Thoughts on buying a salvaged 328i??

bwhit94 · 07-28-2014, 10:48 PM

So i'm in the process of buying a salvaged '09 328i with 40k miles. It was in a previous accident with front number damage. Its been cleaned up nice and looks great with an M sport kit on it and also standard transmission, tomorrow im taking it to a professional to inspect it but i just want opinions. Im trading my chevy cruze in plus 6,000 cash because he wants 17,500 for the car. Now the thing is my best friends dad is a mechanic and told me he would help with repairs. How big of a risk am i taking with the salvage also knowing how expensive bmws are(this would be my first dimmer)

GB-335xiCoupe · 07-28-2014, 10:52 PM

NFW...

Tom Droze · 07-29-2014, 12:03 AM

I toyed with doing the same thing but opted not to. As long as you can get comfortable that the car was put back together in a satisfactory manner and is mechanically sound, the biggest issue will be the resale value if you go to sell the car any time soon. If you drive it for five years or so than the salvage title will become less of an issue at resale time; but keep in mind you will not be able to trade the car in and you will have to sell it via private party. Also, please make certain your insurance company is okay with insuring a car with a salvage title. As part of your inspection process, I would have the car put on an alignment rack to make certain the chassis is straight. Buying any car with a salvage title does add another level of risk to the equation, but it does not necessarily mean it is a bad deal. As for the price for the car you're looking at, you should be about 25 to 30 percent below low blue book value because of the salvage title.

silver07335i · 07-29-2014, 12:51 AM

There are plenty of 328i's with clean title around the $17,500 price range. Stay away from salvage title BMW's unless you're prepared with deep pockets and can DIY on maintenance and repairs.

sjf430 · 07-29-2014, 01:07 AM

Don't forget the money you will lose selling the thing

bad karma · 07-29-2014, 01:12 AM

Salvage title on a 328? No way. 328i's are a dime a dozen used, you should have no problem finding a clean one in your price range.

MGT81 · 07-29-2014, 01:13 AM

I wouldn't do it

E46driver · 07-29-2014, 02:40 AM

That is quite alot for a salvaged 328

E92-N54 · 07-29-2014, 02:46 AM

Yup, too much for a salvaged title 328i.

The seller probably got a bottle of lube ready for you.

Needbmwpartzz · 07-29-2014, 03:23 AM

Don't do it!....that is too much........you are playing Russian roulette and it's pointed at your financial life's head.

Bob Shiftright · 07-29-2014, 04:57 AM

A $3000 beater pickup truck? Sure.

A $17,500 BMW that you are going to want to trade in in a few years? No.

BTW, many insurance companies won't insure a car with a salvage title for collision/comprehensive coverage.

Efthreeoh · 07-29-2014, 06:53 AM

How can a car with just bumper damage and at 40K miles be a salvage title?

gigabyte · 07-29-2014, 06:54 AM

that's a high price for a 328i, especially a salvaged one.

chillbil79 · 07-29-2014, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhit94

So i'm in the process of buying a salvaged '09 328i with 40k miles. It was in a previous accident with front number damage. Its been cleaned up nice and looks great with an M sport kit on it and also standard transmission, tomorrow im taking it to a professional to inspect it but i just want opinions. Im trading my chevy cruze in plus 6,000 cash because he wants 17,500 for the car. Now the thing is my best friends dad is a mechanic and told me he would help with repairs. How big of a risk am i taking with the salvage also knowing how expensive bmws are(this would be my first dimmer)

There are plenty of low mileage 335s as well out there around that price.

I'll sell you my 08 335 XI sedan with 42k miles.

ihc95 · 07-29-2014, 07:18 AM

As others have said, you can buy a 328i with a perfectly clean title and extensive service history for $17.5k or even less. Stay away from that car.

parabola · 07-29-2014, 07:33 AM

BMW made a lot of 328s. Find a clean one, it shouldn't be that hard.
There are 2010-2011 models for sale out there with warranty left, for a couple of thousands more..
Unless he gives it to you for half that price.

hockeyplayer · 07-29-2014, 08:28 AM

A salvage title should give a car about 50-60% of its blue book value, so keep that in mind when buying or selling one.

I'm not against salvage titles if the process is done right, but as others have said the asking price in this case is too high.

bwhit94 · 07-29-2014, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chillbil79

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhit94

So i'm in the process of buying a salvaged '09 328i with 40k miles. It was in a previous accident with front number damage. Its been cleaned up nice and looks great with an M sport kit on it and also standard transmission, tomorrow im taking it to a professional to inspect it but i just want opinions. Im trading my chevy cruze in plus 6,000 cash because he wants 17,500 for the car. Now the thing is my best friends dad is a mechanic and told me he would help with repairs. How big of a risk am i taking with the salvage also knowing how expensive bmws are(this would be my first dimmer)

There are plenty of low mileage 335s as well out there around that price.

I'll sell you my 08 335 XI sedan with 42k miles.

Really want a coupe though /:

Delta0311 · 07-29-2014, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhit94

Really want a coupe though /:

If it has a salvage title then it is safe to say the car has more than just bumper damage. Don't even bother for that price you can get a 328 in the same mile range, with a clean title, and a LCI model.

drewnel22 · 07-29-2014, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhit94

Really want a coupe though /:

Do not buy that salvaged car. I guarantee when you go to sell it you will make another thread asking why you lost so much money.

17.5k is way too much for that car. You can find 328's everywhere for cheaper and in better condition.

upstatedoc · 07-29-2014, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhit94

(this would be my first dimmer)

good luck.

e90Cam · 07-29-2014, 09:17 AM

Nothing wrong with salvaged cars, (if the repairs and everything are done right) and depending on how bad the damage was. But as everyone else has said on the thread, it's too much money for a salvaged 328, you can find much cheaper 328's with less miles and probably a LCI model as well. Keep searching!

07-28-2014, 10:48 PM	#1
bwhit94 Registered 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: Chevy Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Buffalo iTrader: (0)	Thoughts on buying a salvaged 328i?? So i'm in the process of buying a salvaged '09 328i with 40k miles. It was in a previous accident with front number damage. Its been cleaned up nice and looks great with an M sport kit on it and also standard transmission, tomorrow im taking it to a professional to inspect it but i just want opinions. Im trading my chevy cruze in plus 6,000 cash because he wants 17,500 for the car. Now the thing is my best friends dad is a mechanic and told me he would help with repairs. How big of a risk am i taking with the salvage also knowing how expensive bmws are(this would be my first dimmer)
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07-28-2014, 10:52 PM	#2
GB-335xiCoupe Libertarian 132 Rep 1,577 Posts Drives: 29k mi per year. Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Green Bay area iTrader: (0)	NFW... __________________ 2011 335xi Coupe BSM (e92/N55/ZPP/ZCW, Alpina B3 Flash) Bought 08/09/2013@53,340mi Current 3/13/2019@206,283mi Fail(s): tstat hous/water pump 89k, Chargepipe 106k, coolant tank 114k, FRM3 114k Maint: Walnut blast 101k, Trans/T-case Fluid 103k, OFHG 195k
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07-29-2014, 12:03 AM	#3
Tom Droze Major 413 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i (e92) Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona iTrader: (0)	I toyed with doing the same thing but opted not to. As long as you can get comfortable that the car was put back together in a satisfactory manner and is mechanically sound, the biggest issue will be the resale value if you go to sell the car any time soon. If you drive it for five years or so than the salvage title will become less of an issue at resale time; but keep in mind you will not be able to trade the car in and you will have to sell it via private party. Also, please make certain your insurance company is okay with insuring a car with a salvage title. As part of your inspection process, I would have the car put on an alignment rack to make certain the chassis is straight. Buying any car with a salvage title does add another level of risk to the equation, but it does not necessarily mean it is a bad deal. As for the price for the car you're looking at, you should be about 25 to 30 percent below low blue book value because of the salvage title. __________________ 2012 Jet Black 328i Coupe / ESS Tuning Gen. 2 Supercharger / Evolution Racewerks Oil Cooler / BMS Oil Catch Can / BMW Performance Exhaust with Dinan Y Pipe / Eibach Pro Kit Springs / Koni FSD Shocks / MFactory LSD & Differential Bushings / Performance Rear Trailing Arms / BMW Performance Strut Brace / Stop Tech Slotted Rotors / Hawk HPS 5.0 / SS Brake Lines / Brass Guide Pins / M3 Front Control Arms, 28 MM FSB, Engine Cowl, and DCT Paddle Shifters / Michelin PSS / APEX ARC-8
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07-29-2014, 12:51 AM	#4
silver07335i Captain 25 Rep 755 Posts Drives: 335i titanium silver metallic Join Date: May 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (5)	There are plenty of 328i's with clean title around the $17,500 price range. Stay away from salvage title BMW's unless you're prepared with deep pockets and can DIY on maintenance and repairs. __________________ Car: 2007 e90 335i 6MT - sports, premium, cold weather, light, and smoker's package. Performance Mods: Cobb AP v3, ETS 7" FMIC, Injen DCI, Michelin PSS, CDV delete, rear spoiler, BMW PE w/ Magnaflow tips, PTF pro-tune, VRSF downpipes, ER chargepipe w/ Tial Q, APEX 18" EC-7 wheels, MP outlet/ inlet, MMP Stg. 3 turbos. Other mods: BMW cargo liner, 20% window tint, BMW alarm system, Weathertech floorliner, Lux E90 V6 bulbs, Philips X-treme Vision H7 bulbs, Blackvue DR650GW-2CH.
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07-29-2014, 01:07 AM	#5
sjf430 Lieutenant 13 Rep 474 Posts Drives: BMW e92 325i Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Don't forget the money you will lose selling the thing
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07-29-2014, 01:12 AM	#6
bad karma Captain 445 Rep 752 Posts Drives: 2015 328i F31 M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Salvage title on a 328? No way. 328i's are a dime a dozen used, you should have no problem finding a clean one in your price range.
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07-29-2014, 01:13 AM	#7
MGT81 Lieutenant 101 Rep 535 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't do it
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07-29-2014, 02:40 AM	#8
E46driver Captain 78 Rep 739 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 N51 328i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Rowland Heights iTrader: (4)	That is quite alot for a salvaged 328 __________________ 2009 Alpine White E92 N51 328i Automagic \| Premium & Sport Pkg. \| Coral Red/Black Dakota Leather Interior \| M-Spor \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| Active Autowerke Headers \| BBS CH-R \| CPS Front Lip \| Performance Front Grills \| 888Concepts Custom Headlights (GONE) 2011 Alpine White E90 N55 335i Automagic
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07-29-2014, 02:46 AM	#9
E92-N54 Private First Class 8 Rep 182 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Fort Smith, AR iTrader: (4)	Yup, too much for a salvaged title 328i. The seller probably got a bottle of lube ready for you. Last edited by E92-N54; 07-29-2014 at 02:53 AM..
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07-29-2014, 03:23 AM	#10
Needbmwpartzz Colonel 854 Rep 2,793 Posts Drives: 2009 bmw 328i x-drive Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Kitchener/Waterloo iTrader: (0)	Don't do it!....that is too much........you are playing Russian roulette and it's pointed at your financial life's head.
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07-29-2014, 04:57 AM	#11
Bob Shiftright Save The Manuals! 64 Rep 491 Posts Drives: E91 Schleppwagen Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: PRNJ iTrader: (0)	A $3000 beater pickup truck? Sure. A $17,500 BMW that you are going to want to trade in in a few years? No. BTW, many insurance companies won't insure a car with a salvage title for collision/comprehensive coverage. __________________ 2008 E91 36K, 6-speed, RWD, Alpine, Terra, Xenons, ZSP, ZCW, ZPP, PDC, CA, alarm, M shifter and M brake handle, Euro rear fog light switch, Euro aspheric mirrors, rear power outlets, Euro split armrest, Lidatek, remote V-1, Cocomats, beach sand, $10 clutch stop mod. 1998 Volvo V70T5 226K, 5-speed, original clutch (third clutch pedal!), aspheric driver's mirror, E-code headlights, IPD sway bar, strut tower brace & skidplate.
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07-29-2014, 06:53 AM	#12
Efthreeoh General 17438 Rep 18,807 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	How can a car with just bumper damage and at 40K miles be a salvage title?
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07-29-2014, 06:54 AM	#13
gigabyte what's for lunch? 3 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 08 e90 335i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	that's a high price for a 328i, especially a salvaged one.
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07-29-2014, 07:18 AM	#15
ihc95 Major 145 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 2018 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00]	As others have said, you can buy a 328i with a perfectly clean title and extensive service history for $17.5k or even less. Stay away from that car.
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07-29-2014, 07:33 AM	#16
parabola Lieutenant 30 Rep 447 Posts Drives: 2015 VW GTI Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	BMW made a lot of 328s. Find a clean one, it shouldn't be that hard. There are 2010-2011 models for sale out there with warranty left, for a couple of thousands more.. Unless he gives it to you for half that price.
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07-29-2014, 08:28 AM	#17
hockeyplayer Captain 74 Rep 776 Posts Drives: 2006 325i, 2006 325xi Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	A salvage title should give a car about 50-60% of its blue book value, so keep that in mind when buying or selling one. I'm not against salvage titles if the process is done right, but as others have said the asking price in this case is too high.
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07-29-2014, 09:17 AM	#22
e90Cam Major 30 Rep 1,093 Posts Drives: e90 LCI Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Nothing wrong with salvaged cars, (if the repairs and everything are done right) and depending on how bad the damage was. But as everyone else has said on the thread, it's too much money for a salvaged 328, you can find much cheaper 328's with less miles and probably a LCI model as well. Keep searching!
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