Presenting myself and seeking advise - United Bimmer Community

**chocoisa** · 03-02-2007, 03:10 PM

First of all, I want to introduce myself, I am from Guatemala Central america and I hope I can find here answers to my questions and help if I can.
Then I want to ask for advise on how bad you guys think my problem is. Well I have always wanted to have a BMW and finally yesterday I bought one in Copart, it had a rear crash, meaning it doesnt have a trunk jejejejejeje. Well I bought it for $225.00 and will be brought to Guatemala to be repaired. Labor is cheap here and I just need to find parts to fix it.
I will post some pics so you can comment on the damage.
Suggestions are welcome, for example if you think the rear axle was damage, or the gas tank, etc etc, and also how hard can I find parts.
It is a E30 325i 1989 automatic.
Also can someone tell where to run my VIN so I can find what package my car had?

**RSF5** · 03-02-2007, 03:22 PM

Lets see... everything from the rearseats back needs to be replaced. I believe that is what is called "totaled". The rear axle doesn't look too bad but you can't really see from the pictures. Oh and you probably need a new frame.

**elsabor67** · 03-02-2007, 03:35 PM

OWWW!!!!! I sure hate it for the person that was in the car when it happened

. I would really recommend you to take a REALLY GOOD LOOK at the frame when you get it. That does look really bad, but who knows. To run your VIN, go to www.realoem.com (thanks C1) and once you put your vin you should get the info you need. Good luck.

**mullethunter3** · 03-02-2007, 03:40 PM

Pelican Parts

That website is where I get all my parts. They are very good at shipment times and are also very friendly.

**chocoisa** · 03-02-2007, 04:39 PM

Thanks guys, but please explain what do you mean by the frame?
Sorry I am dumb on this

witeshark · 03-02-2007, 04:52 PM

There is no frame, the car is a unit type. But the fold in the back of the roof means there is structural damage and the car will need to be straightened before a replacement rear section can be welded on

**chocoisa** · 03-02-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

There is no frame, the car is a unit type. But the fold in the back of the roof means there is structural damage and the car will need to be straightened before a replacement rear section can be welded on

That means I am really screwed???

**chocoisa** · 03-02-2007, 05:25 PM

any comments on the motor bay and interior?

witeshark · 03-02-2007, 05:34 PM

From what I see the interior and the front are in good shape. The work to straighten the car might not be too bad, but I don't know

**RSF5** · 03-02-2007, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

There is no frame, the car is a unit type. But the fold in the back of the roof means there is structural damage and the car will need to be straightened before a replacement rear section can be welded on

I didn't know those didn't have frames. Still frame or no, that is massive damage.

**Dudesky** · 03-02-2007, 08:01 PM

Witey is correct, neither the E30 nor the E36 have frames, they're unibody construction. I think the E46 is the same as well. That definitely would be considered totalled, as celsdogg can tell you. His rear wasn't anything close to that when it was hit, and it was written off. Labor may be cheap there, but you'll need to make sure they do the job right.

nick_318is · 03-03-2007, 11:00 AM

Looks like an exspensive proposition to make that e30 right again.

**Monark** · 03-03-2007, 12:20 PM

Just because its totaled here doesn't mean he won't be able to legally use it in guatemala. I can take a car from the US to Spain and be able to use it as long I get some insurance over there. It doesn't have to pass inspection or get registered there either.

**c1apton** · 03-03-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monark

Just because its totaled here doesn't mean he won't be able to legally use it in guatemala. I can take a car from the US to Spain and be able to use it as long I get some insurance over there. It doesn't have to pass inspection or get registered there either.

Agreed, but look at the damage vs parts cost. He's got a pretty expensive project in front of him regardless of how cheap labor is. BMW parts anywhere are a premium. And given the fundamentals of any "uni-body" BMW that one is going to have damage all the way to the engine compartment. (Electrical, fuel lines, brakes, drive line)

**chocoisa** · 03-05-2007, 09:14 AM

just for your information the car has engine start, so hopefully it will be just a matter of fixing the trunk.