E30s and rust

[Julien]

Every 89 I've owned has had rust by the jack points, on the doors and by the rear battery tray (typical).. Versus the 88s and the 90s that usually have alot less. I know my data is only from 20 something cars (i've owned ± 15 e30s + friends cars etc).. but anyone else notice that the 89s are more rust prone, or is it just in my head?


Julien

[boomer]

The only rust on my '89 ix was in the right side rear valance,and the PO had it removed.

[dlmrun2002]

e30 rust

Newer bumper styles rust out in the rear valence more. Some kind of water trap or weep hole clogging up. Also on front jack point under rug from water sitting there after leaking in from windshield and running down under carpet without knowing it is rotting away. M3's under windshield gasket. And bottom of door seams..
dlm

[Desaevious]

Every 89 I've owned has had rust by the jack points, on the doors and by the rear battery tray (typical).. Versus the 88s and the 90s that usually have alot less. I know my data is only from 20 something cars (i've owned ± 15 e30s + friends cars etc).. but anyone else notice that the 89s are more rust prone, or is it just in my head?


Julien

My 90 suffers from this.

[allwheeldrive]

I have small rust "spots" around the rocker areas, mostly on the seams. A spot or two on the bottom of the rear valance. The biggest rust my car has is the bottom section of both fenders. Drives me nuts. But i suppose its not too bad for being 20 yrs old and lived in Akron/Toledo is entire life till recently.

Its an 89

[e30s52]

i think that most e30s you find will alot of the same rust patterns. both my 87 and 88 had rust on the jack points and lower part of the fenders.

[kid325e]

my 87 is pretty rust free.

[kamotors]

my 89 has 0 rust

[dlmrun2002]

My 318is did have rust but she is good now. My 325ix ..that's another story...Probable dumping her in spring •• rusted rear valance•• I have new one I'll throw in when the time comes to sell.

[DCColegrove]

Pre 9/87s did have more rust issues than the post 9/87s...

Anything will rust under certain conditions though...

Keep the car clean and the body drains open.

[TDE30]

Eh, early model cars (pre-9/87) also had the leaky taillamp gaskets.

Or maybe it's a result of them being in Europeland for so long.

[cferb]

I have some rust on my 90 due to minor collisions. The front fender looks like someone cut it with a knife...And the rear just has a crack in the middle of a dent. I need to fix it soon...Nothing for other reasons though.

How do you fix rust and keep it away? I've tried sanding it down and putting touch up paint over it, but eventually it just rusts through again.

[shmutzigE30]

i personally dont think so

[E30_Pare]

my 85 has no rust :). Just needs paint.


*gotta love California

[Moto-Mucci]

My 89's completely rust free, and a northern car.