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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 9:14:47 GMT
The 320 was at the dealer yesterday for them to have a look at the rust.
I've had a suspicion since not long after we got the car that it'd been in a crash on the offside rear because of an outbreak on that corner of the tailgate and a slight misalignment of the rear door so when a spot appeared at the bottom corner of the driver's door I assumed it had affected there too.
Anyway I've been a bit slow at booking it in, not helped by Covid, and when I looked at it on Saturday with my best mate (who works as a QC/estimator at a bodyshop that is a stone's throw from the BMW garage) there was bubbling along the whole length of the doors and front wing where it meets the sill on both sides.
Anyway Mrs Tim took the car up yesterday and when she went back to pick it up was told that they'll pursue the tailgate issue with BMW but the rest of it was down to stone chips.
Now, just to re-iterate the bubbling is roughly a 2 centimetre strip for the whole length of the doors and front wing and affects both sides.
If they simply said it was down to neglect from not washing it often enough then I'd have to agree and if it was 'new' paint then similarly it wouldn't be BMWs problem.
But it's not, the paint is original and since I'm not habitually driving sideways through Kielder Colin McRae stylee but with the doors open enough to catch stones, but only on the bottom, then I struggle to see how it could possibly be stone chips.
I'm not aware of this era of 3 series having a reputation for rust but then I wasn't aware of the transfer box issue until it struck.
I'm really pissed off.
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Post by Martin on Dec 22, 2020 9:53:18 GMT
I'd be angry too. I think you've been quite patient with it / the dealer even before the rust.
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 9:59:10 GMT
I think lazy is a better word than patient  It went to a different dealer yesterday, I know John Clark's are crap so thought I'd go to one that's no further away and have a good reputation! |
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Post by johnc on Dec 22, 2020 10:54:49 GMT
I am not aware of rust being an issue with the 3 series either but I occasionally read some of the BMW forums and it seems to be a regular occurrence that rust is blamed on stone chips by the dealers - that will be a BMW UK get out.
I agree that there is no way it would rust only along the bottom edge of the door if it were stone chips - there would be similar rust marks all over the door - it sounds like an excuse.
The only car I had that rusted along the bottom of the door was a Golf that had the door resprayed after a neighbour reversed into it. I think they must have rubbed it down and filled it near the bottom and there was either moisture when they painted it or the paint was too thin or incomplete on the bottom edge and that allowed the rust to start.
I think you just need to get rid and get something a bit lighter on the miles preferably from a franchised dealer.
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Post by michael on Dec 22, 2020 11:21:51 GMT
Aren’t you looking to replace it with a similar model?
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 11:23:19 GMT
I think you just need to get rid and get something a bit lighter on the miles preferably from a franchised dealer. Mrs Tim's searching last night suffered from 'mission creep' on the budget to the extent that I'd go for the 440i I linked to previously. We had a look at Honda Civics - just want something bland and reliable for now - but at 10-12k there's no middle ground, they're all a 1 litre turbo with 130BHP or a 1.4 with less. Once we're back at work she'll be parking in a hospital car park most days so tempted to get something even cheaper where it doesn't matter if it gets a few door dings. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2020 12:34:45 GMT
I think we all know what hospital parking is like, the balancing act will come, obviously, between being unremarkable but acceptable. I know STFO but it will probably be easier to let her chose rather than come up with things she might like. Good luck with it.
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 12:50:51 GMT
Aren’t you looking to replace it with a similar model? Not any more! Mike, we're currently storing her brother's 190k mile 2003 BMW 5 series (that has rust free door bottoms, fancy that!) and that would be perfect for hospital parking but it has some mystery electrical ailment that encourages it to occasionally fail to proceed so it's not reliable enough for her to use at a new job. |
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Post by johnc on Dec 22, 2020 13:06:53 GMT
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Post by PG on Dec 22, 2020 13:42:09 GMT
I would have thought that rust along the bottom edge of doors was caused by water ingress into the door at some point. Either by a blocked drain hole (if it has those) or a failed seal that has allowed water in. No idea about the wings though, although it might be water getting behind the wheel liner?
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 13:56:17 GMT
I would have thought that rust along the bottom edge of doors was caused by water ingress into the door at some point. Either by a blocked drain hole (if it has those) or a failed seal that has allowed water in. No idea about the wings though, although it might be water getting behind the wheel liner? Yes, but why only on mine? Every time I see an older F30 version of a 3 series now I'm going to be looking at its doors! John, SWMBO has discounted Audis and although I haven't suggested a Merc I suspect it'll be an emphatic no. She's out and about just now and has been gone a long time just for getting a couple of gift vouchers from Boots and collecting something from Screwfix but her route will have taken her past the local Ford garage, I wouldn't be surprised if she's been in to have a look at something else - Kuga or Mondeo possibly. I'm away to look at 370Zs........ |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2020 14:59:56 GMT
"I'm away to look at 370Zs........".
THAT, is a plan to operate on.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Dec 22, 2020 16:48:28 GMT
I would have thought that rust along the bottom edge of doors was caused by water ingress into the door at some point. Either by a blocked drain hole (if it has those) or a failed seal that has allowed water in. No idea about the wings though, although it might be water getting behind the wheel liner? Yes, but why only on mine? Every time I see an older F30 version of a 3 series now I'm going to be looking at its doors! John, SWMBO has discounted Audis and although I haven't suggested a Merc I suspect it'll be an emphatic no. She's out and about just now and has been gone a long time just for getting a couple of gift vouchers from Boots and collecting something from Screwfix but her route will have taken her past the local Ford garage, I wouldn't be surprised if she's been in to have a look at something else - Kuga or Mondeo possibly. I'm away to look at 370Zs........ I think I've suggested this before but I'm convinced your BMW has had some "history" before you got it. It sounds to me like it's had extensive body repairs, done badly. I've never heard of F30s rusting and have never seen one with any rust on. I think someone sold you a pup. |
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 17:06:33 GMT
I've thought so for a while too but the paint depth is apparently correct and surely even if it had a bump at the right rear, which is what I suspect, the doors and front wing on the other side would escape unscathed OR it would be a big enough cost to have registered somewhere.
The car had a full history (from yesterday's garage) when I got it from a reputable independent in Perth.
Clearly the stone chip reason for the rust is utter bollocks.
It was rather laughable last night that the salesman was still trying to sell us another 3 series but a conversation with him this afternoon has shown that although he knew about the rust he hadn't actually spoken to his colleague to get the 'reason' why it was there.
Mrs Tim left him clear that we wouldn't be buying another BMW - if this is the best reason they can come up with then why would we buy another fairly expensive car that is going to rust by the time it's 7 years old?
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Post by johnc on Dec 22, 2020 17:24:49 GMT
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Post by Tim on Dec 23, 2020 9:45:06 GMT
I don't think I'm ready for the new shape 3 series John!
A bit if an update. Following his follow up chat with Mrs Tim the salesman spoke to went and checked with the technician who inspected the car, rather than the service manager (I presume) who passed on the message.
Turns out the underside is a bit of a mess and shows clear signs of having been driven on gravel extensively. I know our roads are shit but they're not that bad so the assumption is owner no1 did that for us.
Anyway, looks like January will be a month of change.
Time to decide what we want.
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Post by Roadrunner on Dec 23, 2020 11:17:24 GMT
I don't think I'm ready for the new shape 3 series John! A bit if an update. Following his follow up chat with Mrs Tim the salesman spoke to went and checked with the technician who inspected the car, rather than the service manager (I presume) who passed on the message. Turns out the underside is a bit of a mess and shows clear signs of having been driven on gravel extensively. I know our roads are shit but they're not that bad so the assumption is owner no1 did that for us. Anyway, looks like January will be a month of change. Time to decide what we want. Did you buy it as an approved used BMW? |
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Post by michael on Dec 23, 2020 11:39:35 GMT
I don't know if it has been recommended elsewhere but if Mrs Tim is looking at a hot-hatch like the Punto HGT, isn't that new Yaris made for you? I know the budget is steeper but they have good finances and likely decent residuals. 4x4, too.
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Dec 23, 2020 13:56:46 GMT
I don't think I'm ready for the new shape 3 series John! A bit if an update. Following his follow up chat with Mrs Tim the salesman spoke to went and checked with the technician who inspected the car, rather than the service manager (I presume) who passed on the message. Turns out the underside is a bit of a mess and shows clear signs of having been driven on gravel extensively. I know our roads are shit but they're not that bad so the assumption is owner no1 did that for us. Anyway, looks like January will be a month of change. Time to decide what we want. Mrs Sacamano had a similar car come into their bodyshop a few years ago. It was a 3 month old Audi that had been bought new from Teesside Audi by travelers and driven extensively offroad causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to the underside. Her Audi dealership repaired it and the gypsies came to pick it up, test drove it, and then drove off, refusing to pay. I think if the car has been in some sort of lease/hire fleet then there is always the chance someone will have abused it because, with it not being their car, they don't give a shit. |
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Post by johnc on Dec 23, 2020 15:13:57 GMT
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Post by Martin on Dec 23, 2020 15:15:01 GMT
The options have taken a sudden turn towards ugly. |
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Post by johnc on Dec 23, 2020 15:21:48 GMT
The options have taken a sudden turn towards ugly. I'm just trying to find out what floats Tim's and Mrs Tim's boat! The 1 series is a half decent hatch and brand new at under £20K it might just tick a lot of boxes. |
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Post by Martin on Dec 23, 2020 15:29:00 GMT
The options have taken a sudden turn towards ugly. I'm just trying to find out what floats Tim's and Mrs Tim's boat! The 1 series is a half decent hatch and brand new at under £20K it might just tick a lot of boxes. Sorry, no idea is a bad idea Edit: Apart from something like the Hummers Tim was looking at the other day. |
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Post by johnc on Dec 23, 2020 17:22:08 GMT
Edit: Apart from something like the Hummers Tim was looking at the other day. I know someone with a Hummer like the black one. Not quite as big in the wheel department but all the chrome. He gets 9mpg on a good day. Being an accountant I don't see Tim finding that acceptable! |
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Post by johnc on Dec 26, 2020 16:45:28 GMT
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Post by Martin on Dec 26, 2020 17:30:33 GMT
It’s got the best exterior colour and full merino leather. Golden Brown does look a bit Essex fake tan to me in pictures but it might not be that bad. |
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Post by Tim on Dec 28, 2020 17:38:00 GMT
The options have taken a sudden turn towards ugly. I'm just trying to find out what floats Tim's and Mrs Tim's boat! The 1 series is a half decent hatch and brand new at under £20K it might just tick a lot of boxes. Christ, I go away for a couple of days and things take a weird turn. The 1 series might be decent but, well, just look at it. There are limits. Same with that 440i, lovely on the outside, less so inside. That got a definite no. I'm going to see if we can get a look/drive of this. usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202012096927873?quoteref=4740013c-8666-4358-8947-83f546da903c |
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Post by johnc on Dec 28, 2020 18:00:56 GMT
I thought it had to be petrol!
The 440i looks nicer in person than in the photos. It also has LED headlights.
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Post by racingteatray on Dec 28, 2020 18:14:57 GMT
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Post by Tim on Dec 28, 2020 18:23:27 GMT
I thought it had to be petrol! The 440i looks nicer in person than in the photos. It also has LED headlights. I've left the decision to Mrs Tim (as long as she picks something that's not a 420!) so diesel now appears to be acceptable. |
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