How bad was this damage?

[James Crivellone]

Actually Robyn and I have talked about it a lot and the plan is to eventually end up there. We'll probably be visiting again in June (3rd-9th) if my performance center delivery dosen't end up being that week (I ordered a 128i). I'll let you know when we'll be in town.

Moving would go much more quickly if I could find a job there that pays something near what I currently earn. By the way I'm in IT now, currently working on a global SAP conversion for Esteé Lauder and planning a global business analytics team.

No 135i? :( Actually I was impressed by the 128i when I drove one.

I.T. eh? welcome to hell

[Delraco]

I have a similar issue with one of my e30s..a non structural component that's been welded in semi poorly. Your repairs look much better than mine, but like everyone is saying, they aren't structurally integral to the chassis, so it's not so much a question of safety, but nit-picking (which I totally understand!)

Because the damage on mine happened so late in its life, it was declared a total loss. The PO bought it back from the insurance company and had it repaired. So it now carries a salvage title unfortunately. It drives like brand new and corners beautifully, but I can't live with that salvage title paired with the imperfect weld repairs...so I'm selling it.

If it didn't have the salvage title, I'd re-weld the spots cleaner, paint it and pretend like nothing ever happened :)


Keep it if it's straight! That's my vote for sure!

[KeithV]

No 135i? :( Actually I was impressed by the 128i when I drove one.

I.T. eh? welcome to hell

I figured this would probably be the last NA I6 coupe BMW ever produces. Apparently the new x28i platform is a turbo 4. The 0-60 and 1/4 mile times on the 128i are the same as that Mustang GT I had so it's fast enough.

I have a similar issue with one of my e30s..a non structural component that's been welded in semi poorly. Your repairs look much better than mine, but like everyone is saying, they aren't structurally integral to the chassis, so it's not so much a question of safety, but nit-picking (which I totally understand!)

Because the damage on mine happened so late in its life, it was declared a total loss. The PO bought it back from the insurance company and had it repaired. So it now carries a salvage title unfortunately. It drives like brand new and corners beautifully, but I can't live with that salvage title paired with the imperfect weld repairs...so I'm selling it.

If it didn't have the salvage title, I'd re-weld the spots cleaner, paint it and pretend like nothing ever happened :)


Keep it if it's straight! That's my vote for sure!

I'm going to follow the majority of the advice here and have it checked for geometry and safety and go from there. If the car is safe and the geometry is sound I'll start on the mechanics and eventually have the body and paint cleaned up.

[Delraco]

Also, the 135 is a headache and BMW won't uphold the warranty all the time when shit goes wrong. 128 all the way.

[KeithV]

Quick update: I'm taking the car on Friday to Twin Star here in Richmond. One of the guys there is considered one of the leading experts on late 70s-early 90s BMWs on the east coast. It was nice to talk to some people who get why I care about the car.

They're going to do an overall inspection, but also let me know if the body repairs are well done, safe, and if it's worth putting money into.

I'll post an update on Friday.

[KeithV]

The 1 really is the successor to the e30, not the 2002.



I love how smal both cars are. This was right before the 30 was put on the tow truck.

Some more pics:

[rightcoastbias]

there are very few clean straight accident/rustfree cars out there nowadays.

Quoted for truth. I decided to purchase and swap my current 318i because I gave up on looking for a clean e30. This 318i has three shades of black, but a straight frame and great mechanicals. Its just a battle wagon.

[KeithV]

Just heard back from Twin Star... The car isn't safe to drive. The spots that made me suspicious weren't even issues. In reality, the car has had major damage repaired on every side, front and rear. There is rust under the subframe, and the framerails are rusting from the inside out.

If anyone wants it for parts or as a track car (which the guy at Twin Star said it's still good for) let me know. I'd let it go really cheap to a r3v member as long as they aren't going to try and make it a street car.

[FunfGan]

Um. How is it any safer as a track car then a street car?

[KeithV]

Um. How is it any safer as a track car then a street car?

In most amateur track events you're wearing a helmet and unlikely to impact other cars/objects at high speeds. The car isn't going to spontaneously fail and start flipping end over end, it won't react the way it was designed to in a major collision, therefore it isn't safe for the street.