E30 Zone

Hello, can any one help me with what to do about rust holes on my 320i the scuttle panel there's one hole on the drivers side just below the windscreen and another one on the passenger side which is just started.

Have thought of patching up with body filler but that would only be a temp fix, does any one know how much it would cost to weld plates to it or how much it would cost to replace the whole panel.

Also rust on rear wheel arch which i've heard is quite common on E30's

You're right, new metal is the only way to fix rust properly. Filler may stop it leaking temporarily, but it will continue to corrode so when you do come round to fixing it properly, the problem is even worse. Best get new metal in there as soon as you can.

Price will depend on the size/shape of the hole and accessability etc. Outer arches are a bit funny as they need to be cut right, new arches welded in, ground down, sprayed etc etc, and also the fuel filler pipe runs through the driver's side rear arch. Some bodyshops would insist on removing this for safety which only adds to the labour I'm afraid.

I had two 3-4" diameter holes welded up with new metal, on the inner rear arch which came to around £115. They didn't remove the fuel filler pipe and I sprayed the work myself as it was behind the boot trim.

Rust is always a bugger but best is to treat it as it comes along, the sooner the better. Front arches is easier to replace from the scrappy but rears need more work. If its surface rust wire brush it your self and primmer it to save some labour costs when it come to spraying.

First thing to consider is just how much the car is worth now, and how much after the work is done, and how long you intend to keep it.
If the car is an M3, cab or something very special you will need a new panel inserted below the windscreen. Think of £1k for this job alone. The rear wheel arches are trickier. as it affects the important rear panel, which needs to be perfect to the eye. Careful cutting out and leadfilling by a very competant body shop is required, and another £750-£1k probably.

If the car is just a good runner, fill them as best you can, and it will last a couple of years, and still look ok.

Thanks guys,

It's a 325i 4 door, my first E30 would like to keep it for life, but paid under a grand for it and for the price i knew there would be a few fixes needed.

didn't realise the work would be as expensive as that but will look into doing as much of it myself, like Sanchez suggested.

I just like to say thanks for the help again.