Corrosion..
A common problem on my cars is the the rear of the front wheel arch's, front corner of front doors.
While pulling part the panels of my latest acquisition, I've come to a maintenance observation.
At rear of front bonnet is 2 grills, for feeding air to the cool air blowers. Water and debris that collects in these area drains horizontal o the left /right into a hidden compartment in the front fenders. Water/debri then drains tot he lower corner adjacent to the floor pan sills. Without removal this area corrodes - rear lower of front fender, front edge of sill and even cover to front door support.
I recommend that the inner front fender cover be removed every year or so, collected debris removed and any drain holes cleaned out.
item no 8 on drawing
I'll add some photos when I can work out to get them off Google photos ( formerly picassa web).
interestingly - the inner wheel arch cover
on my 77 its made form pressed metal ( lower black one in photo)
on my 78, 80 & 81 its made from moulded plastic - which breaks when unscrewing. ( upper grey one in photo)
might be worthwhile having a go at making duplicates of the pressed metal ones!
74 525 auto
76 525 - 4 speed, LPG and holley carb- restoring
77 528i- 4 speed manual
77 528i -4 speed manual getting rusty
79 528i auto - a SA car?
80 528i auto - ready to relicense
81 528i +3.5ltr - auto - restoring
86 525e 5 speed manual- dd