Replacing a SMASHED rocker panel on the E28 M5

Uncovering hidden, poorly repaired damage is a common part of restoring an old car, and this M5 is no exception. Even though this E28 had nearly 200,000 miles on it, it was still in very good condition. However, I noticed that the fender seam for the right-hand (RH) rocker panel was missing along the lower edge. After some quick investigation, I discovered that the rocker panel had suffered an impact in the past.
It was time to dig in and strip the paint from the rocker panel to get a good look at what was going on beneath it. I found that the body filler was nearly ¾ of an inch thick! Once everything was stripped down to bare metal, I could see that the damage was limited to the outer rocker panel only-there was no damage to any of the inner parts, and no rust! It appears that at some point, someone had unsuccessfully tried to pull the rocker panel out and then gave up, filling it with filler instead.
I figured that replacing the rocker's outer section would be easier than trying to fix the original. Fortunately, I was able to procure a new rocker from BMW for the job. However, the rocker I received was cut short on either end, forcing me to extend the front edge to make the final repair invisible and unnoticeable.
Thanks for watching the video! Be sure to like and comment. And if you haven't already done so, please consider subscribing to the channel.
~ Nick
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📸 ~ IG: / _autotechnick_
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Take a peek at some of my additional projects & content that you may enjoy:
1988 BMW M5 (E28) Full Restoration:
🔥🔥Comming Soon!🔥🔥
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▶️ 2001 BMW M5:
• 2001 BMW M5
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▶️ Dinan E28 M5 (1988 BMW M5):
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About AutoTechNick:
Growing up in rural Oregon, I was always around Hot Rods & Race Cars. I imagine my early exposure to this culture ignited a spark of interest in cars, which remains my passion.
🎓 I am a proud Alumni of Wyoming Technical Institute, where I studied Automotive Technology, Performance Engine Building & Street Rod Fabrication. In addition to “WyoTech,” I graduated from the BMW Service Technician Education Program, more commonly known as BMW S.T.E.P.
🏎️ I spent nearly ten years working in various BMW dealerships as a Master Technician. After a move back home to the PNW, I found myself no longer servicing German-made machines but now working with Italians. I spent nearly another ten years as a Ferrari Master Technician & Shop Foreman at a local Ferrari dealership.
🏆 Ferrari selected me as one of 12 technicians worldwide to compete in the “Ferrari Testa Rossa Awards” for four years consecutively. Finishing in 3rd place in 2016, & in 2019 I was able to place in 1st, winning the competition & earning the title of the “Top Ferrari Technician in the World!”
🚀 As my time with Ferrari came to an end, a new career path awaited me…. Aerospace. I am currently working at Blue Origin, helping to build & develop the BE-3PM and BE-3U rocket engines.
With my new career path, I needed an outlet for my automotive passion, thus the reason for this channel…
#e28 #e28m5 #m5

[@AutoTechNick]

So, this is the very first video I recorded with the intention of uploading it to RUclips. I still remember filming this video-it felt so awkward to be alone in the shop, talking to my camera. It's fun to look back and see where I started and compare it to my more recent videos to see how much I've learned and improved. I figured this video still has some valuable content that might help others, so here it is.
~ Nick

[@jamiesonsime9197]

It’s cool and often surprising to find what is still available new from BMW for these cars. Great job making the new rocker fit for what you needed!

[@AutoTechNick]

I am usually very pleased with the amount of NOS parts that BMW still carries. In this case, I just wish that I got the whole rocker, not the center 80% of one.. lol
~ Nick

[@jamiesonsime9197]

@@AutoTechNick Indeed, I’ve been quite pleased. If only I could find the elusive Euro tail panel! 😄

[@user-yp8ky8us3s]

I quit spotwelding my pinch welds from the outside years ago lotta extra work cleaning everything up. I do it underneath the car inside out.

[@AutoTechNick]

That is a really good idea. I have never thought of doing it that way, but I can see how much better it will look. Thanks for sharing the tip!
~ Nick