Crashed my E36 Compact

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:29 pm

I had a bit of a bump today and bust the nose of my lovely compact. I'm trying to keep the repair of it off the insurance (Car I hit is going through insurance), I think that it can be fixed for less than the excess. What I am wondering is does anyone know where I can get a new grill surround and front bumper in titan silver pretty cheap? And a headlight?

Or, anyone know anyone who would be interested in the car as is, as I was gonna sell it soon...

Damage below.

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:44 pm

Thats an easy repair - I had something similar in my old E36. I'd try some of the BMW dismantlers (Fab, Quarry Motors etc) for the parts. I had to replace the headlight and indicator but the grill only needed a lick of paint. You'll be lucky to get the grill section/bumper in the same colour but its a simple respray. E36 front ends are easy to dismantle making accident repairs not too difficult.

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:48 pm

Don't know if this is Titan?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E36-318-ti-Co ... 690wt_1141

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:02 pm

That looks like it could be a very close match. I am toying with selling it as is, I mean, it is still road legal, so I will just use it until I can get a loan sorted, transfer the plate off it and sell to someone who can put it right and make a few quid. To be honest I have been requiring a more door car for a little while and now seems the perfect time to stop dragging my heels.

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:12 pm

The front grill is spot welded on at the top and bottom of the grill and is bolted at either end so will need to be cut off

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:26 pm

Raj_p wrote:The front grill is spot welded on at the top and bottom of the grill and is bolted at either end so will need to be cut off

its all bolted on ,you can unbolt the whole front on the e36 and walk in to the engine bay

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:34 pm

:O i didnt know that, i cut the front grill of my old one and welded the new one back on

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:37 pm

Raj_p wrote::O i didnt know that, i cut the front grill of my old one and welded the new one back on

10mm bolts from the side and the torq bolts at the top for the catch

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:40 pm

oops... thanks for letting me now dips, where were you when i changed my grill eh???

Lol, only messing... i dont have the car now... oh well

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:43 pm

If your after a new one im selling one

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... WD24%206DJ

Post Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:52 pm

Ive got a nice grill panel with no dents or rust and pair of good Compact specific OEM headlights if your interested?
Grill is in Estoril Blue though but cant see it being to pricey for a quick blowover before fitting?

Post Sat Oct 30, 2010 8:52 am

Eko, how much do you want and can you send them? Only need the NS headlight and grill.
Is there a step by step fitting guide anywhere on t'internet? I am still weighing up options. If the price is right I will fix it then sell it.

Post Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:22 pm

PM sent

Post Mon Nov 01, 2010 2:20 pm

Looks like hopefully I can get a loan by end of the week, to buy another car. Then unless anyone wants to buy it as is I will pop it in a garage, repair it then sell it. Eko, I will be in touch by end of weds about those parts, hopefully I will know what is going on by then.

Post Mon Nov 01, 2010 5:38 pm

Ok mate.

Post Tue Nov 02, 2010 1:47 pm

Zerotonine wrote:I'm trying to keep the repair of it off the insurance (Car I hit is going through insurance), I think that it can be fixed for less than the excess.

If the other car repair costs are coming from your insurance, then you are already liable for your excess and will have a claim registered against you. Getting your car fixed at the same time professionally would be very unlikely to add any future costs to you.

Martin.

Post Tue Nov 02, 2010 6:29 pm

I have been told by the insurance that I don't have to pay excess for the other car to be repaired. That and the fact that it would probably be classed as a cat D write off has made me decide to just repair it myself. I used to be in the accident repair business a lifetime ago.

Post Tue Nov 02, 2010 6:37 pm

Zerotonine wrote:I have been told by the insurance that I don't have to pay excess for the other car to be repaired. That and the fact that it would probably be classed as a cat D write off has made me decide to just repair it myself. I used to be in the accident repair business a lifetime ago.

Regarding the grill and headlight.
If it helps a mate is driving up the M4 tomorrow and obviously will be passing Swindon.
I could ask him to stick the bits in his car if you could meet him?
PM me if you need too.

Post Tue May 31, 2011 1:09 pm

Just gragging this back up, I ended up selling this car as is to a young lad, and he did this to it...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2849564.htm

(I am not advertising this as a sale, just thought people might be interested to see what happened to it in the end...

Post Tue May 31, 2011 2:26 pm

Undeclared engine swap = invalid insurance!

Post Tue May 31, 2011 2:38 pm

George wrote:Undeclared engine swap = invalid insurance!

If not declared to the insurance company, totally agree.

Not declared to the DVLA, not necessarily. My engine swapped cabrio is undeclared to the DVLA, but still perfectly correctly insured as a 335i.

Martin.