Hey guys, I've posted this over on the non-M e36 board aswell, but I would love to get some LOCAL opinions aswell!


Here is the thread with the photos and details/latest and greatest.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=815827



Now here is part 2 of the question.

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Okay, I need some more advice.

I talked to a guy from a body shop lastnight. Granted he hasnt seen the car yet, but he said the wholesale value for a car like that would be between 2100-2400. Sad, yes now auction price would be closer to 3k, but that the insurance would total it if the losses exceeded 3200 or there abouts.

I'm thinking; if it gets totaled I'm either going to grab a nice e36 328, or possibly penny up for an e46 325/328.

Now here is where I am torn...

IF they total the car, I can get back all of what I owe, and alittle extra (doesnt equal out to the amount I put in, but another story) take that money, get a couple thousand extra, buy an e36 and call it a day.
Pro's: well its an e36, I feel competent working on them, cheaper to upgrade.
Con's: Older, less resale value, has already reach a high level of depreciation.

OR

Total out the car, double my loan (from 5k to 10k) find a decent e46, work on that for a few years.
Pro's:its an e46, newer, will hold value better in the next few years. Fairly easy to upgrade.
Con's:More expensive initially, upgrades are also more expensive, harder to find in my price point.

I think I am leaning towards the e46 idea. Something I can hold onto for the next 5years or so and still have something decently "new."

What do you guys think about both options?

Also, the guy told me that A: I can take the car to a dealer, they're cost will be higher (all new, oem, stealer parts) and I would have a better chance of junking the car out. He also told me that by law I only need to provide one quote as long as it is within reason. Is that true aswell?

Lastly, I know this is a long winded post, but I still adore the car, I just dont know if I want a car that WAS wrecked even if they can repair it... Any thoughts would be great. Thanks again.

-Kyle

It will more then likely get totaled out due to the low resale value of e36's these days.

I've seen insurance total out cars if the cost exceed half of what the resale is but i've also seen them fix a car back to normal when teh cost was near the resale value also. The later one was with a newer car though.

I'd say just let them total it out and get a clean car to start with. Just make sure they don't lowball you on the final price. Prices for bmw here in the pnw is higher than other places.

Well, I have made good friends with a couple adjusters (so far atleast) the guy said I should end up getting approx 5400.00 for the car. Which isnt bad because I paid 5500 w/ DMV fees in Jan.

but a e30 shell and swap all your running gear into it.

I've pretty much decided that if it does get junked out, I'm going e46.

So where is a good place to get a decent PPI?

Just get another E36.

Parting out ? :shifty