Slightly damaged car - What to do?

Erin go Bragh

Hi,

A year ago the enemy crashed her car and did a fair bit of damage to the front of the car. Mechanically it is not too bad. It has been sitting idle for the best part of a year and now I want to do something with it i.e. either fix it up or get rid of it.

The car is a 1998 BMW 316i Automatic with just over 100k on the clock. It's a nice car....colour coded bumpers/side skirts.....electric sunroof...bmw alloys.

It needs at least:

2 x head lights
grille support panel (wraps around the fron of the car, above the bumper)
2 x kidney grille inserts
bonnet

I have stripped all the damaged parts off and already replaced the internal panel that the bonnet clips into. I have put in a new battery. I have bought but not yet fitted a new air filter, a new oil filter, and new spark flugs.

The car started ok and idled smoothly enough. But in the last week, when I start it it cuts out unless I keep the revs very high. There is a spell of fuel when I do this and a sort of a backfire or misfire sound when the revs drop. I haven't had much of a chance to look at it with the weather being **** but I hope to get a look at it this weekend.

Anyway, I don't know a lot about cars although I can manage the basics with the assistance of a Haynes manual and internet guides

So, what should I do? Get rid of the car or try to fix it up? The car would only be worth €1K to €1.5K if it was in good condition. The cosmetic parts will cost a few hundred euro from breakers, if I can get them. I'm happy enough to fit them myself. But this new mechanical issue might be a pain in the arse.

If I do want to get rid of it what are my options? It's in good condition apart from the front cosmetic damage and this recent mechanical issue. It would seem a shame to give it to the breakers, but on the other hand its monetary value is very low.

I'm confused! Please help! The wife wants it either fixed or off the driveway :eek:

Thanks!

mickdw

A mechanic will fix the idling problem handy enough I would say. Could be a split hose or anything simple like that. Why not take it to mechanic, if fixed easily, then stick the cosmetic stuff on.

SIX PACK

mate if you keep an eye out on the buy&sell or some of the websites lik gumtree their is nearly always some bmw's breaking for parts so you could get bits for next to nothing or giv some of the breakers in Northern Ireland a call they hav parts for every car 1 can think of. parts are a lot cheaper than the south thats with delivery included a lot of auto repair guys in the south source 2nd hand parts from the north try info.templeautosalvage.com their 1 of the biggest & cheapest tel 028 92638359. best of luck

Fishtits

Advertise it, if you get 1K for it I'd celebrate. With the greatest respect. 316i Auto is an odd ball