Inner Rear offside arch - rot

[MOCKO]

After removing the plastic petrol line protector on the rear of my 325i sport there was quite extensive rotting of the inner arch and the cable protector which runs throught the rear arch. I have cut out the worst of the rot and have bought a new 'cable protector' peice from the dealers.

What is the best plan of attack on the inner arch - the outside of the car is perfect and you caanot tell the inner has almost gone.

Can I use fibreglass and form this to the deisred shape and paint black - it is not seen when the plastic protector is put back.

The petrol filler peice from cap to tank was a bit rusty but has not rotted.
Can this be replaced.

Is this inner arch rot an MOT faialure and if the tester cannot see it will it fail?

Has anybody had work done in this area.

Thanks Ian

[georob]

Yeah, would fail the mot and with it being fibred too if you were to do that would be the same im pretty sure

[nasir325ic]

nowadays mot stations knock all over the joint to catchou any bit of rust, just get a plate welded on there

[fuzzy]

you could patch it up so the mot tester doesnt see it but that doesnt fix the problem and wont give you peace of mind that your cars safe and roadworthy.best to blow the dust of the grinder and welder and fix it properly

[Brianmoooore]

Has anybody had work done in this area.
Thanks Ian

Three quarters of E30s have rust holes here - even if a lot of their owners don't know it.

[handpaper]

Is it the front or rear of the arch?

BrianMoooore is right about holes in the the rear of the arch - it's why e30 boots turn into swimming pools. The area isn't structurally important, and can be patched any way that's convenient, though welding a plate on is best.

The front of the arch is a different matter - it's structural and within 30cm of your rear subframe mount, so yes it's an MoT failure (or should be) and it's a good idea to fix it properly even if the tester misses it (mine did).

[Kos]

i agree with brian on this one, my M3 looked mint but i know there were some rust issues

most e30 have had some sort of accident which will contribute to the rot coming thru

took it all apart to sort out, while i'm have a engine rebuilt and i'm shocked how bad it is, so i'm just simply going for it, even though it could be patched up.

new inner wings up front, new front pannel and pretty much every thing else in the engine bay as i want it to look as good there as the outside, jacking points are being attended to, some rust on the rear sills , rear inner arches and new back pannel

almost a 2 grand job to do right with new genuine parts and labour

if you do it do it right

[dobbie82]

P38 anyone? Scary thing is I'm sure many people have used it to fool an MOT tester (in his younger and more foolish days my other half did and it passed!! dont worry the car is well and truly scrapped now)

Its not as if it is on show so welding a patch is your best bet. Get it done properly though or it will just rust again.

Oh I am so glad my dad is a panel beater, gonna ask nicely for him to sort my boot with en-suite corner pool out!

for those who have no idea what P38 is...

[MikeeMiracle]

for those who have no idea what P38 is...

Is it possible to not know what P38 is with an old car? Or am I just showing my age