2001 Z3 Sill panels

[Ian Wilcox]

The sill panels on my 2001 1.9 Z3 are pretty rotten, i had them done a few years ago but the rust has returned as always. Have seen some GRP (fibre glass) 1s on Ebay for about £290 supplied in grey so will need spraying. This is probably a common problem. Does anybody have any thoughts on replacing with GRP, good, bad idea?

 

[Daspete]

Must admit I wanted to use GRP when I did mine but I couldn't find any standard looking ones only awefull chavy ones.
If they're standard looking ones I would definitely go for them, not exactly keeping it OEM and pure but they won't rust. Anything to stop rust it's the devil's work!!!

 

[Martin Sullivan]

I’ve just replaced mine with OEM. I’ve painted the inside with 2 part paint and cavity waxed. I hoped it’ll last 15-20 years

 

[Stevo7682]

I have discussed this very issue with a couple of forum members thoughts are definitely would do no harm to paint and laquer both inside and outside of sills as invariably the rust comes from the inside out the way.
Stephen

 

[Daspete]

I replaced mine and painted them both sides with zinc primer etc.

I was surprised that new cills are quite reasonably priced from BMW. Cheaper than a good used set.

 

[137699]

They're not expensive new from BMW - coat the inside with waxoyl - and get another 15 years out of them.
Job done.

 

[Jonlloydfoster]

Ian where did you find the fibre panels on ebay? Any links to current sellers? Just contemplating what to do with mine.

 

[Ian Wilcox]

This was the ad on Ebay, he hasn't relisted them but if you message them he said they are still making them

 

[Ian Wilcox]

Look for classic-coachworks on Ebay, he hasn't re-listed them but if you message him he will send you a link

 

[petecossie]

I just replaced the sills on my MC using new OEM items (£331 per pair) as the originals although they didn't look too bad apart from rust on trailing/leading edges and one rust patch towards rear of drivers side sill fell to bits on being removed. The new ones have been painted inside and out plus waxoyled on inside. They should last another 20 years for sure, main thing is to do your preparation on the inner sills, take the jacking pads out (remove 2 screws and lever out with big screw driver) as the rust forms behind the pads, treat the rust, clean to sound metal, primer and then couple of top coats (I used Hammerite products). I got all replacements screws and clips.
Good luck with getting the job done, its very satisfying when you have completed the project.

 

[Ian Wilcox]

Have eventually got round to getting the fibre glass sill panels done and I would NOT recommend them, I had a professional guy spray and fit them (body work is a dark art lol). The body shop said the panels were not ready to be sprayed as there were a lot of imperfections and they required rubbing down and filling to get a good finish. When it came to fitting them they were too thick in a lot of places especially the lugs where they bolt to the car so had to be shaved off. I was lucky as the body work guy is a friend and he put in a lot of extra work for no extra money so the finished article looks good and won't rust any more.

 

[t-tony]

Good info from someone who has actually used them Ian. But as most have said if you can get 15 - 20 years from a new set of steel ones IMHO that is the way to go.

Tony.

 

[petecossie]

Great and honest feedback which should confirm to anyone else thinking of getting these fibre glass sills that although they will not rust fitting them is not as straight forward as the OEM steel versions.
Apart from getting the OEM sills and my refurbished wings professionally painted I managed to fit them all myself.

 

[Nodzed]

You could just try this, lots of waxoyl and some prevention, worked a treat on old M some years ago checked after a couple of years and no muck in the sills.

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