peachykonan

Hi guys, First post here, please let me know if I'm not doing anything right! Here goes...This morning, I acquired a 2004 525i BMW (a dream fulfilled) from a relative for low $. It's been my dream to own one, but I'm definitely not going to be eating cake right away as the car's bodywork has some serious issues.The previous owner took the vehicle camping, and rarely, if ever, washed / waxed it (note: paint on car is jet black).

Rear Bumper scratches




Front Bumber scratches



Swirl Marks w/ strange trails in the paint work



Collision damage



Scrapes



I've gotten some estimates, but I could really use help w/ some good autobody shops in the Baltimore / Cockeysville region.List of issues (and repair estimate):

1. The paintwork has strange oil-like swirls w/ a ton of scratches ($430 for wetsand / buff / polish - not sure if this is enough, is this worth doing? Should I just go for a complete respray at this point?)
2. Front / rear bumpers need to be totally replaced (I'll pick up M5 tech front/back bumpers because it's cheaper than OEM, and yes, definitely no M badges for this guy). At least $350 + $250? + paint & install (i have a quote of $633, is this a good price?)).
3. Right front fender has some collision dmg ($380)
4. Left side mirror damaged, but motor is fine ($500)
5. At least two areas of major denting, and one minor spot dent ($450)
6. Chrome door / window sills probably need to be completely replaced ($???)

This is a lot of money for a car of this age, are all the quotes reasonable?

Thanks, Peachy in Bmore

[edited for clarity, I messed up the formatting]

jasperxli

the e60 is a very good car. the 525i is a reliable car so i will say yes. its worth fixing. however, if there are any mechanical or electrical damages i would say no. as far as cosmetics go, i would say fix it as u move along with mods. best of luck!

nomis_nehc

Wow, congrats. That E60 sure looks like it has had its share of battle wounds.

Persian_535i

M5tech front/rear bumpers to replace the damaged bumpers, contact Umnitza and Trinity and see which you can get a better deal with. As far as asking is it worth it, it is all in the eyes of the owner if it is worth it or not. I personally upgraded mine because I thought it made the car look newer and sportier, the question of whether or not it is worth it depends on your budget as well. If you plan on driving the car for a few years atleast then I'd go for it and enjoy every moment.

Isaiah_Charles

My car was bone stock and needed some TLC whn I got it, makes me appreciate it more I think, I say fixit

peachykonan

Thanks for the info guys - I'll touch base w/ Umnitza and Trinity shortly...

On another note, are the estimates listed above reasonable?

John@Motorcepts

the above quotes are reasonable.

aharper

If you got it at a good price I'd say go for it. Worst case is to start with the biggest bang for your buck repairs and go from there.

peachykonan

John! I've been meaning to touch base with you, how much would a paint / installation be for an M5Tech front and MTech rear from your shop? Do you also do body work for the above issues? I'd love an estimate (via PM or other method)... I'm in Baltimore, but I do make a trip to New York every month or so...

Thanks,
Peachy

John@Motorcepts

Hey Peachy,

Yes we do but honestly, it's MUCH better to paint in Baltimore since on your way back, you'll encounter COUNTLESS rock chips on fresh paint. We also do body work. I need bigger pictures to give a rough estimate