BMWs and Rustproofing?

Is there a point in time when BMWs got significantly better at rustproofing their cars?

I've been afraid to tackle a 2002 for years, I haven't found a decently solid E30 around here for years and I've noticed a bunch of early E36s with vanishing rocker panels. Did BMW ever do anything to address this (like galvanizing), or are rusty E46s next?

Expect rusty e46s in the north and clean ones in the south. I was shopping a few months ago (Chicago area). About 50% of the e46s I looked at had rust in the lower front fender, rocker or rear wheel wells most were 2000-2003 models. On my 71 2002 it was the undercoating that held some of the body together.

e36 on is much better than e30 and before, but it still heavily depends on the environment.

My E46 is 11 years old and has spent its entire life outdoors between NYC and DC. It's not rusty at all.

my e36 only rotted due to a shoddy repair job where the shop that put that car back together after an accident literally cut off the passengerside of the car and welded on a new one.. and then didn't even bother to paint the welds on the underbody

Duke wrote: My E46 is 11 years old and has spent its entire life outdoors between NYC and DC. It's not rusty at all.

That's what I want to hear!