The name BMW is synonymous with power and performance. For more than 100 years, the brand has been engineering a certain feel into its cars, making them an absolute pleasure to drive. Whether you own a BMW for the torque, leather seats or status symbol, you know the journey is more important than the destination.

As expensive and luxurious as BMWs are, they’re still susceptible to rust — just like any other car. Sadly, the more you enjoy your Bimmer and expose it to the elements, the more likely it is to rust. Paint and galvanized steel can offer some protection, but after about 70 years, your vehicle will inevitably develop some rust. When it does, you’ll want to know how to remove it and restore your beloved Bimmer to its former glory.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you can begin working on your BMW, you must first gather your supplies. Take inventory of the tools and gear you have already. Then, make a list for your visit to the local hardware store. The last thing you want is to make multiple trips.

The tools you’ll need will depend on the type of rust you’re dealing with. For instance, you might need a grinding tool if you’re trying to remove scale rust. However, surface rust on your vehicle’s top layer may only require some light sanding.

• A sander and sandpaper
• Painter’s tape
• Plastic sheeting
• A hand scraper
• Grinding tool

However, if you want to repaint the area and make your car look good as new, you’ll also need:

• Primer
• Paint
• A microfiber cloth
• Polish and buffer
• Wax

Reference the manufacturer’s paint code before purchasing paint and use a spray gun to apply an even layer of color on larger areas. A rollerball applicator may work better on small scratches and touch-up work.

Mask Off and Prep the Area

If you’ve done work on your Bimmer before, you’ve probably experienced masking her off. The process is relatively straightforward. However, it’s a crucial step — especially if you plan to paint after removing the rust.

First, clean your ride with soap and water, paying special attention to the rusty spots. Then, wipe the car down with wax and grease remover to get rid of silicones and oils and ensure the tape sticks. Next, backmask your BMW using your tape and plastic sheeting. Be sure to lay all the tape flat to prevent paint bleeding or unnecessary scuffs from sanding.

Scrape, Sand and Feather

Once you’ve prepped and masked the area, you can begin sanding or grinding away the rust. Wet-dry sandpaper, which contains silicon carbide, is a tougher abrasive than other papers and is best for rust removal. It’s available in 80 to 1,000 grit, but you probably won’t need anything finer than 320. Typically, 80 to 100 grit is appropriate for pipes. However, your car’s exterior may require up to 220.

Crack off blistering paint with your hand scraper and sand through all rust until you hit bare metal. Use a finer grit sandpaper to feather the edges. Then, use 220-grit paper to go over the entire area. Remove leftover dust with a tack rag and use body filler if you’ve created a noticeable dent in your car. Let it dry and apply a prep solvent. Once it’s dry, you can finish the job with primer and paint.

Penetrating Rust

While surface rust is pretty easy to remove, penetrating rust is not. This type of rust creates holes in the metal that you can’t simply sand down or eliminate. Thus, if your Bimmer has reached this more advanced stage in the rusting process, you may need to ask for help. In most cases, you’ll have to replace entire portions of your BMW and, unless you’ve worked in a body shop, it’s best to leave this kind of work to a professional.

Of course, if the entire car has turned into a rust bucket, it may be best to bid your old gal goodbye and invest in a new ride. Shed a tear or two for your reliable M1, bow your head for a moment of silence, and go pick out your new BMW X5 or 3 Series. The smell of fresh leather and the feel of that sleek new steering wheel are sure to put a smile back on your face in no time.

An Ounce of Prevention

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The more you care for your vehicle and proactively prevent rust, the longer it will last. More importantly, you won’t have to worry about removing rust spots in the future.

Stop rust before it even forms by applying inhibitors and keeping your vehicle clean by sending it through the car wash regularly. Treat paint chips and scratches immediately and keep salt and other debris off your undercarriage, especially during the winter. With a little loving care, your Bimmer should last for many years to come.