[DSteele41]

Ok Guys need Honest Opinions..... I had what I'm Calling a "Minor" Collision and am looking to repair 2008 335i E93 2 Door Coupe Convertible N54 Engine.

I have been searching for parts and am seeing Parts that Range in Varying Prices... Most Notably BMW Authentic Parts vs. "AfterMarket" Parts..

Can I get You'll to Chime in

I Will Post Pics of my damaged car and Links to the Parts I'm Looking at

This is a Broad List of the Parts I need

Hood
Bumper
"possibly radiator"
Fan
Air Intake Duct and Intake Duct right above Radiator
HeadLights --"Already Ordered These vs BMW Xenon Headlights

2007-2010 BMW 3-Series E93 E92 335i 328i 3D Halo LED Projector Headlights Pair [HID Xenon Type] LH+RH Pair
by AKKON Pair $497.98

vs.

BMW Authentic Left Only for $1100.00


Hood

Fan Assembly

Core Support

Bumper Grills etc


My Main Question is have others' gone the Aftermarket route with Success
its 2008 so I'm trying to Repair as little $$ as possible ... the other party didn't have insurance so I'll get a repair cost from my insurance and a check cut for damages

Please Advise see pics and Thanks in Advance

DSteele41

[DSteele41]

Wanted to include Bumper Price Comparison Pics

[Serf27]

Some aftermarket parts are put into a mold and popped out and sold.
Others go through an inspection to check quality and fitment. Those are usually more $ but worth it.
Aftermarket air duct, any will be fine.
Radiator, I’ve used aftermarket in the past and we’re fine.
Fan, any will be fine. I’m sure you can use your old fan motor.
Bumper and hood, fitment will depend on which you buy. Look for CAPA certified parts. Or some type of certification or quality inspection marking.

[DSteele41]

Serf27

Thank You for the reply.

Do You think I will need "Core Support" if so do you recommend any ?

I have yet to get it torn down... have to get AC Compressor in Truck fixed first so I can drive it and then tear down 335i

I will look for CAPA Certified parts

any other information or comments would be welcomed.

Thanks Again

[Serf27]

I was looking through the photos to see if a new support was needed, but you made no mention of it so I didn’t bring it up.

From the photos it is hard to tell if a new one is needed. Is it bent or damaged anywhere you can see?
If not bent, I would wait until a new hood and bumper are put on and see if they line up with your old support.

[DSteele41]

haokoa

+1 meaning you agree with Serf27

Also Serf27... Copy That Good Idea to wait and see if Hood and Bumper line up

to answer your question: the only thing I know is bent is the Hood Latch Support it went from straight to a Crescent shape inward... so the Corsupport maybe slightly bent there in the middle ....sightly down... but once I get AC Compressor fixed on Truck I'll start tearing it down... Thanks Again High Five

[Serf27]

The hood latch support usually bends long before the support bends.
So a bend in that latch support does not necessarily mean the support bent. I would replace that piece as well before ordering a new core support.
High five.

[DSteele41]

Serf27

That is what I was thinking ..Thanks Again .... I have at least 1 more question.

The Color Code under the Hood is "Sparkling Graphite Metallic" ; Me being a DIYer.... I was thinking I could order Hood and Bumper have them painted and do it all myself.

Is it easy as just getting the color match paint from local BMW and Having a Body Shop Paint them and then just easy install ?

This was a thought today after pondering taking to a Body Shop ...but if nothing is bent (besides Hood Latch Support) I could just do it all my self

Appreciate the Replys

[Serf27]

No problem.

Yes that would be easy, just get them painted and you install all the parts.

Even easier, you can tell the body shop the code and they will make the paint if they have their own paint mixer.
But to only paint a hood and bumper, they will have to color match it very well so those 2 parts don’t stand out from the rest of the car.
I don’t think the paint from bmw will even be a direct match, but you can call and ask them.

Hood latch is very easy, 3 bolts and snake it around the air duct and it’s out.

[DSteele41]

Serf27

Thats what I was Thinking...I just love a second opinion... I'll Cal BMW locally and get there input. DIY ....Cant Say Thank You enough. these forums and Facebook Groups are awesome ! High Five !