E92 328i 6-speed (96k miles)

pynacl · 12-10-2019, 12:38 AM

Came across this car on a local classified for $3200. The story is it hit a curb @50mph causing a bent wheel, bent control arm, damaged the front bumper, driver side rocker panel and dented the drivers rear quarter panel (lightly tapped a utility pole leaving a ~2" dent). I bought it thinking I could fix it up. All of these parts will need replacing, besides the quarter panel, I think I can pop that dent and blend it.

The part that scared me the most is it's apparently an "SULEV" California spec. Is this in the slightest way desirable? It already is showing signs of radiator issues (throwing P2570). Sensor brazed? I guess this will teach you to decode the VIN first lol.

I'll try to post up some more pics tomorrow. What do you guys think about the price, can I still turn a profit sourcing used parts?

Here's some beauty shots more to show the spec (most of the damage is to the driver's side)

View post on imgur.com

Serf27 · 12-10-2019, 01:21 AM

Profit margins will be slim.

lowrydr310 · 12-10-2019, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pynacl

hit a curb @50mph

I'd be looking for any other damage that isn't so obvious. That's a harsh hit. Check for front subframe damage.

Quote:

The part that scared me the most is it's apparently an "SULEV" California spec. Is this in the slightest way desirable?

It's not more or less desirable. The biggest distinction is that it has the N51 engine with extra emissions equipment, and a much longer warranty for certain components.

Sounds like you shouldn't have much issue making it driveable and looking decent, but don't get your hopes up turning much of a profit. You're probably better off enjoying it for yourself, that is a fun car after all.

porsche959 · 12-10-2019, 06:25 AM

that car is worth 4-5k in perfect condition.

pynacl · 12-10-2019, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Serf27

Profit margins will be slim.

That's kind of what I'm thinking as well. Honestly I'm probably better off fixing it on a budget and keeping it as a daily

pynacl · 12-10-2019, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche959

that car is worth 4-5k in perfect condition.

Oh shoot I was estimating between $6-7k at that mileage, being a coupe and manual. At that point I'd probably rather keep it rather than flip.

pynacl · 12-10-2019, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

Quote:

Originally Posted by pynacl

hit a curb @50mph

I'd be looking for any other damage that isn't so obvious. That's a harsh hit. Check for front subframe damage.

Quote:

The part that scared me the most is it's apparently an "SULEV" California spec. Is this in the slightest way desirable?

It's not more or less desirable. The biggest distinction is that it has the N51 engine with extra emissions equipment, and a much longer warranty for certain components.

Sounds like you shouldn't have much issue making it driveable and looking decent, but don't get your hopes up turning much of a profit. You're probably better off enjoying it for yourself, that is a fun car after all.

Thanks for the info I'll look into that extended warranty! That might save me some $. I think at this point I'll try my best to find paint matched panels on the cheap from salvage cars and fix it on an ultra budget. Probably would make a better daily than a car to flip at this point.

Edit: the frame damage was the first thing I looked for before purchase, and luckily there wasn't any. At least not enough to tell with my eye for whatever that is worth lol. Sounds like it brushed a curb and hopped it, rather than a direct hit, thank god.

porsche959 · 12-10-2019, 11:40 AM

Do you have pics of the damage?

Also, was the accident reported? Ie will it show up on carfax?

$200 salvage bumper, free dent fix, $200 on suspension parts, $200 used set of OEM wheels. I’d say $4000 all in is pretty ok for a daily driver if you love the car.

pynacl · 12-10-2019, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche959

Do you have pics of the damage?

Also, was the accident reported? Ie will it show up on carfax?

$200 salvage bumper, free dent fix, $200 on suspension parts, $200 used set of OEM wheels. I'd say $4000 all in is pretty ok for a daily driver if you love the car.

Absolutely here are some better closeups of the damage. Apologize if it's hard to see with the snow / ice. Damage was not reported and it was a clean title. Although carfax did show one previous front end accident. Overall I'm happy with it, just want to make sure I'm not sinking in more money than it's worth.

View post on imgur.com

tlow98 · 12-11-2019, 04:07 PM

I would straighten the wheel, creatively remount that left skirt, heat gun and massage the front bumper, and buff the rear quarter then do some PDR.

Prolly $500 to get it looking very passable and straight unless you’re super close to it.

Edit: needs some touch up and hope the edge of the rear quarter isn’t missing paint

Shop price to make it perfect with paint: $3500ish, maybe more. Trouble is the damage is all over, lots of random painting

12-10-2019, 12:38 AM	#1
pynacl Private 65 Rep 80 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (2) Garage List 2014 BMW X5 35i [0.00] 2010 BMW 328i [0.00] 2002 BMW M3 [0.00]	E92 328i 6-speed (96k miles) Came across this car on a local classified for $3200. The story is it hit a curb @50mph causing a bent wheel, bent control arm, damaged the front bumper, driver side rocker panel and dented the drivers rear quarter panel (lightly tapped a utility pole leaving a ~2" dent). I bought it thinking I could fix it up. All of these parts will need replacing, besides the quarter panel, I think I can pop that dent and blend it. The part that scared me the most is it's apparently an "SULEV" California spec. Is this in the slightest way desirable? It already is showing signs of radiator issues (throwing P2570). Sensor brazed? I guess this will teach you to decode the VIN first lol. I'll try to post up some more pics tomorrow. What do you guys think about the price, can I still turn a profit sourcing used parts? Here's some beauty shots more to show the spec (most of the damage is to the driver's side) View post on imgur.com View post on imgur.com Last edited by pynacl; 12-10-2019 at 12:43 AM.. Reason: adding photo links
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12-10-2019, 01:21 AM	#2
Serf27 Brigadier General 2851 Rep 4,322 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Sitting in a BMW. iTrader: (-1)	Profit margins will be slim.
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12-10-2019, 06:25 AM	#4
porsche959 Banned 471 Rep 996 Posts Drives: porsche Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	that car is worth 4-5k in perfect condition.
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12-10-2019, 11:40 AM	#8
porsche959 Banned 471 Rep 996 Posts Drives: porsche Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	Do you have pics of the damage? Also, was the accident reported? Ie will it show up on carfax? $200 salvage bumper, free dent fix, $200 on suspension parts, $200 used set of OEM wheels. I’d say $4000 all in is pretty ok for a daily driver if you love the car.
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12-11-2019, 04:07 PM	#10
tlow98 Major General 2188 Rep 5,000 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	I would straighten the wheel, creatively remount that left skirt, heat gun and massage the front bumper, and buff the rear quarter then do some PDR. Prolly $500 to get it looking very passable and straight unless you’re super close to it. Edit: needs some touch up and hope the edge of the rear quarter isn’t missing paint Shop price to make it perfect with paint: $3500ish, maybe more. Trouble is the damage is all over, lots of random painting
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