Rust spots / bubbles
Discussion
Noticed a few small 'bubbles' under the paint on various places on my E46 328, plus a small area of rust on the rear wheelarch.
Are the bubbles likely to be rust?
What should I do about it given that I want to keep the car another year or two?
What's the best treatment for rust, and how much will it cost me (any prior DIY attempt at paintwork has always ended very, very badly, so I accept it will need an expert to look at it!)
Are the bubbles likely to be rust?
What should I do about it given that I want to keep the car another year or two?
What's the best treatment for rust, and how much will it cost me (any prior DIY attempt at paintwork has always ended very, very badly, so I accept it will need an expert to look at it!)
are the bubbles just in random places, or all in one place? Could be bad preparation for paint work.
Most likely is rust though - and if it's bubbling then it's coming through from behind.
I would go to a bodyshop (in fact I am going to have to soon), but if it is a filler+spray job expect about 18 months before it goes again. Ask me how I know.
Most likely is rust though - and if it's bubbling then it's coming through from behind.
I would go to a bodyshop (in fact I am going to have to soon), but if it is a filler+spray job expect about 18 months before it goes again. Ask me how I know.
As he says
An E46 of any age should not rust if still on OE panels and undamaged.
Usually you will find its had some accident repairs that have been done poorly. Poor paint prep and finish will allow rust to form. IIRC OE panels are galvanised
As been said if its bubbling then its coming from underneath and the actual size of the rust will be at leat 4 times bigger underneath.
An E46 of any age should not rust if still on OE panels and undamaged.
Usually you will find its had some accident repairs that have been done poorly. Poor paint prep and finish will allow rust to form. IIRC OE panels are galvanised
As been said if its bubbling then its coming from underneath and the actual size of the rust will be at leat 4 times bigger underneath.
The spots are on the roof in places, there's only a few. I know the history of the car from new and it's never had a repair (from registration!), but at the same time the bubbles might have always been there, there's no chips in the paint which could be letting water in?
There is one small spot on the bonnet from a stone which has started to rust so I guess that's a more urgent one to sort. How much for a garage to sort?
There is one small spot on the bonnet from a stone which has started to rust so I guess that's a more urgent one to sort. How much for a garage to sort?
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