Common rust areas on an E36?

[nickyd100]

Will be having a look at one of these soon as a prospective purchase.

Have noticed in some classified adverts rust around the bootlid and rear-arches.

Anywhere else I should be checking for signs of rust?

Many thanks, Nick.

[emicen]

Bootlid and rear arches are about the only areas I've seen (beware the rear arches, they really go badly).

Have never poked about underneath or in the engine bay so dont know about there. Stone chipped bonnets can start to rust at the leading edge but its pretty rare.

[GTS Turbo]

mine seems to have a bit of funny paint just under the bootlid which i suspect is rust coming through

still hoping to get that sorted before it gets bad mind!

[chriso]

Mine is going under the rear 'arches, and also starting to bubble behind the front arches - however, not a bad return for a 1992 car!

Mechanically it is absolutely perfect, I haven't driven it in anger for over a year but it still starts without hesitation every time.

Edited to add that if you're looking for a E36 320i Coupe at a good price then let me know...

Edited by chriso on Friday 19th January 12:03

[Gad-Westy]

Mines got a couple of spots along lower edge of the driver's door and the OS rear wheel arch. Slightly worrying on a low mileage 98 car.

[MitchT]

I've got a low mileage (under 36K) '99 car which has a couple of patches at the bottom edge of the boot lid, under the number plate... also on the leading edge of the driver's door just above the black plastic trim... also on the leading edge of the passenger side 'C' pillar where it joins the window... also a tiny bit down both left and right edges of the bonnet. I want to get it sorted but the locals love scratching my car so it'll just end up being an expensive paint-job ruined within a week. I'll probably get it done after I've moved or sell the car with an appropriate discount to reflect its cosmetic shortcomings.