Hello All,
The weather got me at last - car skidded off the road and I landed up in a field (I was driving about 20 mph below the speed limit but that didn't save me). Luckily, I was not hurt and no other vehicle was involved. But, the 97 328i was hurt, towed it to a local collision repair place and here is their list:
- front bumper torn off and is in tatters, needs replacement (parts cost $ 270)
- radiator was bent with motor fan scraping it (radiator cost in parts $ 140)
- A/C condenser needs replacement (parts cost $ 75)
- A/C fan needs replacement (parts cost $ 125)
- 4 wheel alignment
Total cost including labor and refinish = $ 1320.00
It is currently being checked in more detail to make sure that nothing else was critically damaged. What else could be damaged I wonder? The car rear just swung out, and I spun around and landed in a field after going off the road in a ditch. Nasty business.
I was about to replace the thermostat and had even bought a new one so I thought may be I should do a coolant system overhaul while at it. What else would I need to replace? Based on what I have read so far:
1) Thermostat + Housing
2) Waterpump?
3) Hoses (which ones?)
4) fan clutch? (where does this part go?)
SInce I need an alignment anyway, I was also thinking of getting the rear shocks and springs + stabilizer links replaced (have parts at hand).
All in all I am trying to keep it below $ 2000 including a repaint of the hood for clear coat peel. Does this sound reasonable?
I just did the front sway bar links + bushings and had the bracket mount welded in a week ago, plus two front tires. And one month ago did the starter motor and VCG.
Damned this is making me leak $$sss. Last year had tie rods, RTABs, Clutch, brake rotors + Pads done!
My biggest concern is that I spend this kind of money and then something major breaks down - what other problems areas does the e36 present? Anything I should be looking out for? From what I gather and based on at least 3 bmw/german auto specialists, the engine and such seemed in strong shape. But one gets a bit leery after doling out the $$s.
The weather got me at last - car skidded off the road and I landed up in a field (I was driving about 20 mph below the speed limit but that didn't save me). Luckily, I was not hurt and no other vehicle was involved. But, the 97 328i was hurt, towed it to a local collision repair place and here is their list:
- front bumper torn off and is in tatters, needs replacement (parts cost $ 270)
- radiator was bent with motor fan scraping it (radiator cost in parts $ 140)
- A/C condenser needs replacement (parts cost $ 75)
- A/C fan needs replacement (parts cost $ 125)
- 4 wheel alignment
Total cost including labor and refinish = $ 1320.00
It is currently being checked in more detail to make sure that nothing else was critically damaged. What else could be damaged I wonder? The car rear just swung out, and I spun around and landed in a field after going off the road in a ditch. Nasty business.
I was about to replace the thermostat and had even bought a new one so I thought may be I should do a coolant system overhaul while at it. What else would I need to replace? Based on what I have read so far:
1) Thermostat + Housing
2) Waterpump?
3) Hoses (which ones?)
4) fan clutch? (where does this part go?)
SInce I need an alignment anyway, I was also thinking of getting the rear shocks and springs + stabilizer links replaced (have parts at hand).
All in all I am trying to keep it below $ 2000 including a repaint of the hood for clear coat peel. Does this sound reasonable?
I just did the front sway bar links + bushings and had the bracket mount welded in a week ago, plus two front tires. And one month ago did the starter motor and VCG.
Damned this is making me leak $$sss. Last year had tie rods, RTABs, Clutch, brake rotors + Pads done!
My biggest concern is that I spend this kind of money and then something major breaks down - what other problems areas does the e36 present? Anything I should be looking out for? From what I gather and based on at least 3 bmw/german auto specialists, the engine and such seemed in strong shape. But one gets a bit leery after doling out the $$s.