Ran her into a light pole.

Originally Posted by Drew's525i

As in not a tuner model?

I could definitely make some money off parting her out, unlike scrapping as-is.

i mean, if that same damaged happened to my E34, id repair it. but if your car is stock standard and there is little/no emotional attachment to it, then part it out or sell it and buy a nother one

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

No one has quantified chassis rail damage yet (or did I miss that bit?).

i did before i posted, just didnt explicitely say it.

Scrap value was around $200 per ton when I talked to a salvage guy awhile back, so you are looking at $400 tops for scrap. Parting out gives more value, no doubt.

I can think of a bunch of things I'd want off this car...

It's a 93 525i...not worth the time or effort to fix. Part it out or buy another 525i and swap goodies. If your car is pretty much stock, I don't understand why this thread even exists.

I've fixed worse. First would be to get all the bent up crap off of it. Hood, grill, bumper, etc... Then see how bad it really is. If it's just radiator housing, get a donor, cut the old off, weld on new, and start collecting the cosmetics to bolt it back together. Honestly, it looks like it may not even be into the front suspension at all. I would at least see how bad it really is before deciding whether to scrap it or not.

Originally Posted by uglyvw

I've fixed worse. First would be to get all the bent up crap off of it. Hood, grill, bumper, etc... Then see how bad it really is. If it's just radiator housing, get a donor, cut the old off, weld on new, and start collecting the cosmetics to bolt it back together. Honestly, it looks like it may not even be into the front suspension at all. I would at least see how bad it really is before deciding whether to scrap it or not.

I've seen worse fixed as well...but not on a $2500 car. The sheet metal alone (even used) will come close to the value of an un-wrecked 525i.

Originally Posted by MeanM50

I've seen worse fixed as well...but not on a $2500 car. The sheet metal alone (even used) will come close to the value of an un-wrecked 525i.

this is absolutely correct. I mean, the very first response to OP was that it would be too much to fix.

On the flip side of that coin, however, is that a fix can make getting a 525i more like a payment process. maybe if OP just buys parts in increments, a few at a time when he can afford it (he has mentioned the tight budget) is much more manageable than saving up another $2500 even with an insurance check (i think he may have mentioned that that wasnt an option), or a scrapyard check, or partout.
Also, performing repairs is a great way to learn all about the car and whats involved especially in the front. May he did crack or bend an LCA or a tie rod that would need replacement and even more to learn about. The most expensive parts will be the body parts though.,..

The reality of all has been stated already, probably better to buy another than to rebuild, but my emotions tend to get involved in these things also. I've done a good bit of bodywork and welding in the past, and it still makes me a little sick to see these cars go off to the wrecking yard. I know my own car is much more valuable to me than the realistic resale value is, and that's a good thing I guess, keeps me from selling it and moving on. I would still tear the front end apart and see how bad it really is. Take pics too, for our morbid curiosity. A 6 cyl bmw powered rail buggy sounds like a fun project too, just sayin.

Originally Posted by uglyvw

The reality of all has been stated already, probably better to buy another than to rebuild, but my emotions tend to get involved in these things also. I've done a good bit of bodywork and welding in the past, and it still makes me a little sick to see these cars go off to the wrecking yard. I know my own car is much more valuable to me than the realistic resale value is, and that's a good thing I guess, keeps me from selling it and moving on. I would still tear the front end apart and see how bad it really is. Take pics too, for our morbid curiosity.

See, I just swap all the fun parts off my 'old' E34's and put them on the new E34 I buy to replace the old ones. I've been accumulating E34 parts for almost 10 years...I don't let my emotions interfere with sound vehicular decisions.

Originally Posted by uglyvw

A 6 cyl bmw powered rail buggy sounds like a fun project too, just sayin.

Honda J35's are MUCH better rail motors. Small, light and more HP than most BMW inlines.

If I wind up doing pretty much all the work myself, I'll tear in and throw up some pics, I'm considering getting an appraisal from a shop in my neighborhood first that's one of the cheaper reputable body shops in the city.

I imagine the estimate will be a big price tag, most likely even more than you're anticipating on the high end. I would be interested in what they give you. Keep in mind, it might be set up like an insurance estimate- when they delve deeper into the repair, unexpected issues may arise and push the cost even higher. It's a shame to see an e34 all dinged up though.

Sent from my ADR6410LVW using Bimmer App

Just sell it, you're gonna be wasting your time and your money. Even if you do fix it, you'll never be able to recuperate the money. It's not a classic collectible car, it's already depreciating. I understand the sentimental value you have for the car but like it was said before "don't let your emotions interfere with sound vehicle decisions." They made 434,567 525s, I'm sure you can find an even better one.

If you time and no money: fix it. Limited time and limited money: Part it out. No time and money: Scrap it. No time, no money, no skills: Sucks to be you.

Part your car out! You'll get what you paid for it, and some in the long run.

Originally Posted by Costa

just part it out.

Getting all those parts is piece of cake and is cheap from a pick and pull area, what you need to inspect is your frame and axel support. I also assume you ran a curb so you need to replace your whole suspension.

No curb to run, actually.