Rust bubbles on arches - solutions?

[Pip1968]

Just wondering what everyone was doing with regard to the small rust bubbles appearing on the edge of the wheel arches. I assume prep and respray is the route most are taking. Hoe long is a good job likely to last?

Are many replacing the arches instead of a respray - GegorUK did did he not?

A friend of mine has a standard e46 M3 and he was looking at replacements but I believe they are something like £380 each from BMW. Are there any other reputable alternative sources.

I take it that I am right in saying CSL arches are slightly wider than standard e46 M3 as the wheels are wider. Is this correct?

Pip

[GregorFuk]

Both my front arches we rusty, drivers side was worse than passengers, which I was told was salvagable. I replaced my drivers side wing and had the passenger side one ground back and re-painted. Needless to say I was back 12 months later having the passenger wing replaced. Once the rot sets in its very difficult to stop.

I used genuine BMW wings though I was very tempted to go aftermarket and fit carbon fibre replacements. I chickened out though as I wanted the car to look OEM and there is a general lack of info on the level of fit and finish you can get with carbon replacements. I'm not sure if there are pattern steel items but personally if you want the to last and fit well OEM is the only way to go.

CSL wings are no different to normal M3 wings, they are the same part number. If you are going to get them get them now, I have heard word that prices are about to jump as a result of the slump in the pound.

oh, and don't get me started on the rear arches

[Trawler]

Prep & respray on front wings and bottom edge of front sills over a year ago. Still looked OK a few weeks ago. Stealer wanted silly money to fit and paint so thought I would risk respray.

[sailorbaz]

I thought the wings would be different as the arches are rolled on the CSL are they not?

[select]

Originally Posted by sailorbaz

I thought the wings would be different as the arches are rolled on the CSL are they not?

The rear ones are. The fronts are the same as m3.
I thought the front wings are out of aluminium? Apparently not?

Pip do you have pictures of the damage?

[Gable]

Not that mine has bubbles but I would only go new, not worth risking the possibility of it coming back.

[Pip1968]

Originally Posted by select

The rear ones are. The fronts are the same as m3.
I thought the front wings are out of aluminium? Apparently not?

Pip do you have pictures of the damage?

I will put some pictures up when I get home in a couple of weeks. They are hardly noticeable at the moment so hopefully if caught early.... I only have 41,000 miles or so on the clock. The car has been garaged for the last nine years of ownership so probably not as bad as could have been.

Pip

[GregorFuk]

My advice would be to have a good root around your rear arches, especially where the bumper clips are bolted to the inner wing.

[Mike R]

Originally Posted by Gable

Not that mine has bubbles but I would only go new, not worth risking the possibility of it coming back.

This is what BMW said to me as well - they would only guarantee a repair for 2 years, but replacement wings resprayed 10 years. Was a no brainer - at the time (last year) the wings were only £250.... Mine had just started to show signs that something was happening in a couple of places under the paint, so while BMW had the car for the cams, they did the wings, side-skirts and bumper.

I kept the old wings as well (as proof that no damage took place if I ever sold the car).

[SSS]

I had the rust cut out and a section re-welded on my Evo.
Job was good.