I need advice

[tehwickerman]

So I picked up this little beauty last weekend


318is, 154k, mint black interior, LSD, black headliner, amazing paint, no rust at all, etc etc.

The problem is it was involved in an accident. The guy's daughter apparently slid on ice and hit a curb resulting in this damage.







The damage isn't too bad the frame rail is slightly bent but everything should just pull right out if I take it to a shop and put it on a jig. What do you all think? I really want to keep this car and make my dream 318 but do you think the damage is too bad?

[ak-]

Assuming you got it for stupid cheap, it seems very very clean by the way you describe it along with the pics provided.
Fix it if you have the means. It's part of what loving an E30 is about :p

But then again, questioning leads to doubt. I'm sure you can make more than it's worth parting or possibly putting parts into a new candidate.
So with that said, I need a driver's side door handle.

[Joe G]

musta been one helluva curb.

[tehwickerman]

I got the car for an insanely cheap price and I'm willing to put whatever amount of money it takes into getting it straightened out I just was trying to see if anyone has had experience with this type of bodywork and how it turned out.

Also, the engine is extremely clean. I do not want to part out this car I know the labor of love with e30s and this one has some serious potential especially being that it has relatively low miles and rare options like the black headliner.

[Dj Buttchug]

So with that said, I need a driver's side door handle.

hahaha nice! i have one for you.

Op. you bought the car with intentions of fixing? why change your mind now? the damage doesnt seem that bad.

If almost mint e30 is indeed almost mint... save it. end of thread

[firefirefire90]

OP, the car I bought was hit in the exact same area, except the damage was a bit worse to the frame rail and I'm going to replace it. I say go for it. I bought all new parts(radiator support, frame rail, and frame rail cover for the AC parts) directly from BMW. I'm only in about 400 parts, then add some paint, a new fender, and bonnet and I'll probably be around 6-800 dollars. Go for it dude! Don't be afraid to cut into it.

[tehwickerman]

sweet thanks for the advice man! 3 out of the 5 e30s i've owned excluding my m3 have had damage on the passenger side front fender and the car i got parts from in the yard had the exact same problem as well... very odd.

[firefirefire90]

here's some inspiration my dude!

before:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/405208_2857013417933_1037525628_2940431_337072173_n.jpg

we have almost the same damage :rofl:

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd512/billyray23/002.jpg

and as it sits:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6834768895_711d1aec84_b.jpg

good luck!

[///digitalme]

looks like a good deal...
i was involved in a accident a few months ago...similar damage...i needed to straighten the frame...i spent a total of about 890 dollars in labor and parts...500 to weld another core support, and straighten the frame...about 200 on parts... valance, fenders, bumper...and headlights

heres some inspiration
scroll to the bottom to see pictures of the damage and repair on page 1

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=218668&page=2

good luck

[tehwickerman]

great thanks for the inspiration guys! i'm saving this car no doubt, i'll post an actual project thread when i get to work.

318is FTW \m/

[marieC]

Because of the fact that headliners are generally not noticed in an interior, this is also one of the most rarely viewed parts of your interior when it comes to cleaning. Having a freshly scrubbed and detailed interior makes any car more pleasant to drive in. It will also help the vehicle retain more of its value. Cleaning a headliner improperly can do severe harm to the headliner. Cleaning the headliner correctly, though, may add years to the life of the interior of your vehicle. Resource for this article: How to clean your car headliner

[frankenbeemer]

Because of the fact that headliners are generally not noticed in an interior, this is also one of the most rarely viewed parts of your interior when it comes to cleaning. Having a freshly scrubbed and detailed interior makes any car more pleasant to drive in. It will also help the vehicle retain more of its value. Cleaning a headliner improperly can do severe harm to the headliner. Cleaning the headliner correctly, though, may add years to the life of the interior of your vehicle. Resource for this article: How to clean your car headliner

The most timely and accurate spam ever?