I just bought a damaged 2006 530I. It took a hit on the driver’s side. Fortunately, it didn’t do any damage to the rocker panel, the wheels or suspension. It will take some work to put it back on the road. But, I enjoy these projects. I have rebuilt 3 Passats for my three daughters, an A4 for my son, an S4 for my wife and a ’97 993 Cab for me.
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This will be my first BMW and will take the place of the Audi S4.
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I will be on the hunt for parts now. I see that Bavarian Auto Recycling (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=169) is a sponsor of the board. I’ll try them but if anyone knows of other sources for parts, please let me know.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v216/cwampler/P1000484.jpg

doesnt look that bad..

car-part.com

car-part.com
I have used them before....it is a GREAT site.

chuck,

this sounds like a lot of fun to do, if you have the time.
If you don't mind me asking, what have been your returns on these project cars?
How much did you pay for the 06 530? What do you anticipate your costs to get her road worthy will be?

How much of a hassle is it to get the title switched over after you're done?

take care...

Nice find... I would think that there wouldn't be too many used parts available for an 06 (other than new).. good luck. Keep us posted.

chuck,

this sounds like a lot of fun to do, if you have the time.
If you don't mind me asking, what have been your returns on these project cars?
How much did you pay for the 06 530? What do you anticipate your costs to get her road worthy will be?

How much of a hassle is it to get the title switched over after you're done?

take care...

I paid a little higher for this one than I usually do; $28,000. I have never bought a car to fix and sell. They have all been keepers. The problem is, when I am done the cars have salvage titles. This kills the value of a car. New cars with salvage titles are hit hard. After several years the cars have lost enough of their value that it's not that big of a deal. The S4 will be the first Salvaged car I have sold. I got that one when it had 5000 miles on it and I am now close to 60000. I will lose little because of the salvaged title. At the time I finished the S4 I had $24000 into it including tax and license. The window sticker was about $42000.

The key is a bodyshop that is willing to work with you and hunting up the parts. I figured that I can do everything on the 530I (Parts, labor, tax and license) for under $10000. Perhaps as low as $6500. When I am done I should be between $34500 to $38000 out the door with tax and license. Because this is a new car it will be an effort to locate the parts.

I need the following:

Front Left Fender
Driver Side Curtain Airbag
Driver’s Door Airbag (Dakota Beige)
Driver’s Side Mirror
Driver’s Side Door Handle
Battery Safety Device
Driver seat belt (Dakota Beige)


I have the doors already.

oh all you need is Bondo mate. Fill all of the creases you know? J/k Good luck.

And...

Driver's and passenger windows.....

Those curtain and side airbags are going to cost a fortune I would think....impressive undertaking; I will be excited to watch the progress of this build...

Surprisingly enough, the curtain airbag is only $286 at the dealer. The mirrors and windows are costly though!