Welding on a BMW

[X5Sport]

I need to get some welding done to fit a small patch on the 3-er and not having either the knowledge or training to do it myself (though it seems - and I stress 'seems' to be simple enough) I thought I would ask any if those on here who do have such knowledge for their guidance.

The car has a small hole punched through the outer sill by a jacking accident, and though I'm not sure if it is an MOT fail, I want to get it patched if only for enduring long term integrity.

I'm thinking that either MIG or TIG would be better than good old arc (and neater too) but with so many delicate electronic items on the car there must be precautions needed.  Is this no more than completely disconnecting the battery or does more need disconnecting?

I'm keen to avoid a body shop due to their high charges so will try to find a local welder with the right skills.  Obviously I will need to prepare the metalwork be cleaning it back to bare metal and get some more if the right steel to provide a patch and once it's all in place grind it back smooth and paint it with the appropriate paints.  The damage is completely behind and protected by a plastic sill cover so less impacted by corrosion than it would be if the area was the outer part of the car.

Any thoughts?  Anyone know of a decent repairer who can do this, or is it really a job for a BMW body shop even if I do the prep and then repaint it afterwards?

Or are any of you folks in range of the Bedford area and have the skills & kit?

I may just have to bite the bullet and go to a body shop.........

Richard

[jaynana]

some info in this thread..

although my intention was to play around with my gate etc, not the car lol

[Steamyrotter]

Mig would be easier me thinks..
Must be, as even I can get some metal to stick together with it..
(half way through replacing the sills on my disco....Yup its not only the X that gives me headaches....  As if that is not enough I am building a cobra replica as well...)

Disconnect battery completely and you should be OK with the electronics as there will be no circuit through them.

Any competent welder should be ok to do a patch, just remember to ensure you have very good clean metal to weld to, and then as you say, protect and paint afterwards.

[X5Sport]

Cheers all.  It's going in next month to be patched & painted.

Richard

[shadrack]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Cheers all.  It's going in next month to be patched & painted.

Richard
[/quote]

youve bottled it then, get youself a nice mig and some scrap plate and teach yourself, this is what i did when i was 12

[X5Sport]

Can't afford to buy one and with the car needed on the road plus it being an MOT fail, I need it sorted.

If I'd had some more time and could afford a small MIG system, I would have practiced until I knew I could do it right.  It doesn't look that hard but I need it sorted.  With the Mini now going, time isn't on my side unfortunately.....

Richard

[X5Sport]

Now through its MOT which isn't bad after 2 1/2 years in dry storage with only occasional engine runs.  Just Tax and Insurance to get and the Mini can go.  The hole wasn't bad enough and the inner seal beam is intact and unmarked so it passed.

I'll be doing the brakes pads all round too, and changing the fluid the hard way - up, down, up, down........

If you ever find yourself needing to insure a car just for a day or two and you are unemployed for whatever reason, no one will provide cover!!  I even tried explaining it was taking it to and from its MOT!  Apparently the 'crash for cash' brigades are using this sort of cover as part of their scam so no one is playing unless you are in full time employment or self-employed.  Our local Dealer did us proud by coming and getting the car and bringing it back for no charge... :alkashi:

Richard

[Reusch]

Glad it's sorted Richard I had some good news regarding my scratches (can't remember or no if you read my thread) detailer came out today took one look and said it was an easy job (bloody chips away) booked in for next Tuesday and way way cheaper than spraying.

[X5Sport]

That's good news.  I expect the dog will be seeing some sandpaper for those claws!!

[Steamyrotter]

That's good news Richard..
(in a way..)

Could you not have got it as a temporary vehicle on / with you other policy??

Tesco did this for me a couple of times to allow me use of the other car for a few weeks.

Still no news on the Job front then???

[X5Sport]

Didn't think about it for my existing insurance...... :-[

Things still static on the job front.  My previous employer stopped all training 7 years ago and of course the world moved on.  I (and a number if my ex colleagues) are in the same position, and all finding it a bit of a challenge.

Sooooooo Frustrating!  I've even thought of learning to drive C1+E Class HGVs but I bet at 50+ it would be a waste of money...always fancied driving a truck.  Weird I know, but there it is 

And of course I don't get paid to maintain SWMBO's car.  Just yelled at when it doesn't work properly. 

Richard

[Reusch]

[quote="X5Sport"]
That's good news.  I expect the dog will be seeing some sandpaper for those claws!!
[/quote]


Yep and my boot round her arse