How does BMW's rust warranty work?

dirsh · 08-06-2008, 04:11 AM

Just found a tiny spot on my pillar next to the windshield and the paint is bubbling a little. It's barely noticible but I'd like to fix it before it gets worse. How does BMW's rust warranty work? My car's an 02 and I think the warranty will be up soon if it there is one.

gripen · 08-06-2008, 04:13 AM

12 yrs/unlimited mileage for the new ones
i cannot remember if it's the same or not for e46s...

C4RLOS · 08-06-2008, 04:16 AM

Wouldn't rust be the result of a rock chip? If so, why would bmw take responsibility? Just skeptical.

tturedraider · 08-06-2008, 04:23 AM

Rust coverage is limited to perforation. My '04 booklet says the coverage is 6yrs/unlimited miles.

C4RLOS · 08-06-2008, 04:28 AM

Perforation? Please do elaborate...

Trip6 · 08-06-2008, 04:39 AM

I would call BMW and ask them. Don't call a dealer.

rsjean · 08-06-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C4RLOS

Perforation? Please do elaborate...

Perforation means that coverage does not kick in at first sight of cosmetic surface rust. It only covers when the rust actually penetrates the 'skin' and eats a hole. Then BMW will step in and try desperately to find a million reasons why it is your fault and not theirs.

tradingflare · 08-06-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsjean

Perforation means that coverage does not kick in at first sight of cosmetic surface rust. It only covers when the rust actually penetrates the 'skin' and eats a hole. Then BMW will step in and try desperately to find a million reasons why it is your fault and not theirs.

Correct. A relative of mine has a Chrysler Town & Country Minivan. It had a rust spot on the rear wheelwell. Chrysler said that, "Unless there is a hole, there's nothing we can do about a rust spot". After months of arguing, my cousin used a drill bit---Chrysler now sees a hole---the paint has since been fixed.

uncsuperman · 10-12-2008, 09:05 PM

does the warranty cover underbelly components??

e36-2.0 · 12-02-2009, 12:56 AM

where cani find more information regarding this rust warranty?

zero assault · 12-02-2009, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e36-2.0

where cani find more information regarding this rust warranty?

I'm also curious, I'll have to take some pictures and show you guys. My rust is horrible... On the hood, right on the doors below the hinges, the entire door sill on the rear passenger side.

Sucks

weareweird69 · 12-02-2009, 01:28 AM

anything below I think 2006 has a 6 year corrosion warranty, and everything 2006 and newer has a 12 year corrosion warranty. And yes, its a perforation, meaning it must 'break' through the panel.

You can call them if you like, BMW NA, and ask them to maybe help pay to have it repaired, but dont cross your fingers.

WRX2BIMA · 07-22-2010, 09:07 AM

damn, both rear wheel fenders are showing signs of rust.. what garbage

dmax · 07-22-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRX2BIMA

damn, both rear wheel fenders are showing signs of rust.. what garbage

No...lack of rinsing off salt from underneath car and dirt caught up on top of wheel well lips...and clogged drains in door, rocker panels, hood, etc.

Lots of that has to do with who owned it before and what they did or didn't do to it.

I don't have any rust that I know of...and rinse often, more in winter, especially underneath.

Might be a good time to try some abatement.

Doug

golf_234 · 07-22-2010, 09:30 AM

im guessing if you took an '02 into the dealership they would laugh at you. but if you were savvy enough you could prob somehow pull the strings through BMWNA and get it done.

M3KeatoN · 07-22-2010, 09:47 AM

im now thinking about my 02 m3...rust is scary

GoingNuts · 07-22-2010, 09:55 AM

For the cover to work, you must have you car serviced at the dealer for the duration of the cover. Basically, none of you are covered.

thefrog1394 · 07-22-2010, 02:29 PM

LOL I rarely see a 8 year old car without rust. Unless its something agregious thres no way they'd cover it

barcode148 · 07-22-2010, 06:03 PM

rust is inevitable especially in the northeast. ive had all four fenders done, the panel just under the trunk boot and its going in on monday to get other touch ups on the sides.

akhbhaat · 07-22-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weareweird69

anything below I think 2006 has a 6 year corrosion warranty, and everything 2006 and newer has a 12 year corrosion warranty. And yes, its a perforation, meaning it must 'break' through the panel.

You can call them if you like, BMW NA, and ask them to maybe help pay to have it repaired, but dont cross your fingers.

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.

Quote:

LOL I rarely see a 8 year old car without rust. Unless its something agregious thres no way they'd cover it

My 323i was nine years old when it was crushed and didn't have even a spot of rust.

FL (especially if you're away from the salty coastal air) FTMFW, OH FTMFL.

08-06-2008, 04:16 AM	#3
C4RLOS Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,937 My Ride: '03 325Ci View My Garage	Wouldn't rust be the result of a rock chip? If so, why would bmw take responsibility? Just skeptical. __________________ FOR SALE: set of clears (all around) \| pre-facelift sideskirts and front and rear bumpers FEELER: 19" Hyperblack VMR V715 wheels (in sig)

08-06-2008, 04:23 AM	#4
tturedraider Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 1,496 My Ride: '04 Imola/NB ZHP:-) View My Garage	Rust coverage is limited to perforation. My '04 booklet says the coverage is 6yrs/unlimited miles. __________________ "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell ---- If you love your freedom, thank a vet!!

08-06-2008, 04:28 AM	#5
C4RLOS Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,937 My Ride: '03 325Ci View My Garage	Perforation? Please do elaborate... __________________ FOR SALE: set of clears (all around) \| pre-facelift sideskirts and front and rear bumpers FEELER: 19" Hyperblack VMR V715 wheels (in sig)

12-02-2009, 12:56 AM	#10
e36-2.0 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 976 My Ride: 330xi View My Garage	where cani find more information regarding this rust warranty? __________________ '02 330xi Konigsport/Ground Control/DPE/BMW Motorsport/Eurosport/Turner Motorsport/PowerFlex/RacingDynamics/Hotchkis/UUC/Beisan/Bimmerworld/Dinan/Conforti/RPI/GroupN/Technik/Dynavin Alberta's BMW enthusiast forum. -Projecttechnik.com

12-02-2009, 01:28 AM	#12
weareweird69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 26 My Ride: 325xi View My Garage	anything below I think 2006 has a 6 year corrosion warranty, and everything 2006 and newer has a 12 year corrosion warranty. And yes, its a perforation, meaning it must 'break' through the panel. You can call them if you like, BMW NA, and ask them to maybe help pay to have it repaired, but dont cross your fingers. __________________ 01 BMW 325xi - Sport Package, and no real mods :/ (yet :D) 03 Cobra - 430+ RWHP 93 Lightning - My Project

08-06-2008, 04:13 AM	#2
gripen Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: vancouver Posts: 340 My Ride: M3 sc View My Garage	12 yrs/unlimited mileage for the new ones i cannot remember if it's the same or not for e46s...

10-12-2008, 09:05 PM	#9
uncsuperman Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NC Posts: 169 My Ride: 2004 325Ci View My Garage	does the warranty cover underbelly components??

07-22-2010, 09:07 AM	#13
WRX2BIMA Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Somers, CT Posts: 144 My Ride: 04 M3, 02 330XI View My Garage	damn, both rear wheel fenders are showing signs of rust.. what garbage __________________ My Cars: -2005 Range Rover -2004 M3 Modded Heavy

07-22-2010, 09:30 AM	#15
golf_234 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 1,596 My Ride: 08 135i View My Garage	im guessing if you took an '02 into the dealership they would laugh at you. but if you were savvy enough you could prob somehow pull the strings through BMWNA and get it done. __________________ 2008 135i \| Year 1 of the 1 \| AW/Black Boston Leather \| N54 \| JB4 \| Map 5 \| 19" Matte Black CSLs \| Comfort Access Adaptive Xenons \| Premium/Sport \| Cold Weather \| Brembos \| Clear Bra \| Auto Dim \| Rain Sensor \| 350 WHP

07-22-2010, 09:47 AM	#16
M3KeatoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Carolina Posts: 54 My Ride: 02 M3 View My Garage	im now thinking about my 02 m3...rust is scary

07-22-2010, 09:55 AM	#17
GoingNuts Just Nuts Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: London Posts: 7,254 My Ride: 2004 330Ci View My Garage	For the cover to work, you must have you car serviced at the dealer for the duration of the cover. Basically, none of you are covered.

07-22-2010, 02:29 PM	#18
thefrog1394 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 954 My Ride: e46- 1999 323i View My Garage	LOL I rarely see a 8 year old car without rust. Unless its something agregious thres no way they'd cover it __________________ Photo in Cleveland, Ohio 1999 323i - 210,000 miles and counting. Rear Wheel Bearing Tool (SitTools B90) Rental, ~$60

07-22-2010, 06:03 PM	#19
barcode148 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: 412 Posts: 346 My Ride: e46 328i/e90 335i View My Garage	rust is inevitable especially in the northeast. ive had all four fenders done, the panel just under the trunk boot and its going in on monday to get other touch ups on the sides. __________________ Slowly maturing bmw...

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