Totaled my Z3

I'm sick! Absolutely stupid, mindless residential driving, and I hit another car at an uncontrolled intersection (and no, I wasn't on the phone).

Question: Do I buy the salvage and part it out? It's a 2000 2.5 in gorgeous condition. I have no idea how expensive it is to ship parts, like panels, the engine, the top, etc. However, the adjuster said to buy the car back would only be about $2400. It seems like I could make that up on wheels/tires, softtop, and seats. The engine only has 89,000 miles and is really tight.

Thoughts? Thanks. Jim

sorry to hear about your accident where was your car hit at?

Most parts can be shipped for a reasonable amount. The engine and trans can be local pick up only or packed on a skid and shipped.

I just parted out a car, and made more than I had into it. Most of it I did through CL and most parts were picked up.

Originally Posted by Bri///M

sorry to hear about your accident where was your car hit at?

Most parts can be shipped for a reasonable amount. The engine and trans can be local pick up only or packed on a skid and shipped.

I just parted out a car, and made more than I had into it. Most of it I did through CL and most parts were picked up.

On a scale of 0 being "more time and effort than it was worth" and 10 being "easy money", how would you rate your experience?

I'm betting you earned every penny.

If you have the time and space, you can make it work for you. It's especially appealing if you plan to get another Z3 Series, as you'll learn A LOT about the car while taking it apart (secretly, I LOVE to strip cars, but it's been years since I've done so__I've sent many a Healey & MGB/MGBGT back to its grave...).

It's also attractive to buy another "poor condition" Z3 and build it back up using the parts from your totalled car.

If you have the space to work on it, keeping the car(s) out of the weather, I'd recommend doing it.

Oh, and glad that you didn't hurt yourself, but you knew that; right?

Originally Posted by dougmcintyre

On a scale of 0 being "more time and effort than it was worth" and 10 being "easy money", how would you rate your experience?

I'm betting you earned every penny.

3-4 for the whole process. I had sometime on my hands.

I would do it again. I did earn my money, but that was the very rewarding. I actually thought of swapping in the cobra engine into the Z3 then came to my senses. The m44 engine was in great shape and only a 125k on it.

I like Randy's idea. I am in the process of restoring a 96 Z3. It is great seeing the car getting nicer every day and saving a nice car

If you're parting out, which sounds like you will be doing, I'm interested in your steering wheel.

Originally Posted by IgotBMW

If you're parting out, which sounds like you will be doing, I'm interested in your steering wheel.

FYI, if he is parting out and you do buy the wheel, you have to get some magic done to get the dual stage airbags to work in a pre '00 car.

Good to know. Thanks. Amancuso!

What color is the interior? i need a rear storage box cover top..

I also need a rear storage compartment top in beige and a subwoofer speaker grill.

Hello,
If you are parting your Z3 out, I'm not sure what parts are damaged but I could use the drivers side mirror and the front bumper cover. Please contact me if you are interested in letting these go, if they are not damaged.
Thanks!

A pack of raving jackals...not a single word on fixing the car or a question on the damage done but just a "can I have the steering wheel?" ...grin oh by the way I'm in the market for a hardtop, used supercharger, luggage rack...etc ... You know, just in case.

Hey, I noticed 2 hardtops in the midatlantic on craigslist. This is not spam, I just want to help, but try searchtempest. Enter in how far you are willing to travel, price range and item in your search.

That's unfortunate what happened to your Z. Life happens, but at least you're ok. Personally, I would just buy another Z, and use your wrecked one for parts that you want and sell the rest. Just from the interest in this thread alone, I'm pretty sure you could get your money back out of the car. If you have the space and time, you should do it. I'm sure if some of these people are close enough, they'll come help you remove whatever parts they're looking for. I don't own a Z3, so I do not need any parts.

These guys are demonstrating the greed of our world. Hope you and your Z are ok.

Any word on your Z getting fixed yet??

Originally Posted by BMWz3FTW

These guys are demonstrating the greed of our world. Hope you and your Z are ok.

Are you including the OP in your comment? This whole thread was asking our opinion on whether he should buy the totaled car back and part it out...

Hello

I am sorry to hear that you totalled your Z3. If by chance you are selling the parts. I need a passenger seat motor and would be interested in buying one from you. It's seems you can get enough for the parts to buy a new one.

Even if it's unrelated to the OP there's no reason to not atleast show some respect.

Unless you are tremendously motivated, skillful with tools, have a lot of tools, and space, just take the check for the settlement on the car, find another car as good or better, and move on. If you have any after market goods which were not damaged in the accident, ask if you can remove and replace with OE. Most insurance settlements will be for actually more than it costs to buy a similar car if you shop well.

Originally Posted by s0n1c

Are you including the OP in your comment? This whole thread was asking our opinion on whether he should buy the totaled car back and part it out...

Right on. The only thing that I took from the original poster was, "Do I buy the salvage and part it out?" I think the number of people requesting parts would suggest "yes".