Oh no...rust

[BMWnewB]

A couple of months ago I bought a 1994 530i. Along the Drivers side door there is about a quarter inch where the paint is bubbling up on both sides of the door. When I bought the car I put that in as part of price negotiation figuring that I could have it fixed up at a body shop. Last week I took it by a local Body shop that has a very good reputation and the guy said that he wouldn't touch it. He thought that it was the door frame starting to rust from the inside out and that there wasn't any way he do anything about it.

Has anyone else had any rust problems with their 5 series? Does anyone have an ideas. The good thing is that I seem to have an early jump on it and I am open to any suggestions! Thanks!

[jstgermaine]

Hey BMWnewB!

I am in Battle Creek!

I have the rust issues as well. Actually way more than you. Mine has rust on both rear quarters that has eaten it's way totally through.

I ended up actually buying new (used) quarters from a donor and am having a local body guy do all the work. Will it last forever...? Not here in Michigan, but it will buy me some time.

I found that a lot of 'big' body shops really don't want to invest the time into rust repair because they are looking for the quick turn around type job.

[BMWnewB]

Thanks for the reply Jerry,

I am actually following the same path as you. I found a great shop called International Motors over near me. Currently the guy there is pricing out a new door for me, after talking we both felt that a donor was the best thing for it. He could have taken it down and built it back up but it would probably start showing up again within a year or so. I have a few very small spots that are starting on the corners of other doors (about Nickel sized) that he said wouldn't be a problem to fix.

I agree about the 'big' body shops also, it seemed that when they found out I would be paying cash instead of using insurance they suddenly lost any interest they might have had.

I was in Kalamazoo for four years while at WMU so I know how much fun winter is just becoming for you guys over there. Thanks for the reply and hopefully we can both avoid some salt this winter.

_____________
Clay Vanderpool
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1994 BMW 530i

[jstgermaine]

Clay,

I have a lead on good doors if you need it. Since you are paying cash my source can save you big bucks over new!! Email me direct for the information.

jstgermaine@stgassociates.com

[btsave]

Is rust an issue in newer (2000) 540's? Looking at one from DC with 66k miles on it.