Thanks for letting me join

[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