Dilemma: To sell or part out?

[lowd239]

I sold my 87 325is to a friend about a year ago and now we've got some issues. He didn't replace the timing belt at its proper interval and of course it broke breaking two valves in the process.

A local shop wanted $2200 to replace the head and since hes a poor college student and the car is not worth $2200, I told him I'd find a head online and fix it for him. So many hours in the garage and $300 later, I had the car fixed for him.

Last week the car died and now it wont start. I took the valve cover off and one of the rockers is probably 1/4in off the valve spring. It looks as if another valve is bent. :(

I really dont feel like sinking more money or time into this car for him so my question is would there be more money in parting it out or selling it straight up with one bent valve?

Its in pretty decent shape with 240k and the interior is quite clean. Id probably be the one parting it out for him so Id rather sell straight up to save some bloody knuckles of my own. Any ideas of what he could get for it?

Thanks!

p.s. dont sell a car to a good friend who is automotively incompetent :???:

[619E30]

In the condition that it's in, maybe around $1500??

[lowd239]

$1500 to part out or to sell as is??

If he could get $1500 for as is, Id tell him to go for it!!!


Thanks!

[agent]

I think you (he) will be lucky to get $1000 for it as a complete car that probably needs bottom-end motor work. You will likely get more than that parting it it out.

[MacBudd541]

it looks pretty clean, i would find another complete engine. drop it in and then either drive the car or sell it. typically you can buy an m20 for cheaper than fixing a broken one.

[gtarwiz]

The car looks pretty straight from that cell phone pics but I would determine if that engine is worth saving, which it probably isn't, and find another engine. m20's come by pretty cheap. And if that head casting is in good shape you could sell and at least recoup some of the funds from this mess.

[lowd239]

Yea Im assuming the engine isnt worth saving.

I think you all are probably right that swapping out a good motor is the way to go.

Im not looking forward to the work but hes in Korea till May 11th which gives me plenty of time to be the good friend and get the car running.

Now begins the search for an M20

Thanks for the advice!

[Kershaw]

i would definitely pay more than $1000 for that car provided the interior is clean, ie uncracked dash, non-ripped seats, etc. the car looks really nice. where were you 2 months ago when i was looking for a good e30 with a blown motor? lol.

[Streichholzschächtelchen]

With 240k I'd just swap in a newer motor and sell it. People reach for the wallets when they see non vanos blah blah blah m5x stuff.

[txtorquemade]

With 240k I'd just swap in a newer motor and sell it. People reach for the wallets when they see non vanos blah blah blah m5x stuff.

Why non-vanos? Im not up on that. Enlighten me??

[einstein57]

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