Another e46 question

[ThrottleBod]

Hi all, just bought an e46 330ci. It’s a pre facelift 2003 manual in Imola red. All of the usual mechanical issues have been addressed, it took me ages to find one that’s been properly looked after.

As soon as I got it i stripper all the inner wheel arch covers out and cavity wax sprayed them the best I could. There are a couple of tiny rust bubbles on the front wings and 1 rear wheel arch.

I stupidly reversed into a bollard today and took a bit of paint off the rear bumper. I have a touch up stick on order but I know it won’t be perfect and it will annoy me. I doubt I can have just the bumper sprayed as it’s red so will need matching and may go a lot further. Will it be worth a body shop sorting properly in the long run including the arches?

I love the car and I can do any mechanical work needed. I’m just wary of sinking a lot of money into the bodywork if the rust will never stop. Sorry about the essay! And advice / opinions great fully received

[Mr Tidy]

Just a thought, but if it's only a small mark would one of the mobile firms be an idea?

Someone like ChipsAway (who did a couple of great jobs on my 1 Series), although there are obviously others out there.

ETA Well done finding an Imola Red 330Ci. I loved my Imola 325ti Compact.

[sparks_E46]

Just get the rust cut out and weld in a new section on the rear circa £250-£300.. front wings can just be replaced easy enough.

[dhutch]

ThrottleBod said:

E46 330ci. It’s a pre facelift manual in Imola red.

Oooo, snap.

I had a ridge tile come off the roof and dent the rear bootlid, which triggered respraying both sides of the car and the rear parking sensors which blister/fail. New front wings and rust treating the rears which were showing early signs. All four waxoyded when put back together.

Local one man band and brother of the BMW breakers I used for used parts. Paid about £600 all up. The colour match to the roof/bonnet/bumper/rear of tailgate is to be honest very good given the age. Arches where staggeringly cheap and are fine, you might expect slightly better from new but that could be the fitting as much anything.

Daniel

[ThrottleBod]

Thanks for the replies.

I think I’ll touch it in for the time being then bite the bullet eventually and get the rear arches done together and see what can be done regarding matching the paint. Just annoying as I’ve only just bought it!

£600 seems very cheap!

[dhutch]

Always annoying, but even more so when new! Yes, it was very cheap and there are a few parts where you can tell he usually paints commercial vans and the like, but it's really very good for the money. Obviously it's flat paint which helps, cash in hand, clear over the top, job jobbed.