RIP 2002 325 series: Need to know current value/options

I was on the interstate during the Crhistmas Holiday and my car overheated.
Was towed to nearest BMW dealership and they say it has blown gaskets caused by leak in the
coolant hose. It burst and I drove many miles overheating. So now it needs a new engine and they quoted me 10,000 miles for a rebuilt one. The car is not worth that much !

I had to leave it in Lexington, KY and I live in Atlanta GA. Any options on what to do with the car ? What is it worth as is ?

Thanks !!

Have it towed to me and I can install a new motor for you for about $3500. I live in Bham so I can drive it to you when done.

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Thanks for your quick reply ! Well, the car for me to sell is only worth about 4500 or 5000 with a new engine. I just bought a new car so I think I am better off to sell it to someone like yourself who does the work and wants to rersell it and then of course makes a bit more on it for their time. I wish to salvage the car and get the best I can. What would you think it is worth ? It had about 185,000 miles at time of death (so you know wear and tear of car in general).
I am a single woman with noone to assist me in this delimma. Easiest solution is appreciated !

Unfortunately, what you now have is an 11-year-old parts car with seriously diminished value, and you`re not likely to get much for it in it`s current condition. It`s *much* easier to sell a complete, running car. If you were to take Smolck up on his offer, you`d probably net about $2K more than selling it as it sits right now....

Just before it died, I was about to sell it for 4500.00. So, I would only net about 1000.00 the way I see it. Do you think it would be worth much more than that. Seems same difference if I just sell it and try to get 1500.00 for it the way it is. Maybe that is asking too much ? I don't have 3500.00 to put towards it anyway unless I use a credit card . I lost my sons car last month, 2001 Honda Accord, overheated engine, got 700.00 for it, so thought my Beemer was worth more. Hum......

PS....I do put oil in my cars, etc. In fact had my car checked just before the road trip and it checked out fine ! Just real bad luck lately.

I can put in an engine, I work at an indy in North Atlanta.

Originally Posted by wtggirl

Just before it died, I was about to sell it for 4500.00. So, I would only net about 1000.00 the way I see it. Do you think it would be worth much more than that. Seems same difference if I just sell it and try to get 1500.00 for it the way it is. Maybe that is asking too much ? I don't have 3500.00 to put towards it anyway unless I use a credit card . I lost my sons car last month, 2001 Honda Accord, overheated engine, got 700.00 for it, so thought my Beemer was worth more. Hum......

If you don't have the cash to put into fixing the car, and you already own a new car, then you have no dilemma. Sell it for parts or to someone on this board to repair.

Just sold a similar vehicle for $2200 in working condition.

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Sell it for $1000 or whatever you can get and be done with it. If it is not already collecting storage it will start to eventually and by the time you tow it, pay the storage, have an engine done and get it home and deal with all the issues, it won't be worth your time or effort. The car may be worth $1500 in parts on a good day, but more likely $1000 or less. Since it is so far away it will be easier for you to cut your losses and move on.


If nobody on here wants it, ask the BMW dealership what they will give you for it (they may not be willing to buy it), you can also try posting it on Craigslist in that area someone local may want it for parts and since it is already at the dealer it won't seem like a scam from overseas. If the car was sitting in your driveway, the situation would be different. Sry about your car!

Maxima570, thanks for the answer to my question. I thought between 1000 and 1500 and actually will ask 1500 and see what I get. I really feel I should get somewhere in between .

Originally Posted by wtggirl

Maxima570, thanks for the answer to my question. I thought between 1000 and 1500 and actually will ask 1500 and see what I get. I really feel I should get somewhere in between .

I would recommend calling a few junkyards, and see what they are willing to give you for it. That will give you a minimum value for the car. If it is somewhat close to what you want to get, you may want to just take the best offer and move on with life.

The fact that the car is a long way from your home, puts you at a significant disadvantage. You do not want to be in the position of throwing good money after bad.

Sorry about your loss.

What color is it? I may offer for some parts
Otherwise I'd look around to see what you could get for it, or take it on over to Smolck.

bimcwe, car is black, tan leather interior. I did as suggested and called some junk yards, but the offers very low. I then called Rusty's salvage and went back/forth for a while only for them to call me back and offer 1000.00 for the car. I have set up pickup for Monday. Was easy to work with them so far and if it pans out, probably worth it being stress free. I may have been able to get 500.00 more if I had time but given it's at a BMW service center 400 miles from me I think this is a good option for me.