Front arches

[Straightsix]

Hi I am a bit of a noob in that I have very little technical experience with cars.

I was just wondering what is the process for cleaning the front arches properly and preventing rust ? I have BMW Insured Warranty Comprehensive cover. The car is a 2006 M3 CS :-). I thought I would ask here as you guys might have more knowledge than M3 Cutters ?

Any idea how much a BMW Dealer would cost to get this done thoroughly and properly .... Would warranty do it free as is more preventative maintenance :-).

Many Thanks :-)

[shimmy]

i got to the bmw paying for preventative bit and lost it

[_Nathan_]

Fair play, I only got to the cleaning bit

[karbonkid]

OK, I am a little lost too.

So you want to clean up the wheel arches and try and prevent any rust?

If you are capable of doing it yourself then your better off that way as it can be quite time consuming and you can be as thorough as you like with the occasional beer break in between.

Remove wheels, get yourself some Degreaser/ brush and a tar remover. Job done.

Not getting the rust part... But you are unlikely to find any rust on the underside of the wheel arches as it has been undersealed. You could always apply another coat of underseal once the area has been cleaned.

[Straightsix]

Originally Posted by karbonkid

OK, I am a little lost too.

So you want to clean up the wheel arches and try and prevent any rust?

If you are capable of doing it yourself then your better off that way as it can be quite time consuming and you can be as thorough as you like with the occasional beer break in between.

Remove wheels, get yourself some Degreaser/ brush and a tar remover. Job done.

Not getting the rust part... But you are unlikely to find any rust on the underside of the wheel arches as it has been undersealed. You could always apply another coat of underseal once the area has been cleaned.

Nice thanks :-)

Yes simply I want to keep the bodywork tip top preventing any rust.
Would you normally go as far as removing the arch liners as well ? Someone on M3 Cutters has gone and done that ?

I checked the door catches beneath the plastic covers last evening and cleaned them up. I did not unscrew them off though.

I have heard stories of E46s suffering from rust so want to keep on top of all the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance :-)

PS
I also have a E30 325i Sport .... And rust is a big problem with these models .... I have the very very rare Tech1 .... If any of you have heard of it :-) ?

[karbonkid]

Originally Posted by Straightsix

Nice thanks :-)

Yes simply I want to keep the bodywork tip top preventing any rust.
Would you normally go as far as removing the arch liners as well ? Someone on M3 Cutters has gone and done that ?

I checked the door catches beneath the plastic covers last evening and cleaned them up. I did not unscrew them off though.

I have heard stories of E46s suffering from rust so want to keep on top of all the servicing, maintenance, preventative maintenance :-)

PS
I also have a E30 325i Sport .... And rust is a big problem with these models .... I have the very very rare Tech1 .... If any of you have heard of it :-) ?

First thing to do is clean the arches and inspect for any rust. You could pop the liners off prior to cleaning they come off easily enough.

Get a detailer to do it if your not fussed about doing it.

I know Jay has often used an underseal after cleaning called Dynax S50 which I believe stays wet. They also use a none drying underseal to top up after the boot floor is replaced. I have often used a underseal that is similar to OEM underseal found in the arch and floorpan areas which dries hard as I prefer this type, as the wet type can get quite messy.

[karbonkid]

Another where Jay uses Dynax: http://www.cslregister.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3587

May be worth speaking with him as he may still offer this.