4/4 screws and 3/4 of the nuts came off for the shields. I want to say I was lucky, but then forgetting to put them back on makes me reconsider that statement.

As for rust, this one, although high mileage and not maintained particularly well, lived a sheltered life in underground parking for at least half its life. That owner washed and detailed it a lot, so it was kept pretty clean. The guy before that did all the 4.8 looks, so I assume he cared a lot about how it looked too. There is a small spot of rust lower inside of right door and the underside is near spotless (a few small patches here and there, but barely an issue).

Good luck with the tow. I'll keep you posted on how mine works too.

Cheers.

__________________
Daily Drivers:
- 2008 535i, 320,000km
- 2004 X5 4.4, 01/2004 production, 420,000km
- 1997 328i, 350,000km

Track:
- 1996 328i, track/race car, ~300,000km

Winter:
- 2013 Ski-Doo MXZ X 800 E-TEC, trail can
- 2007 Ski-Doo MXZ Blizzard 800 HO
- 2001 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 w/800 engine, exhaust
- 1978 Ski-Doo Olympique 340 (vintage race sled)
- 1977 Ski-Doo Olympique 340E