On 4/7/12 I paid $16,059 OTD for my 3 (production date 8/06).
Now, closing in on 92k miles.
Finally a nice day here to do my yearly underneath inspection (currently 82°F & sunny)
Got under to evaluate frame condition, and all looks good, yet I'm going to clean/fluid film the frame.
First step remove the nerf bars. While removing, the rear brackets were dumping rotted steel on my driveway.
After removal and inspection, the bars are clean, solid, & rust free. All step pads & end caps intact. The front brackets are solid with slight surface rust. The rear brackets(pic below rears on the right) are trash after dumping a pound of rotted metal on the driveway during removal. No more nerf bars for me unless I can find 2 rear brackets in good shape. In the meantime, I will do whatever it takes to keep my 3 on the road for a long time, since it only cost me a few thousand$ in 10yrs for maintenance and repairs+ I haven't lost much value according to NADA.

 

odd that they would use a sandwiched construction. it would have been simpler to make it in one piece or a boxed construction.

 

Never noticed from above, now looking back those plastic covers(all still in great shape) deceived me. To the curb they go!

 

my nerf bars are also starting to succumb to internal rot. i kept them on because here in the city they give drivers licenses with every happy meal purchased. so far has kept 2 honda civics and an uber at bay. :P

 

My nerf bars are rust free, discoloration from the mounts(steel wool/chrome polish: done.) only paint colored marks from opposing vehicles, easy to remove(steel wool/chrome polish: done). The mounting hardware is still solid, yet the rear brackets have failed.
My new plan, take up 2 parking spaces.