salvage m3, sorry if this is a repost

jbernard1234 · 07-12-2011, 05:13 PM

hello all, thanks for the invite into this community, i say that in advance because i know that this community is full of reputable and well to do bmw owners and/or enthusiast.
the context of my new thread is in regards to this e92 m3 that i saw on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REPAI...#ht_5108wt_976

it would seem as though the damage incurred was mostly, if not entirely cosmetic, but the car was salvaged, so something certainly isn't adding up. The damage, as the seller divulged, seems limited to the hood, bumper and left headlight, with a slight blemish to the left fender, as well as various bits and pieces that are visible in the pictures (primarily bumper support components). my question to you all is, what things, based on those pictures, should be called into question? also, there's no way i'd pay the asking price, but sub 30k seems reasonable, would you agree? any input is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Zba · 07-12-2011, 05:17 PM

Where is Sid, this could have been his car!

pmeloche · 07-12-2011, 05:50 PM

Hi.

From what I understand, a "salvage" title would indicate that the cost of repair would be greater than replacing the car by an equivalent. What I see from the pictures does not necessarily suggest that. The interior also looks alright and there does not seem to me any water damage in the interior. How is the engine however? No mention of it. My best suggestion would be to ask the seller for more information as to why it is "salvaged". Otherwise, I would stay clear of it.

Good luck.

jbernard1234 · 07-12-2011, 06:43 PM

well the seller stated in the post that the car lot drives and the engine runs well, i know that in some instances insurance companies will salvage the car out if it is stolen, and from the looks of it, it would seem that that is the most probable case here. However, it does strike me as suspicious that even with that the car is salvage titled, especially for damages that seem so cosmetic

edit: upon closer observation i can see why it's salvaged. closer inspection of the radiator support reveals a kink in the radiator support, and given the angle of what s presumed to be an impact of some sort, that kink suggest that to some degree, the frame was tweaked. you can also see this when observing the angle of the radiator itself, shame really, it looked promising...

lhsa · 07-12-2011, 07:03 PM

you should be aware that some in the salvage car business partially repair cars (without disclosing this, of course) to give the perception that damages were not so bad. i would never trust one of those characters, but that's just me.

rossii · 07-12-2011, 07:28 PM

The damage doesnt look bad at all. Wonder why the salvage title.

FJS · 07-12-2011, 07:55 PM

At this level of cars, when you see salvage title, stay clear, always something brewing.

Cheers

1sikbmr · 07-12-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbernard1234

well the seller stated in the post that the car lot drives and the engine runs well, i know that in some instances insurance companies will salvage the car out if it is stolen, and from the looks of it, it would seem that that is the most probable case here. However, it does strike me as suspicious that even with that the car is salvage titled, especially for damages that seem so cosmetic

edit: upon closer observation i can see why it's salvaged. closer inspection of the radiator support reveals a kink in the radiator support, and given the angle of what s presumed to be an impact of some sort, that kink suggest that to some degree, the frame was tweaked. you can also see this when observing the angle of the radiator itself, shame really, it looked promising...

run as far away from that car as possible.

FVM3 · 07-12-2011, 09:35 PM

if the engine bay is fine, then go for it

crackberry · 07-12-2011, 10:08 PM

RUN!

haze gray · 07-12-2011, 10:18 PM

Agree, "salvage" means salvage.

FVM3 · 07-12-2011, 10:31 PM

Sometimes salvage isnt that bad. A friend of mine with an Audi got hit and run. Only thing replaced was the driver's side door, not even the fender or rear driver's side door but got salvaged.

mdosu · 07-12-2011, 10:31 PM

don't do it for 13k more you can get a perfectly good 2008 M3 of around the same mileage and options.

Titanium Silver · 07-13-2011, 02:03 AM

Salvage = Stay away

rudy26s · 07-20-2011, 05:10 PM

i always buy salvage u save alot but only light damage no frame damage .this one is too expensive i just bought same car with little more damage foir 10 k less ,red interior

mjf6175 · 07-20-2011, 05:22 PM

Keep in mind the following:
1) For an insurance company to "total" a vehicle, the repair estimate generally has to be 80% of retail value of the car.
2) The vehicle will ALWAYS have a salvage title (unless of course you "wash" the title through a State that does not note salvage on their titles, this happened to many Katrina cars)
3) Obviously a "salvage title" car has a significantly lower value when sold or traded in BUT many insurance companies will not write an insurance policy for collision and/or theft. Even if they do, good luck in making a claim if the salvage vehicle subsequently is stolen or involved in another accident.

eamon · 07-22-2011, 05:35 PM

Send an independent mechanic to look ai it. If its just cosmetic I would buy that right now if someone wants to buy my 335i

Asiarush · 07-24-2011, 11:58 PM

A lot of times, people have the car towed to a body shop "they know".
they have the body shop short circuit the electric components of the engine.
you wont see it until you actually get the car.
besides, do you really want an M3 that was salvaged ?
repairs on this car are at least 10k even if it is only the cosmetics (in which case it wouldnt be salvaged but lets put this aside).
after repair you are already at 42k on the car, cough up another 4K and you get a car with no problems.

also, how easy do you think it will be for you to sell this car in the future as salvage ? you are already paying for it as (almost) as if it has no problem.

mkPOTO · 07-25-2011, 12:11 AM

hmm this picture looks weird, anyone have there gauge go up that high when the car is cold?

MAERD TEW · 07-25-2011, 09:10 AM

I wouldn't touch it for 10K let alone 33K. There's at least 6-8K in damage. Frame Damage=Weakened Chassis after repair. I agree with jbernard1234's opinion. Mt. Kisco btw has a e90 AW with less miles for only 10K more ... plus its CPO ... On top of that they've had it there for 6 months and most definitely will negotiate with you.

07-12-2011, 05:13 PM	#1
jbernard1234 Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 98' m3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: rochester, ny iTrader: (0)	salvage m3, sorry if this is a repost hello all, thanks for the invite into this community, i say that in advance because i know that this community is full of reputable and well to do bmw owners and/or enthusiast. the context of my new thread is in regards to this e92 m3 that i saw on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REPAI...#ht_5108wt_976 it would seem as though the damage incurred was mostly, if not entirely cosmetic, but the car was salvaged, so something certainly isn't adding up. The damage, as the seller divulged, seems limited to the hood, bumper and left headlight, with a slight blemish to the left fender, as well as various bits and pieces that are visible in the pictures (primarily bumper support components). my question to you all is, what things, based on those pictures, should be called into question? also, there's no way i'd pay the asking price, but sub 30k seems reasonable, would you agree? any input is greatly appreciated, thanks.
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07-12-2011, 05:17 PM	#2
Zba Lieutenant 16 Rep 557 Posts Drives: 2011.685 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011.5 M3 [9.74]	Where is Sid, this could have been his car!
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07-12-2011, 05:50 PM	#3
pmeloche Lieutenant Colonel 24 Rep 1,604 Posts Drives: 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Montréal, Canada iTrader: (0)	Hi. From what I understand, a "salvage" title would indicate that the cost of repair would be greater than replacing the car by an equivalent. What I see from the pictures does not necessarily suggest that. The interior also looks alright and there does not seem to me any water damage in the interior. How is the engine however? No mention of it. My best suggestion would be to ask the seller for more information as to why it is "salvaged". Otherwise, I would stay clear of it. Good luck. __________________ Patrice 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Vermillion Red
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07-12-2011, 06:43 PM	#4
jbernard1234 Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 98' m3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: rochester, ny iTrader: (0)	well the seller stated in the post that the car lot drives and the engine runs well, i know that in some instances insurance companies will salvage the car out if it is stolen, and from the looks of it, it would seem that that is the most probable case here. However, it does strike me as suspicious that even with that the car is salvage titled, especially for damages that seem so cosmetic edit: upon closer observation i can see why it's salvaged. closer inspection of the radiator support reveals a kink in the radiator support, and given the angle of what s presumed to be an impact of some sort, that kink suggest that to some degree, the frame was tweaked. you can also see this when observing the angle of the radiator itself, shame really, it looked promising... Last edited by jbernard1234; 07-12-2011 at 07:15 PM.. Reason: closer observation
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07-12-2011, 07:03 PM	#5
lhsa Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 255 Posts Drives: kia Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NW iTrader: (0)	you should be aware that some in the salvage car business partially repair cars (without disclosing this, of course) to give the perception that damages were not so bad. i would never trust one of those characters, but that's just me.
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07-12-2011, 07:28 PM	#6
rossii Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 294 Posts Drives: with wheels Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	The damage doesnt look bad at all. Wonder why the salvage title. __________________ "People who say they love the 'Ring' are either not going fast enough or lying" - Jackie Stewart
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07-12-2011, 07:55 PM	#7
FJS Private First Class 3 Rep 135 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	At this level of cars, when you see salvage title, stay clear, always something brewing. Cheers
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07-12-2011, 09:35 PM	#9
FVM3 Major General 273 Rep 5,751 Posts Drives: e92 m3, f30 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	if the engine bay is fine, then go for it
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07-12-2011, 10:08 PM	#10
crackberry Major 32 Rep 999 Posts Drives: Porsche Carrera GTS (997.2) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: southern california iTrader: (0)	RUN!
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07-12-2011, 10:18 PM	#11
haze gray Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 264 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Coupe / 2011 X5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	Agree, "salvage" means salvage.
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07-12-2011, 10:31 PM	#12
FVM3 Major General 273 Rep 5,751 Posts Drives: e92 m3, f30 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	Sometimes salvage isnt that bad. A friend of mine with an Audi got hit and run. Only thing replaced was the driver's side door, not even the fender or rear driver's side door but got salvaged.
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07-12-2011, 10:31 PM	#13
mdosu Banned 314 Rep 8,496 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	don't do it for 13k more you can get a perfectly good 2008 M3 of around the same mileage and options.
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07-13-2011, 02:03 AM	#14
Titanium Silver Four Star General 13 Rep 597 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Salvage = Stay away __________________ E92 M3 \| Jet Black \| All OEM Everything E30 M3 \| Alpine White \| Mostly OEM
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07-20-2011, 05:10 PM	#15
rudy26s Private 3 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 m3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: macomb mi iTrader: (0)	i always buy salvage u save alot but only light damage no frame damage .this one is too expensive i just bought same car with little more damage foir 10 k less ,red interior
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07-20-2011, 05:22 PM	#16
mjf6175 Private 1 Rep 57 Posts Drives: E90 M3 ZCP; 09 Viper Coupe Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Keep in mind the following: 1) For an insurance company to "total" a vehicle, the repair estimate generally has to be 80% of retail value of the car. 2) The vehicle will ALWAYS have a salvage title (unless of course you "wash" the title through a State that does not note salvage on their titles, this happened to many Katrina cars) 3) Obviously a "salvage title" car has a significantly lower value when sold or traded in BUT many insurance companies will not write an insurance policy for collision and/or theft. Even if they do, good luck in making a claim if the salvage vehicle subsequently is stolen or involved in another accident.
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07-22-2011, 05:35 PM	#17
eamon Captain 170 Rep 803 Posts Drives: 09 e92 335i, 2010 328i (sold) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	Send an independent mechanic to look ai it. If its just cosmetic I would buy that right now if someone wants to buy my 335i __________________ black/black/black e92 loaded Instagram: _eamon_
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07-24-2011, 11:58 PM	#18
Asiarush Private First Class 17 Rep 183 Posts Drives: 2017 488 GTB Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (2)	A lot of times, people have the car towed to a body shop "they know". they have the body shop short circuit the electric components of the engine. you wont see it until you actually get the car. besides, do you really want an M3 that was salvaged ? repairs on this car are at least 10k even if it is only the cosmetics (in which case it wouldnt be salvaged but lets put this aside). after repair you are already at 42k on the car, cough up another 4K and you get a car with no problems. also, how easy do you think it will be for you to sell this car in the future as salvage ? you are already paying for it as (almost) as if it has no problem.
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07-25-2011, 12:11 AM	#19
mkPOTO Mr. Nice Says Hello 636 Rep 16,662 Posts Drives: BMW M3 \| X5 xdrive 35i MSport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (25) Garage List 2002 Lexus GS300 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 [5.58]	hmm this picture looks weird, anyone have there gauge go up that high when the car is cold?
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07-25-2011, 09:10 AM	#20
MAERD TEW PowerShifter 9 Rep 82 Posts Drives: '15 YMB M3 6MT (In Production) Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't touch it for 10K let alone 33K. There's at least 6-8K in damage. Frame Damage=Weakened Chassis after repair. I agree with jbernard1234's opinion. Mt. Kisco btw has a e90 AW with less miles for only 10K more ... plus its CPO ... On top of that they've had it there for 6 months and most definitely will negotiate with you.
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