), and some bubbling rust under the paint of the front wing.
If the sill (rocker panel), section has rusted from the inside, the only real cure is to have a replacement sill (rocker panel) fitted. The trouble with that is that it appears to only be available as part of a larger section:
No.2 or No.5:
4rephill said:
If the sill (rocker panel), section has rusted from the inside, the only real cure is to have a replacement sill (rocker panel) fitted. The trouble with that is that it appears to only be available as part of a larger section:
This is where a decent 'panel beater' makes a repair section for you if the rust is localised and hasn't spread further down the sill. It's also how the costs start to build up.One thing is for sure, the longer you leave it the worse the rust will get as will the repair bill.
I think it is fairly poor for cars of this age and supposedly premium brand should suffer rust. It reminds of of the similar problems with Rover and BL of the 80's though not nearly so bad.
I had an 05 330Ci, though, which when I sold it in 2011 was immaculate and no rust visible whatsoever, though I was wary of it.
I had an 05 330Ci, though, which when I sold it in 2011 was immaculate and no rust visible whatsoever, though I was wary of it.
Had the same on my 03 plate 330d m sport touring but actually worse, both side around most of the top of the arch, the only real remedy is new wings and a spray job, well over £1000!, the problem with most bodyshops is they don't actually sort the real problem out behind the arch liners.
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