E46 rust repair advice

[Bowlers]

My E46 touring is now at the point where corrosion has inevitably set in.

I’m wondering at this stage the best course of action. It is high mileage now, the problem is I’m finding it difficult to replace being a straight 6 manual.

I’ve seen the repair panels online, requiring the rear panel being cut out. Wondering if anyone has had this carried out at a bodyshop, and a rough figure of the cost?

[helix402]

Afraid I can’t help with cost as I did the job myself. However there is thread on here where someone paid for it which should give you an idea. You can use panel adhesive rather than weld the panels on as an option.

[De Sisti]

I had exactly the same job done in March this year. Garage charged me £700. There's a thread
on here. Panels were purchased from an ebay shop based in Poland for about £60. They arrived
super-quick too.

My Touring is mint, so it was a no-brainer to get the repairs done.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by De Sisti on Saturday 29th May 22:02

[Bowlers]

De Sisti said:

I had exactly the same job done in March this year. Garage charged me £700. There's a thread
on here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Thank you and helix for your reply. Well, that list is getting longer now

[helix402]

Happy to help.

[De Sisti]

Garage was going to charge me £800 "to go through the books", but the £700 went straight to the owner's wallet.