Is parting out a '89 iS risky?

[gusT_EthirT]

Guys, I was wondering...
If I were to pick up an '89 325is that is sitting in some guy's garage for cheap and decided to part the thing out myself, would this be at all profitable even if I pick up the car for $700 and....I haven't seen it yet, but it may have excessively high miles and the body could be a little rough...also not absolutely sure if it runs...
Any takers?
Thanks so much.
Gus

[bimmerphile]

It entirely depends, in average to good condition, you should be able to get the following:

Headlights: $100
Gauge Cluster: $50
Wheels: $150
Steering Wheel: $30
Window Motors and Regulators: $70
Misc Interior switches: $40
Premium Sound System: $120
Grille: $20
iS sport suspension: $100
Taillights: $40
Exhaust: $50
Seats: $170


Or somewhere around there...of the car is a heap, which i'm going to guess it is for $700, it's a judgement call.

[nando]

what's wrong with the car?

[LikeCDoos]

it all depends on it's condition, if everything is in nice shape and works then i think it would be worth it to pick it up for $700. But for $700 something has got to be messed up about it.

[gusT_EthirT]

The reason that the car is so cheap is because the guy lives in San Francisco and there really isn't enough parking. The car in currently in his only parking spot which is complicating his life...
I have yet to see the car and will let you guys know how it goes when I do...
Gus

[schnitzer teil-jäger]

bottom line on any parts car.
1. If you need the parts pay 50% of new or less for what you want. Or if you need the engine pay what you would for an engine and sell the rest.

2. If buying for profit check market value on the engine (ONLY THE ENGINE) and make that your offer. anything else will be cutting into your profit. (ie. sales from "i" car purchased for 700.00 is, net profit = total gross sales (every dallor you make off of it) - $700.00 (cost) - towing (cost) - storage?if any (cost) - removal of shell (cost) - dealing with people you know bitching about a crap car there. Let us say you grossed $1500.00 for everything.

$1500.00 - 700.00 - 45.00 no storage - 20.00 tow away = $735.00
You have
2 housr towing
5 hours pulling the engine & trans
1 hour pulling the diff
2 hours pulling the interior
2 hours pulling stuff like lights etc
4 hours pulling the suspension etc
1 hour pulling doors etc
1 hour pulling the cruise so that it could be resold
1 hour pulling the electic sunroof so it could be resold
1 hour pulling the computer dito
2 hours pulling the hood fenders valance etc
2 hours waiting for the tow away
someone wants just the motor and not the whole doorthat is more time etc etc etc
so far you have 24 hours into $735.00 profit or $30.65/hr

it usually ends up closer to $15/hr due to non sales of items like doors hood trunks
etc.

NOW YOU DECIDE
wes





$20.00/hr( to disasseble it , box it , take it to UPS etc.)

[LikeCDoos]

The reason that the car is so cheap is because the guy lives in San Francisco and there really isn't enough parking. The car in currently in his only parking spot which is complicating his life...
I have yet to see the car and will let you guys know how it goes when I do...
Gus

if it runs and has been garaged then chances are it's in pretty decent shape

[rs4pro3]

Ya you'll be left with lot's of extra little parts unless you ahve them hualed away like I've parted 2 cars,a nd have 3 door, and a hood plus lots of little parts left. Of course I got the 2 cars for free so for me it was worth it.

[nando]

if it's not wrecked or totally fucked over, why not just fix it? it's not like there are tons of them selling for $700...

[Fred]

The reason that the car is so cheap is because the guy lives in San Francisco and there really isn't enough parking. The car in currently in his only parking spot which is complicating his life...
I have yet to see the car and will let you guys know how it goes when I do...
Gus

Are you serious? If it runs and you don't want it, lemme know and I'll buy it.

[Cre8tivPro]

I'd buy it and swap in a 350 chevy and paint it all black primer.
Hey, I'm noticing something here, do ANY of you guys have your E30's lowered or is this one of those boards where it's cooler to have a stock height E30.

[Spaz]

I'd buy it and swap in a 350 chevy and paint it all black primer.
Hey, I'm noticing something here, do ANY of you guys have your E30's lowered or is this one of those boards where it's cooler to have a stock height E30.

lol, you must be lost, this forum is full of modders and customizers, just check out the member rides section, you'll find what you need.

[Sean]

I'd buy it and swap in a 350 chevy and paint it all black primer.
Hey, I'm noticing something here, do ANY of you guys have your E30's lowered or is this one of those boards where it's cooler to have a stock height E30.

BMW Power man - domestic engines stay in domestic cars and BMW Shells have nothing but BMW engines in them.

It's simple. 8) ;)

[gusT_EthirT]

Wurd to domesticism...

[nando]

I'd buy it and swap in a 350 chevy and paint it all black primer.
Hey, I'm noticing something here, do ANY of you guys have your E30's lowered or is this one of those boards where it's cooler to have a stock height E30.

does my car look stock? :)

mmm primer black chevy camaro with rusty fenders..