Rust Warranty

[iZHP]

So my drivers side front fender has major rust damage on it.
Since I bought the car, there was always a little mark under the paint, but over the past year it's gotten worse.
When the car was @ Prestige for the TL Recall I had them check the Subframe and the fender.
They informed me they'd look into it and let me know.

I just got this e-mail:

Hi Ian,
Please see the attached body shop estimate you requested, unfortunately your vehicle is no longer covered for rust. The warranty parameter are as followed:

2004 and Later Models: BMW NA warrants the original vehicle against defects in materials or workmanship which will result in rust perforation of the vehicle body for a period of 12 years, without mileage limitation, commencing on the date of first retail sale, or the date the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever is earlier.

2003 and Earlier Models: BMW NA warrants the original vehicle against defects in materials or workmanship which will result in rust perforation of the vehicle body for a period of 6 years, without mileage limitation, commencing on the date of first retail sale, or the date the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever is earlier.

:mad I wish I bought an '04 :(

8 months newer and double the rust warranty? What gives. I'll be trying BMW NA and will keep this updated.

FYI:
The car has been garaged it's whole life before me, never been in an accident, and has been meticulously maintained.
The only sign of rust on the car is on the front fender right at the top.
The estimate was for $1,800 since the whole fender would need to be replaced because the extent of the rust.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/IMG_0306.jpg

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/IMG_0283-1.jpg

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/IMG_0291.jpg

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/IMG_0295.jpg

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/IMG_0303.jpg

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab58/ianbrady/IMG_0307.jpg

[MrMaico]

The key to their rust warranty is the words "rust perforation" which means it can't just be surface rust. It has to be a hole clear through the metal. Seems odd to have it where you do though. I'd like to see a pic of it if you get a chance.

Good luck, it's worth a shot at least.

[iZHP]

Pictures added.

[kayger12]

Dayum. That sux.

[MrMaico]

Damn, that's nasty! Never had any damage/body work there that you know of I assume? It's almost like there was some kind of screw-up on the assembly line.

Anything that your insurance might do for you possibly?

Barry

[danewilson77]

Yeah...that's horrible. Are we sure that area wasn't damaged then resprayed?

[iZHP]

I am not sure. I'm just going on the word of the PO. He was an enthusiast and I also did a carfax on it to confirm. He swore it was never in any kind of accident.

[danewilson77]

I am not sure how the salt/moisture would penetrate the factory paint layer and wax/sealant, etc....

[SoarinZHP]

Hate to be a kill joy.. Whenever someone swears anything they are lying...

[kayger12]

I never lie. I swear. :innocent

[iZHP]

he didn't "swear". I'm just saying that because he sounded sure.

[Meric]

I just asked our cars are only 6 years of warranty not 12.. :(

[iZHP]

^ you have an '04, so you have the 12-year warranty.

[zhp43867]

^ you have an '04, so you have the 12-year warranty.

What this could be was damage that happened when the car was in route to the US/owner. I forget the amount of damage, but there is an amount that automakers do not have to report to you if they repair it right off the ship. IIRC it is a higher percentage of cars than you would think. Hit it with a paint gauge and see what turns up.

Also, this is why you should get rust taken care of as soon as you see it.

[iZHP]

The rust was not repairable either way. It rotted from the underside out, so I never got a chance to catch it before I bought the car.

BMW NA was no help as expected. I just have to pocket the repair...along with the ZKW headlights which I made a "formal complaint" about while I had him on the phone.

Anyone know where to get a drivers-side fender?

[Meric]

They took my VIN number they said you had 6 years warranty

[S85FTW]

maybe you have an 03 manufactured 04 model?

[kayger12]

The rust was not repairable either way. It rotted from the underside out, so I never got a chance to catch it before I bought the car.

BMW NA was no help as expected. I just have to pocket the repair...along with the ZKW headlights which I made a "formal complaint" about while I had him on the phone.

Anyone know where to get a drivers-side fender?

I'd start with the junkyards. Might get lucky and get an E46 that was well maintained and got ass-ended.

[Whitexi]

I have rust, I know it sux but I just live with it for now. Im up in the air if I wana fix it or save the money and eventually get a new ( to me ) E46.

[MrMaico]

Considering a fender is only about $220 from BMW if it were me I would go with a new one. Have you checked with your insurance? They might be able to help. I've heard of people getting their front bumper rash repaired under their comp coverage.

I see Tischer and Husker BMW have made changes to their websites recently.....

http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/parts/2004/BMW/330I/?siteid=215771&vehicleid=1423617&diagram=1941150&diagramCallOut=1

[Meric]

maybe you have an 03 manufactured 04 model?

Yeap you got me. It is built in 03 for 2004 models. -.-

[iZHP]

^ ah that sucks! I'm sorry lol.


http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/parts/2004/BMW/330I/?siteid=215771&vehicleid=1423617&diagram=1941150&diagramCallOut=1

Thanks for the link. Do body shops like people bringing the parts for them to paint/install?

[zj96sc]

No, because then they can't gouge you on part prices too.

I'd just tell your shop where they can get the fender for the price you want and tell them to order it there. If they push back on that, find a new shop!

[Smitten04_330i]

Good Evening All!

I am wondering if anyone has taken advantage of this warranty recently.

I have finally gotten around to washing the zhp in the recent thaw and the rust spots I am aware of have grown. I am seeing some bubbling in the wheel wells and the front corners where the side skirts meet the metal.

I have an '04 zhp, so I should be covered by this 12 year warranty, right? I have also read that the rust must be "perforated".

Does anyone have a success story of this warranty actually doing them any good? Should I contact the dealer or a certified BMW shop?

Looking forward to some input. Thanks guys!

[az3579]

Good Evening All!

I am wondering if anyone has taken advantage of this warranty recently.

I have finally gotten around to washing the zhp in the recent thaw and the rust spots I am aware of have grown. I am seeing some bubbling in the wheel wells and the front corners where the side skirts meet the metal.

I have an '04 zhp, so I should be covered by this 12 year warranty, right? I have also read that the rust must be "perforated".

Does anyone have a success story of this warranty actually doing them any good? Should I contact the dealer or a certified BMW shop?

Looking forward to some input. Thanks guys!

Haven't seen or heard stories of anybody being able to take advantage of this. The rust perforation-proofing on the car is pretty good so I'd be shocked if anyone ever had actual perforation within 12 years.

It is true, though; the rust has to have perforated the metal for it to be covered. Also I believe the 12-year warranty on that started in 2004, so if you have a 2003 you're out of luck.

[slater]

yep, perforated is a bad state.

i have some light bubbling in a few spots that will get addressed this year.

peter

[danewilson77]

yep, perforated is a bad state.

i have some light bubbling in a few spots that will get addressed this year.

peter
Under warranty?

"No flamesuit required"

[slater]

Under warranty?

"No flamesuit required"

nope, it's not anywhere near perforation... going to have a friend of mine who does high-end bodywork fix the bubbly spots. he's also going to replace the windshield for me as two of the nasty spots are directly above the windshield - it would have to come out anyway.

peter

[ELCID86]

Hmm. I might get them to look at my passenger door.


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