1991 BMW 325i Convertible Glasgow MOT Fail thoughts please

[ravensmead]

Hi members
i have a BMW E30 1991 convertible in Glacier Blue
the MOT has been getting harder every year and the new changes haven't made things any easier , i'm sure this will be a problem for many of us . i would like to keep the car but it needs both rear quarter panels replaced and has '' sub frame issues " . my questions are ”¦.
do think i'm wasting my money ? and can any members recommend anyone in the Glasgow area who would be prepared to get it fixed ? none of the local garages are interested !
many thanks

[aimlessrock]

get it fixed- that's a nice colour (mine is the same shade). some bodywork and a back end over haul is not the end of the world.

if you cant find someone in your part of town to do the works i can recommend a couple of quality garages my way in Bolton.

[Topblag]

Subframe can either be bushes failing or rust - it’s usually bushes and it’s not too big a job.

Rear quarters will be costly, probably £1000 of metalwork and panels and the same again on paint, at least.

I'd budget £2500 all in, and you've probably got crusty front corners to match unfortunately.

[Malky320cab]

Speak to Mark at E30 street in shotts, he could fix all required as he has a few doner cars lying about.

[martauto]

Just popped it over here so you may get a better reponse mate.

Mart.

[zippy1]

you could try the body repair guys in westburn cambuslang in the lane next to scot cart owners called Joe, does all my repairs.

[krog]

Another shout for Mark at e30 street in Shotts. Brilliant guy who can sort out your issues.

[Brianmoooore]

How are your DIY skills, and what facilities do you have? There's a big difference to the answer to your question if you are totally impractical and live in a first floor flat with no parking or are a seasoned mechanic with access to a fully equipped workshop.
What makes you think the entire rear quarter panels need to be replaced? I've only ever known this to be required after serious accident damage.
What is the rest of the car like in terms of corrosion? Before anything is done, n extensive rust hunt should be carried out.

[ravensmead]

Many thanks to you all for your thoughts so far
both rear quarter panels have really had it with badly rusted wheel arches and corrosion around the fuel input , i think i'll put a cover on her and meanwhile work on the bits i can do .
and get in touch with the E30 street guys next spring with a view to getting her back on the road next summer .
meantime I've been offered an E46 318i Touring which will do me for day today , i'm going to be really pissed of if we have a glorious summer and i can't take out the convertible !!

[Blitz]

Any pics? A Glasgow E30 is never going to look pretty.

[Topblag]

Many thanks to you all for your thoughts so far
both rear quarter panels have really had it with badly rusted wheel arches and corrosion around the fuel input , i think i'll put a cover on her and meanwhile work on the bits i can do .
and get in touch with the E30 street guys next spring with a view to getting her back on the road next summer .
meantime I've been offered an E46 318i Touring which will do me for day today , i'm going to be really pissed of if we have a glorious summer and i can't take out the convertible !!

Note that chucking a cover over won’t stop the rust from spreading, your bill will be higher next spring than it will today. No criticism implied, only giving facts.

[Dylano]

aimlessrock, what garages do you recommend in Bolton? I have an E36 compact which needs a bit of welding at the rear inner arch. Tempted to give it a go myself as the garage who did the other side did a rubbish job. Am only in Wigan.

Cheers