I crashed my 345i (pictures inside)

[david55838]

Yeah, that blows to destroy your prized work, but at least you are alive or not in a coma. People with powerful cars have done worse in the history of the world - like wrap themselves like a yellow ribbon around a tree. Who is that deeply worried about metal when there is life to treasure?

+2. You're unhurt enough to be pissed off about it. That's a good thing. The new shell is the best idea at this point.

Good luck!

[ebelements]

sturdy tree, chain, hammer, bondo, sandpaper, more paint. or just drive the damn thing

This is the only way I would expect joe to respond.

[backtrail69]

Sorry to see these things happen. I understand what kinda power you are talking about with a turbo M30, my turbo M20 is even alot of power.

[alex]

I got 89 AWII 2 door auto in Albany for $1k

We can mix and match some parts.

LMK.

We can discuss RWBs job also.

[Hick]

sturdy tree, chain, hammer, bondo, sandpaper, more paint. or just drive the damn thing

[StereoInstaller1]

Frank, if you find a new shell, are you gonna stay 4 door?

Seems it would be easier to swap doors/hood/etc than to repaint all of that.

Sorry to hear of your R3V, though.

As others have said, at least you are OK physically.

Luke

[Garageaholic]

Who is that deeply worried about metal when there is life to treasure?

Good quote. After all, it is just a car. What are you gonna do...

[rwh11385]

Ditto
Sucks man I know you put alot of time into it, but I think TJ is right. Chalk it up to experience and move on. The important thing is you are ok! A car is a car.

Yeah, that blows to destroy your prized work, but at least you are alive or not in a coma. People with powerful cars have done worse in the history of the world - like wrap themselves like a yellow ribbon around a tree. Who is that deeply worried about metal when there is life to treasure?

[PУCCKAЯ_e30ka]

buy an early model shell (should be around 500?) sell your late front pieces... part as much cosmetic late exterior stuff as you can, buy euro alumn. bumpers and make yourself a nice early euro e30!

[Slyder]

I agree with M42Technik,

A couple years back I got ino a head-on collision and I was forced to rebuild the car with a new shell. I definitely think it's your best option at this point. I was able to completely strip down both cars to bare chassis and rebuild the new shell with all of the parts from the other car except for the front end body panels, which I replaced with all new ones.

Basically, I ound a good straight 87 325is for 1500 and the motor was on it's way out (bearing knock). I'f recommend looking for a similar car to what you have but with a good straight body some known mechanical issues so you can at least get the price down. In the end, none of the mechanical will make a difference since you'll be swapping everything from one car to the other. To go the route of replacing the quarters and all the body work would far out weigh the cost of finding a donor chassis. Especially if you don't have any time constraints.

It's a real shame that it happened, but learn from it, take it to heart and move on. I've been there and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

[BimmerToad]

Grab a new shell and start new. If you did anything else wrong the first time around on your car, you've now got more experience to do it properly.

[AdironRider]

Sorry bro. Defiantely get a new shell, rear quarters arent worth it.

[JasonC]

Man, i'm sorry to hear that this happend. I could be fixed, but by a pro. Then you have to ask yourself how much money do you want to put into this car, and is it worth it in the end.

[nando]

new shell.. it's possible to fix, just not worth it. you did that roller job pretty cheap and I know it was a lot of work, but maybe you can apply what you learned to make it even better.

[Rocla]

Damn, that sucks :(

Hey man, we all make mistakes, so long as you learn from them, and the fact that you're okay is what counts...

And think of the upside, you didn't bend any of those sick wheels, your pricey spoiler is still intact...all the parts that aren't easily replaceable are still there! So when you do get a new shell it won't be hard to make it nice, just the tedious task of finding the right shell and the painting.

And you still have arms and legs, I feel bad to say this, after all the hard labor that you put into your car, no trying to offend you or put you down, but:

It's only a car, you'll fix it or get another one, glad to know that you're in one piece.