Both my 3 series BMW daily driver and 1989 745 have an impressive amount of shielding to reduce the effect of wet conditions on components and the body work.

As I look at the underside of the 444 that is not the case. It had some corrosion and a few small spots of rust through at the body/fender junctions when I disassembled it. I am going to do some work to improve things underneath and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has made some efforts in this direction. Basically, my goal is to be comfortable driving it in any weather short of the full winter salt treatment we get around here.

Part of what I plan is more shielding. Also, the car is black and I have considered putting a thin bead of black silicone along the fender welting from the top and sealing it with some type of undercoating from the bottom. Is that a sure ticket to a corrosion disaster as leaks develop and water stays in rather than go on through - or could it actually work?

Any comments appreciated.

Keith W.
444 Milan, IL