2007 3.0Si Wheel Arch Rust

[E85TOM]

Good Morning
A couple of months ago I noticed a very slight bubbling of the paintwork on the top edge of one of the rear arches, upon further inspection I could tell it was rust forming behind the paint and in the arch, just on thay lip. Then when taking it to my guy near Southampton last week, we noticed it’s now the same on all four corners! Has spread very quick.
Anyone had the same thing? And did it come back?! Starting to think I’ve put it in the garage wet or straight after washing too many times. Flat roof garage, no where for the moisture to go… Keen to understand any similar experiences and preventable measures.

Thanks
Tom

 

[Matty_Z4]

Yes, both of my rear quarters have rust bubbles near the rear arches and a little bit further forward. Will see if I can post some pictures later. I think they are from a couple of really salty winters 2020/2021 and a lack of washing due to low milage because of a global lockdown.

Im thinking next summer might be time to learn to paint :O

 

[Barty]

Same issue here. Both rear panels suffer from very mild bubbling round the arches, as well as one of the doors along the lower edge. I’ll book it in for a full respray in 12-18 months, so not too bothered about it now

 

[j3nks79]

I noticed my rear quarters starting to bubble along where it meets the side skirt.
Looks like the plastic bracket is a water trap. They rust from the inside out.
I’ve bought 2 new rear quarters as if you fill and paint It will always come back.

 

[TOMGREEN413]

My 100k 2007 seems completely rust free on close inspection, I'm guessing it just luck or are some model years more susceptible to rust?

 

[E85TOM]

Any views on whether putting it in the garage wet is a possible cause?

 

[TOMGREEN413]

Highly unlikely, if it was something like an Alfa Sud then yes (I used to sweep up my one most mornings) but due to the age of these cars in my opinion.

 

[E85TOM]

Interesting. Thanks all. It’s good to know I’m not the only one and therefore my E85 isn’t a lemon! I’m going to get all four areas sanded down, treated, painted and lacquered. And then pray it doesn’t come back!

 

[j3nks79]

Interesting. Thanks all. It’s good to know I’m not the only one and therefore my E85 isn’t a lemon! I’m going to get all four areas sanded down, treated, painted and lacquered. And then pray it doesn’t come back!

Unless you cut it out or replace the panel the rust will always come back

 

[raymond.harper]

Check the edges of the wings on a regular basis and remove any rust before it gets a hold. You can easily get second-hand wings in the same colour if you scratch around a bit. I have never used a sportscar in the winter, the rock salt I am sure causes no end of problems. Another thing I do is check underneath the car for rust and treat it accordingly. Some of the older Z4s are getting warning signs for corrosion on the rear subframes so my guess in a few year's time it will become a problem if left untreated.

 

[pvr]

Any views on whether putting it in the garage wet is a possible cause?

I use destilled water to rinse the car before putting it wet in the garage. I have done the same to the Golf and that is now 30 years old and does not have a single rust spot underneath or anywhere else. Even the bolts everywhere are rust free (unlike the Z4 but that one came from Scotland near the sea)

 

[TOMGREEN413]

I dry mine with a leaf blower after washing :exitright:

 

[warmasice]

Interesting. Thanks all. It’s good to know I’m not the only one and therefore my E85 isn’t a lemon! I’m going to get all four areas sanded down, treated, painted and lacquered. And then pray it doesn’t come back!

It'll just come back. They're rusting from the other side of the sheet metal.

 

[TOMGREEN413]

I thought you might

Interesting. Thanks all. It’s good to know I’m not the only one and therefore my E85 isn’t a lemon! I’m going to get all four areas sanded down, treated, painted and lacquered. And then pray it doesn’t come back!

And sell it