Return on investment parting E30's

[BraveUlysses]

I'm sure many here have parted out E30's...and obviously, what you can get out of one is always dependent on how much they cost and condition of what you're removing...

I've got a line on a 318iS with a cracked head which sounds like it's worth parting out (but I've yet to take a look at the car).

For those who have done it, what's your general return on your investment?

[daniel]

maybe its worth more if you buy another m42, swap it in, and sell it as a running car?

[Court M3]

^^^ Agreed

[mrsleeve]

well I bought a front end smashed 91IX auto for 500 and parted it and cleared about 3300 plus got my sport seats redone in a partial trade deal.

[Mike325]

It all depends on the shipping. Big parts kill your bottom line and sitting on parts for a while sucks too. Then there is the time and space factor that you have to consider. If you get the car for a low price, it might be worth it.

But I would swap in another engine and sell a driving car.

[marakka]

Shipping sucks. Just remember that when making your final decision. If you don't have access to boxes or shipping supplies (bubble wrap, tape, etc.) then that makes a big dent in your profit.

[bmwguy87]

If you buy it I have an M42 head I will sell you. Then you can put it back together and sell it as a whole.

[dashboardmonkey]

If I get what I paid for it back and some parts I need then it was worth it for me

[pbr87]

maybe its worth more if you buy another m42, swap it in, and sell it as a running car?

this

[iX-treame]

Just sold my smashed iX to Ryan(bmwguy87) cuz he is the parts guy around here.

[TexasTerp]

I bought a parts car for 500 with a blown engine, made about 1k in profit and still used a ton of parts for my own car. it's worth it if the body is in bad shape but you'll probably make more and it'll be easier if you get a new head and sell it as a running car

[erik325i]

I only part out a car if it is wrecked and has a number of desirable parts (rare or aftermarket), or if I need the engine for another car. If there is only mechanical problems, I'd rather just fix the car and sell it.

Erik

[richardb]

I've seen some relatively clean e30's on here get parted... I think people forget how nice they can come out with a little love. Then again there are many factors involved. For someone focused on making $ it is one thing, for an enthusiast that's passionate about these cars, they would probably get it in running condition and then sell it

[george graves]

I made a killing on a '90 325i sport package. Killed it.

Parting isn't for eveyone.

- It's hard work: You'll be sore.
- Space: Cars EXPLODE when they are taken apart.
- It's nasty: You'll never get more dirty than stripping a car. Plus, all those parts need cleaning before you snap pictures.
- Selling isn't a snap: You have to research prices
- Stupid people: You'll get people wanting a video of the sound of a seat belt receiver.

[Greg Mierz]

part it out and strip the shell and wait until the Pro3 guys hurt their racecar and the body parts will be gone. As others have said, it is a lot of work but can be rewarding especially if there are some parts that you need yourself.