2002 2.2 Rear Trailing arms - Astronomical Quote

[SteveN4096]

Our 2002 Z3 2.2 wide body has failed its MOT due to corroded upper rear spring mounts, which will need removing and new ones welded in, if the parts are available.

So far so good BUT there is also an advisory for corrosion on both rear trailing arms and the mechanic isn't sure they'll pass next year and is even concerned that removing them to do the welding required might actually do them sufficient harm that they can't be replaced to pass the MOT.

I'd like to make it clear that I have full faith in both the workshop and its mechanics, I've dealt with them for years and they've done a lot of refurb work on the Z3 before to my complete satisfaction and they've done so in the knowledge that we wanted to continue to do both normal and preventative maintenance over a number of years to ensure we can keep running the Z3

They've searched for third party replacement arms with no luck, can't seem to find any take offs, that don't seem any better and BMW want £3567 for a pair!!!!

I'm also told that MOT will not accept welded repairs to pressed steel components like the trailing arms they will fail as an inappropriate repair.

Has anybody bought new rear trailing arms either new or good condition second hand one recently?

Thanks

Steve

 

[Mazza]

@Synclare , @mrscalex or @spurs fan in a coupe are the people you need to contact.

All these guys supply good parts at very reasonable prices.

 

[Bringit96]

I had the same problem with my 1.9, £1029 each from BMW.
I did manage to find some parts and a rolling shell but opted to go for welding. The place that did it checked with another garage to make sure it was okay. From what I understand, as long as it doesn't weaken the structure it's okay.

This is what was both of mine looked like


Hope this helps

 

[SteveN4096]

That's interesting my MOT guy was quite insistent that welding them would fail the MOT, not sure if its part of the new regulations which came into affect on the 20th May.

 

[SteveN4096]

@Synclare , @mrscalex or @spurs fan in a coupe are the people you need to contact.

All these guys supply good parts at very reasonable prices.

Thanks for that I'll contact them to see if they have any.

 

[Paul Weller]

I checked mine after this and think I got to them in time. BMW's rust protection actually ends up being the problem! I could see where paint damage has happened over the years and because the paint is so elastic and thick it acts like a pouch for salty water around any perforation causing rust to accelerate! So I have chipped off all loose paint and applied a rust converter product.

 

[5harp3y]

Just buy secondhand ones and have them stripped and powdercoated

 

[BMBabe]

@t-tony And @Stevo7682 maybe along soon to comment regarding the MOT

Hope you get it all sorted

 

[Sean d]

Just buy secondhand ones and have them stripped and powdercoated

its not that easy mate as the hubs are pressed on the bearing

 

[Stevo7682]

This is the wording in the manual concerning repair

at the end of the day each car had to be assessed on its condition but I would be wanting it replaced unless the corrosion was localised.
As welding sheet steel over say the corrosion in the above pictures would not be as strong as the original design ( so a fail ) as the metal thickness of the original arm would be a lot thicker than what would be getting welded on so in my view could never be a strong as original.
And as Tony will no doubt back me on testing has guidelines but a lot is left to the tester knowledge and experience to assess how deteriorated a component has become and every car is different.
What may fail in one design of vehicle may be a pass on another due to a different construction.

 

[BMBabe]

@spurs fan in a coupe Can you help with parts mate

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

@spurs fan in a coupe Can you help with parts mate

Have sent pictures of the ones I have, thanks

 

[SteveN4096]

Thanks everyone for your replies to my search, we have managed to source a set of arms in excellent condition from @Synclare near Lichfield last Saturday.
Thanks again.
Steve