[DaRickSta81]

Hey Folks,

I know this is probably the wrong season to ask this question... but I was wondering.. did anyone rust-proofed their car aftermarket?

As I recalled, the dealer didn't even offer me rust-proofing, they said the car is guaranteed against corrosion so I didn't need it.. instead they kept pushing the tire/wheel insurance....

So just wondering... is what the dealer said true? Is whatever OEM rust protection BMW did to their cars at the factory enough? Has anyone done any after market rust proofing?

Thanks!

[halB]

It makes sense only if you plan to keep the car for more than 12 years. BMW perforation rust warranty is 12 years unlimited km.

[da1nonly]

i got mine done last fall at Krown in Brampton i think i paid around or just under $100 - part of some special they had on maxbimmer - and will prolly do it every fall

that perforation rust warranty is prolly like the other 'rust warranties' where they only come into affect if u have a rust hole (perforation), i'm assuming here. if i'm wrong that would be pretty cool. anyways i hate rust and not worried about perforations but about rust in the wheel wells and stuff.

[02themax]

Waste of $$, some 18 yr old will be driving my car in 12 years...

[bunnn]

Had it done on my last car, never would do it again. It's disgusting, just collects dirt and stuff through the years. I don't think I can keep a car for longer than 4 years, forget 12. But as long as you take care of your car, even if you keep your car for 12 years it shouldn't rust.

[2000gsr]

Aftermarket rustproofing is a scam. Just make sure you wash your car properly and you'll be fine.

[Tonybest]

Originally Posted by bunnn

Had it done on my last car, never would do it again. It's disgusting, just collects dirt and stuff through the years. I don't think I can keep a car for longer than 4 years, forget 12. But as long as you take care of your car, even if you keep your car for 12 years it shouldn't rust.

Originally Posted by 2000gsr

Aftermarket rustproofing is a scam. Just make sure you wash your car properly and you'll be fine.

I agree... lots of cars that have had it done and it's disgusting.

[da1nonly]

the greasy crap is disgusting i agree but it only stick around for like a week

i'll take disgusting for 1 week to avoid surface rust a few years down the line, but if ur exchanging cars every 3-4 years then i wouldn't bother

[Gummi]

I think rustproofing is worth it (Krown is the best). It also lubricates well but in most cases they have to drill. It will run in the summer and your car will never really be 100% clean.

BUT with BMWs they are made with gavanized German steel that is way higher quality than Japanese steel... the corrosion and rust isn't nearly as bad it would be on a lesser car... I wouldn't worry about it.

[bunnn]

Originally Posted by da1nonly

the greasy crap is disgusting i agree but it only stick around for like a week

i'll take disgusting for 1 week to avoid surface rust a few years down the line, but if ur exchanging cars every 3-4 years then i wouldn't bother

It stuck around for the whole ownership for me, hated it.

[BRAISKI]

Bump!

So I am still unsure if I should do rust proofing.

I honestly don't care about the dirt and grime in side the engine bay area.

Some Cities/province/state dont use salt so its good. But for Ontario salting is very aggressive. During winter I try to wash my car at least once a month, but that may not be enough.

[BenTrovato]

Well if you're unsure, don't do it!

I used to have an RSX that I rust proofed every year. The car had certain spots that would leak (i.e. where water would leak after a car wash), after three years of rust proofs, you could start to see the lines where the liquid would ooze out from. Drove me nuts.

It's different for the BMW, they use better materials and you have a 12 year corrosion warranty. Then again, it's only $100 so if it makes you stop stressing, take out the brownie and be done with it

[BRAISKI]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Well if you're unsure, don't do it!

I used to have an RSX that I rust proofed every year. The car had certain spots that would leak (i.e. where water would leak after a car wash), after three years of rust proofs, you could start to see the lines where the liquid would ooze out from. Drove me nuts.

It's different for the BMW, they use better materials and you have a 12 year corrosion warranty. Then again, it's only $100 so if it makes you stop stressing, take out the brownie and be done with it

Well I never believed in it before after having my RSX for 4 yrs, then rust started to show up so, I also started going to Krown before it gets worst.

12 yrs corrosion warranty?! I am a bit skeptical on that, did anyone ever tried claiming that? BMW will prolly tell you we offered you the electronic rust protection thing but you declined. I think someone here mentioned that the corrosion warranty is only for certain parts not all. If that was the case then BMW will use that as a selling point and no BMW owner will ever get rust proofing.

In Germany they do not use salt so the cars will hardly have rust problems. I am only concern about the boring of holes.

[redfox]

your car's body panels will not rust unless if the bare metal is exposed. That can only happen if the 4 layers protecting the metal is penetrated:
1) Clearcoat
2) paint
3) primer
4) galvanization (I think they use nickel? not sure)

Underbody is slightly different. Japanese cars (talking about my old old Civic here) tends to rust under the rear wheel wells because of the design of the inner lip, which traps dirt, moisture or salt. There is no clearcoat there and galvanization is not as effective due to spot welding in that area. Hence, if that area is not clean/protected, eventually, the gunk eats through the paint/primer and causes rust.

If you check your BMW's inner lip, it's got some thick rubber filler there that prevents that. For BMWs, they tend to rust at two places, at the front lower spot of the rear wheel well, usual due to paint damage from rock chips, and what not. I think the doors rust too, that's usually because the drain holes at the bottom of the door panels get plugged up with dirt and traps water.

So the simple solution, clean your car properly and repair damaged paint spots. Problem solved! My last BMW I had for 6 years, not a single spec of rust anywhere.

Now if your car has been in an accident, then that's an entirely different story.
That can only happen if you have a bad ding

[achien]

It's been a while since the last RSX rolled out the lot. The rust proof technology today is significantly better than a few years ago.

Back in 2003, BMW used to rust proof their cars (stock) for 6 years. In 2007 and all subsequent models, they rust proof all their cars (stock) for 12 years.

I think you should worry something else (ball joints, suspensions, wheel axles, ...) rather than rust.

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Well if you're unsure, don't do it!

I used to have an RSX that I rust proofed every year. The car had certain spots that would leak (i.e. where water would leak after a car wash), after three years of rust proofs, you could start to see the lines where the liquid would ooze out from. Drove me nuts.

It's different for the BMW, they use better materials and you have a 12 year corrosion warranty. Then again, it's only $100 so if it makes you stop stressing, take out the brownie and be done with it

[nospleeny]

Originally Posted by halB

It makes sense only if you plan to keep the car for more than 12 years. BMW perforation rust warranty is 12 years unlimited km.

Is there any catch?? Like any rust they take care off regardless? Like what if you didn't see the paintchip and never touched it up and it still rusted out, do they still cover it? If so, why does anybody bother with rust proofing?



Now... if we're talking about "bullet-proofing" a car.........

[BRAISKI]

http://brianjessel.bmw.ca/content/se...tailerID=10102


Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
BMW Canada Inc. warrants to the first retail purchaser, and each subsequent purchaser, that this vehicle shall remain free of defects in materials or workmanship which results in rust "perforation"** of the vehicle body.

**"Perforation" means the rust or corrosion of any components of the automobile body through from the inner surface to the outer surface.

The warranty for perforation due to corrosion is for a period of 12 years / unlimited kilometres.

This warranty begins on the date of first registration, or the date the vehicle is first placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever occurs first.

Please see your authorized BMW Retailer for additional information on coverage and limitations.

Limited Rust Perforation Warranty
(model year 2004 and up) 12 years / Unlimited kms

[BRAISKI]

I got this from e49Fanatics...

My 2005 has a 12 year rust perforation warranty.

Something that has not been mentioned in this thread is the fact that you need documentation showing that an Inspection II was performed at the proper time (i.e. ~60-65k miles) or the warranty is null and void. This is at least the case for the 12 year warranty.

[BRAISKI]

Alright, I have decided not to do rust proofing, I will just keep my car cleaned during winter.

So I checked a friend of a friend from Germany and he used to work at the BMW plant. He said there is no need since (as what most ppl said too) the under body has been galvanized and sealed. Its just a waste of money. But of course its still good to clean the under part of the car during winter.

[TheRox]

after 12 years will you care if your bmw is rusted?

Had a Volvo, didn't really seriously see rust on the surface until the 11th or 12th year or so

By then, who cares? Run the car into the ground to get your 60 K worth...!

[redline2]

The other issue to watch out for is that some of these rustproof lubricants can degrade rubber. They spray rather liberally so CV boots, steering linkages, etc. will get sprayed. Opinions vary and some state that their lubricant is rubber friendly but something to think (worry) about.

Also, for any first timers, watch your driving when you come out of the spray shop. This stuff gets on your brake disks and does wonders for your stopping distance until it burns away.