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[Z3coastdriver]

I have a 2000 Z3 2.8 cosmos black with red interior. I have owned the car for around 10 years and it's just a second car for a bit of fun.
I have just taken it for the mot and it's failed so I am completely gutted.
Has anybody had experience with the mot failure for 5.3.6 A (i) ?
It's the first time I have ever been made aware of underbody corrosion and I have never had any advisory for corrosion, it is the first time I have used the garage, so I am wondering if it's a genuine failure? Have others experienced this failure??
Thanks

 

[Shelly]

 

[mikeyH]

Hi welcome to the forumSorry to hear about your MOT problems.

 

[AntStark]

Most older/experienced MOT testers know the difference between the kind of surface corrosion you’ll see on a 20+ year old car and something terminal. Any who are used to seeing newer cars get scared and instantly fail it. Only way to tell is if you post up some pictures. Loads of experienced testers on here.

 

[Mint]

Hi and to the forum from me too in Stafford.

 

[Z3coastdriver]

Hi thank you for the replies, I have posted some photos of where the mot inspector chalked the sills covers. It's the first time the car went to this garage and I explained that they are sill covers and not structural, however he was not interested and would not budget. Just interested in other owners comments.

 

[Scooblitz]

Your MOT tester doesn't know what he's looking at.

He has chalked a trim panel, The outer sill. This is not a structural component, it is simply a bolt on part, like a wing, quarter panel. Its bubbling a bit because its 20+ years old but can be replaced after a trip to your local bmw parts supplier. £400+ lighter for a pair.

Below is a borrowed photo from the internet of the structural, inner sill. The outer sill trim cover has been removed to show the condition of the structural part of the car. This is worthy of an MOT fail, required treatment and metal patchwork to make it a pass.

If it is possible to have a word with your tester or go elsewhere for a test with a MOT tester that is aware the part you are being told is a fail is actually not a structural component.

Stevie

 

[colb]

@Scooblitz is correct in what he says, your pictures show corrosion on and at the ends of the cover sills, the actual covers not being structural parts and not subject to a MOT failure. The outers simply cover the structural inner sills and can only be judged to condition once the outers are removed. The picture he posted of the inner is a classic condition that can be found and can be repaired with some welding in repair patches. Replacement sills from BMW are available and fibre glass outers are also out there as an alternative. Seems your Tester is lacking in knowledge, you could submit an appeal to DVSA here is a link how to do so.

Getting an MOT

When you need an MOT for your vehicle, what it costs, what happens if your vehicle fails, and how to get mistakes on the MOT certificate fixed.

www.gov.uk

 

[Pond]

Your MOT tester doesn't know what he's looking at.

It could be that the MOT tester knows they are sill covers, but obviously can't remove them to check underneath. So it could be that the tester presumes, from the state of the outer sill covers, that the structural sills are corroded. Whether they are or not.

It's tricky, as the MOT tester has a 'one time shot' at looking at corrosion. It's not like they can ask you to remove the outer sills and come back, is it?

And the MOT is all about a car being safe to be on the road, so I think they should err on the side of caution.

 

[Nodzed]

I agree with the above, though the outer sills are not structural you really need to get them off (not difficult) and check the inners, there could just be surface rust on them that can be cleaned up and made good as below on mine or more of an issue that you would like to know about.

 

[Z3coastdriver]

Thank you , to those that have replied. The car is located on Romney Marsh near the Kent coast as anybody recommendations for a body shop to take the car to?
Thanks

 

[MartinJ]

Welcome to the forum. I was fortunate my inner sills are not too bad. The outers though wee cack. I'm still not quite there with my 3 yet. Soon MOT I hope... Hope you can get yours sorted soon.

 

[Z3coastdriver]

Thank you to everyone who replied. The local garage who have been maintaining the car for the last 10 years, collected the car and carried out the necessary work for the car and then returned with fresh mot. So I am really pleased now and once I have recovered from my ruptured Achillies tendon, I will follow the advice and remove the outer sills and inspect for peace of mind. I will certainly be sticking to the local garage now ..

 

[ExMX5owner]

Welcome from down under...

 

[Mint]

Hi and to the forum from me too in Stafford. Pleased to hear the Zed is back on the road, even if you aren't yet.