Z4-forum.com

Hi
I'm a new member looking to buy 2003 3.0 Z4.
Mechanically it seems to be sound, it has a full bmwfs but the body work is a bit tatty.
It all seem superficial, the odd scrape here a small ding there but the big worry is there is rust bubbling on top of the rear wings where the convertible top kinda goes down behind.
It's on both side and about an inch long.
Would it be just surface rust or indicative of more serious issues?
I understand the wings just unbolt, so if it's superficial, I'll happily remove them to get the issue sorted bit if it's a little bit of a serious issue, I may pass.
Any advice would be gratefully received.

Rust on the body panels is generally not something the E89s seem to suffer from.
Most of the body panels are aluminium, only the doors, rear wings and bootlid are steel.

If it has the same problem both sides, in the same place, it could be a problem with the roof shell catching at some point in the past, which is not good, whether it was a mis-aligned roof, or accident damage. The roofs are incredibly complicated and therefore can be extremely costly if they have a major problem. If the car is, or has been, knocked out of shape then the issues are obvious.

Pictures would be good, but appreciate that could be difficult if you haven't bought it.

Just from the details given, I think I would walk away and find another one, but good luck!

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I made a typo; it's a 2003 with a soft top.
A check revealed it has no serious accidents and there's no evidence of one either. Panel colours and gaps are constant.
I feel this car has great potential, I'm after a project and I think I can use the issues to get it for a good price

If the rust is bad, then it can look like this underneath https://zroadster.org/threads/nessie-ro ... 2-5.49539/

On a 2003 rust on wings isn't too unusual given their age.

But as you say all wings are bolted on so not structural and replacements come up for sale on here from time to time. Although some colours are easier to find than others!