Well guys, thought I'd share my small winter project.
Just before the end of last years season, I happened to be under my car for other reasons, when I accidently managed to knock off one of the rear jack-pads.
To my horror I found that the metal was.... well crispy like a cracker.
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26241/
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26242/
To better asess the damage I pulled the side skirts and peeled away the loose rust and metal.
When I pulled the side skirts there was about 1kg of sand on each side, so I guess it must have taken forever to dry, and has probably contributed to the rusting process.
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26243/
Then a few pictures of the left side.
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26244/
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26245/
And the right side
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26246/
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26247/
Fortunately I have a friend who works at a BMW bodyshop, so he has taken on the job of fixing it.
These pictures were taken today (12 March), Most of the rust has been cut away and tomorrow he will start to shape new metal and weld it in.
Left side.
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26248/
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26249/
Right Side
8er.org/forum/index.php?attachment/26250/
The car should be back on the road again in a week or so depending on the paint.
Fortunately there was nothing on the rear fenders so all the paint will be under the skirts when they go back on.
Just a friendly advise. Pull your jack pads and have a look, or better yet, pull the side skirts and get rid of any sand that may have accumulated there over time.
I will for sure pull mine regularly from now on.