Totalled M3 Buy back or not

[CjM3]

Hey all sad news today as my car was totalled. Good news is its all superficial damage for the most part. I have to opportunity to buy the car back for $7600. My question to you guys is would you do it? Car had 87k mi mechanically sound, damage is 90% body with possible undercarriage damage.

[bmwfst1]

I bought back my 1997 m3 in 2011 and it only cost me $500. I think 6700 sounds like a lot but I may be wrong.

[CjM3]

Correction actually $7600 and change, thinking probably not. Unless someone want to buy it off me to turn into a track car lol.

[SAMM3Y]

Only if you want to part it out or keep a spare motor for your next one or fancy a project. Personally I would not.

[roastbeef]

depends on what kind of damage... easy stuff like hood, fenders, and suspension arms? or body panels that require a good body shop and professional straightening?

[wfdeacon88]

Essentially, this is a worthless post without pictures.

[CjM3]

So Front/Rear bumper covers Dent on each panel on right side. Not terrible PDR could do a decent job. Front sub frame cracked/damaged. Mufflers might be dented. 1 control arm was listed on the repair quote. All underbody splash guards are destroyed/damaged.

Hydroplaned on freeway into grass/hill on side of freeway.

[CjM3]

Edit: put images in first post.

[CjM3]

It wasn't a very hard hit at all ended up sliding up a hill a bit and stopping. The tow truck driver destroyed the front bumper.

[bmwfst1]

If the tow truck driver destroyed the front bumper your insurance should make the tow company pay for that and maybe it won't be a total loss.

[CjM3]

I doubt that would have played into the decision to total it.

[InnerBlueSkies]

Originally Posted by bmwfst1

If the tow truck driver destroyed the front bumper your insurance should make the tow company pay for that and maybe it won't be a total loss.

You guys crack me up. Could you imagine telling the driver, "heah man you're scratching my car", meanwhile he is knee deep in grass working his ass off, to boot, he has probably seen the same accident 100xs and knows a scratch bumper will be the least of the OP worries.


Something tells me he wasn't a foot or two off the highway. Tow truck driver is not going to sacrifice his life or equipment for a straight pull on a tow hook to not scratch a BMW.

[CjM3]

Originally Posted by InnerBlueSkies

You guys crack me up. Could you imagine telling the driver, "heah man you're scratching my car", meanwhile he is knee deep in grass working his ass off, to boot, he has probably seen the same accident 100xs and knows a scratch bumper will be the least of the OP worries.


Something tells me he wasn't a foot or two off the highway. Tow truck driver is not going to sacrifice his life or equipment for a straight pull on a tow hook to not scratch a BMW.

Im not about to draw a MS Paint diagram but I was not level with the road when initally towed.

I don't blame the driver I just cringed when he was hooking me up. Its not his fault my car is low or on the side of the road stuck lol

[Siajoon]

I'd just pass on it IMO

[InnerBlueSkies]

Originally Posted by CjM3

Im not about to draw a MS Paint diagram but I was not level with the road when initally towed.

I don't blame the driver I just cringed when he was hooking me up. Its not his fault my car is low or on the side of the road stuck lol

I can use my imagination, likely half the incline minus the damage. Glad your OK OP

[XKxRome0ox]

Originally Posted by CjM3

Hey all sad news today as my car was totalled. Good news is its all superficial damage for the most part. I have to opportunity to buy the car back for $7600. My question to you guys is would you do it? Car had 87k mi mechanically sound, damage is 90% body with possible undercarriage damage.

SO MANY variables
you need to quickly check the extent of the damage so figure out if it's a car you want to buy back and repair ... or part out... or what

what year is it?
what options?
does it start? does it drive?
WHAT IS THE TOTAL VALUATION for the vehicle by the insurance company?


if there isn't significant frame damage and no mechanical damage, you may be able to repair the cosmetic damage for cheap by finding a part out car to pick replacement parts

but unless if you know what you're doing, usually not a good idea to buy back a salvage

[wfdeacon88]

I mean isn't the engine alone probably worth at least $4-5K used? What did they give you for the claim?

If you were patient you could probably do well on this.

[CHE///MIST3]

Sorry to see this, actually looks very much like my car. Whatever happens, make sure that precious engine gets into the right hands for future transplants!

GM

[bmwpower603]

I’m interested if it’s a 6 speed manual.

[Honda]

$7600 is a lot. If insurance is totalling it, there is a reason behind it

I am still surprised they are evaluating it for $7600...I would think if this is really totalled then it should be less than 3K to buy it back

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by Honda

$7600 is a lot. If insurance is totalling it, there is a reason behind it

I am still surprised they are evaluating it for $7600...I would think if this is really totalled then it should be less than 3K to buy it back

A good sub 100k drive train is worth probably $8k insurance companies aren't stupid.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

A good sub 100k drive train is worth probably $8k insurance companies aren't stupid.

Would you buy a 100K miles s65 engine for 8K? I don't believe so..and so are others..