I actually talked to the BMW dealer and they said "sometimes we have to replace the doors" i was like ugh no.

I went to a body shop and i asked them to basically remove the surface rust, wire brush, etc and repaint. It cost me maybe $100-$150 per door, i got the rear hatch rust done at the same time.

I should take pics but it needs a touch up again this spring from all the salt from the winter.

Exactly my point.

I'd suggest that the required touch up isn't due to salt this winter, as much as it is due to them not removing all of the rust before painting over it. Properly applied paint on sound metal lasts more than one year.

So the BMWNA rep is coming to my dealer next wednesday. I'm going to drive home this weekend and drop my X5 off.

Any recommendations?

Update on post 1

Sucks bro..I have had plenty of cars many years through NE winters and no rust *knock on wood*... something isnt right

i agree. Theres something wrong here. Door has never been replaced. But maybe its just the ithaca winter. its pretty bad here. even worse than NJ. Plus, i have to park outdoors :(

That's rough luck Naz....FWIW mine is an '04 that is parked outside in Boston winter and no rust....seems odd to me

May be it's because of the white color; it absorbs less heat from the sun, more humidity around the panels.?

I had a white 4Runner 12 years ago, it was always rustproofed every year since new, and even then, rust was forming under the wheel arch mouldings and rear tail gate. I didn't have those problems with a black Toyota pick-up and other darker cars.

Would be interresting to hear from other white X5 in the rust belt.

interesting. i know another member has a titanium silver X5 and he has rust forming also. Maybe it is the lighter colors.

either way, i got quoted $577 to get it fixed. i'm not going to kill myself over it. going in on monday to get fixed

Just wanted to give a quick update guys.

had this repaired at Park Auto Body in Elmwood Park, NJ. $500 a door. The Owner (i think he was) Rich was a great guy. They did superb work too. I highly recommend them