Driver door rocker/chassis cracking at seam?

[weislow]

I tried searching, but I didn't even know what to call it and couldn't come up with anything that was relevant to what I saw today. Was about to purchase this 91 e30, but noticed that the driver side rocker sill/chassis at the weld line was cracking. Wasn't sure if this is normal or a structural issue and I should stay away. Any help is appreciated!

[rturbo 930]

Might be the result of a low quality paint job or something. I don't know if E30s typically flex at the seam or not, but that could also do it. I'm guessing they don't though, since that's probably a pretty rigid area, being part of the rocker. My bet is on paint job since it looks like the seam was filled in a bit with a little body filler compared to the other side.

Of course that would suggest that one side has had body work done, and the other side hasn't, which could indicate a prior accident/body damage.

[RobTapps88]

Could be rust that lead to cracking... Mine formed a rust hole in the same spot.. just my 2 cents though

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[rturbo 930]

You can see a little bit of a rust stain in pic #3. It's really small, but I would expect it to spread if not treated.

[gart]

Looks like a old repair to me. It always comes back.