Why is Salvaged Title BMW e30 an Issue?

[BeLzEbUb58]

I've got an 88 325iS that I purchased and a 91 325i that I am trying to sell. The one I am selling has a salvaged title. The 88 has a rear quarter panel dent that if I were to have a shop repair it through insurance, would also be considered salvaged. Estimate for repair on the 88 is $1800 which is more than half the KBB retail value. If you took a good look at my 88, you could visibly tell that the damage was not substantial and in no way would have affected the integrity of the frame. The 91 had similar damage and has been repaired but has the salvaged title. The 88 still has a clean title and has not been repaired. You may be able to see the rear quarter panel dent in the attached pic. Which has better value?

[KennyT]

Salvage title means the vehicle has more monetary damage than half of its value according to the insurance company. Instead of repairing said vehicle insurance totals it out and gives you the money.

To the enthusiast, and almost anyone interested in an E30 this means nothing in terms of value, maybe a couple hundred less for an otherwise perfect car. Certain states however will not let you register a salvage title vehicle.

[whodwho]

And check with your insurance company if they will insure it as well, some won't.

[BeLzEbUb58]

I've spent thousands on engine swap, LSD, Bilstein-HR, rebuilt slush box, hoses, reverse light switch, etc. Yet my 88 is bone stock and could probably sell it for just as much if not more WITHOUT the quarter panel fix than the 91. Go figure.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Figured.

[xxx-Lost-Soul-xxx]

Hey You got a 91 Sedan too. Those are pretty rare.

Mine was rear ended,and shoved into a F150 last week.
They salvaged it, too :(

[Huff]

Some states require you to inspect the vehicle every time you try and title (like Georgia) it. EVERYTIME it changes hands. I had extra pains due to it being an out-of-state salvage. It's a HORRIBLE pain in the arse. I wanted to shoot myself and a few other people trying to get my car put in my name. It was about a year's worth of hassle. So.. Check your states laws on that one.

[BeLzEbUb58]

Some states require you to inspect the vehicle every time you try and title (like Georgia) it. EVERYTIME it changes hands. I had extra pains due to it being an out-of-state salvage. It's a HORRIBLE pain in the arse. I wanted to shoot myself and a few other people trying to get my car put in my name. It was about a year's worth of hassle. So.. Check your states laws on that one.

Dillsnick,

That is a beautiful car. Is it BrillianRot? Do you have a build thread?

[Huff]

Dillsnick,

That is a beautiful car. Is it BrillianRot? Do you have a build thread?

\
It is.. No real build thread, but a few updates along the way.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=166262

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=109058

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=98425

Cheers

[e304me]

because you never know what happened and how well it was fixed

[BeLzEbUb58]

So, tell me, is the damage, in your opinion, superficial or do you think the frame is bent on my Bronzit? Hypothetical question because its fairly obvious. Yet, insurance company would say its salvaged if I go through with insurance claim.

[mrmckie]

salvage titles are a real pain when it comes to getting the car registered because it has to get inspected every time. it took me 4 tries to get my integra registered a few years back, the failed me once for missing the door molding, and then cause the windows didn't wind up fast enough..lol. and you have to tow the car to dmv..

[nando]

because you never know what happened and how well it was fixed

salvage title doesn't mean a major accident on a car this old. some of the cars on here are worth so little, somebody could walk into your front fender, and if they dented it, the car would technically be totalled.

[hyperE30]

salvage titles are a real pain when it comes to getting the car registered because it has to get inspected every time. it took me 4 tries to get my integra registered a few years back, the failed me once for missing the door molding, and then cause the windows didn't wind up fast enough..lol. and you have to tow the car to dmv..

That's crazy... here in Co well atleast in the county I live they only gave me a paper to fill out and get it signed by the previous owner and no hassle to get it registered...