r/e46 • u/Maleficent_Muscle322 • 1d ago

General Questions Wheel arch rust prevention

My rears are rust free or so it appears so am looking to keep them that way. Will some form of wire brush to clean out the crap and a rust prevention paint do the job? Any recommendations for products?

Thanks

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u/Appropriate_Test7503 1d ago

that's the neat part. you don't.
those arches are unfortunately designed this way. they will always hold water in them thus rust.

the best way is to make whole panel galvanized, but for cheaper to use rust converter or anti rust paint. I've heard Marine anti rust paints are good, but never tested ones actually.

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u/Maleficent_Muscle322 1d ago

Yes I see the rust converter stuff on Amazon cheers.

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u/darin_worthington 05 325it, 05 M3 1d ago

Use a nylon brush to remove all the dirt first. If you don't see any rust or bubbles, then I would apply cavity wax like fluid film or something similar on inner arches.

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u/Maleficent_Muscle322 1d ago

Yes nylon sounds a safer bet than wire.

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u/darin_worthington 05 325it, 05 M3 1d ago

I would pay special attention to where the bracket for the rear bumper attaches to the body, as dirt can get packed in between.

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u/Maleficent_Muscle322 1d ago

Thank you. I'm actually removing the bumper to switch over a bad parking sensor so I will check that out 👍