What will you NOT fix your car for.

[bdejong11129]

So here is a question that we all at one time or another will have to answer.

What part failure, event, or dollar amount to fix will turn your current E34 into a part out thread here on the board.

Try to keep this simple, list either a dollar amount for a repair, one major component, or event that would cause you to either scrap or part out your current E34. Selling the car is not a valid option, it is either scrap or part out.

I will start.

Any single repair that is more than $2500.00, I think that is my limit for keeping the car on the road. Now that is not the same as a whole bunch of goodies that over time add up to 2500.00:stickoutt, just one single big o-shit that is going to cost 2500.00 to fix.

[kipwinger]

body damage over $1000 or rust.

[KyleCleveland]

This will be a good thread!

I think replacing the engine or doing a head gasket would be my stopping point. Suspension, tranmission, interior..these things can be fixed fairly easily, and sometimes you know it's coming, so you can save up for it.

Getting in an accident compromises (sp?) the car, and would also probably force me to sell.

My limit on expenses would probably be in the neighborhood of $1000 in a single bill to make me consider moving along to another vehicle.

[camaroguy]

Hmm, I am looking at a $6k for 4 shocks on my car, so I guess I really don't know. I guess I am with Kip here...Frame damage most likely.

[Steve547i]

When my M50 has something astonishingly wrong with it that is not worth the repair such as a spun bearing, bent rod, or something catastrophic.

then ill go s52 or buy a 540/6

[moroza]

Nothing short of being plowed in the front by a speeding semi loaded with spray cheese. And even then I'd probably just find another 530iT shell and get back to work. I've invested 9 months and who knows how many Grover Clevelands into this thing and it's just now come to life... so I'm pretty flippin' attached to it.

The other car's limit was reached when body wiring harnesses and fuseboxes started to melt, and that was on top of rust. It duly went to partscar duty (with many parts still available, and increasingly cheap...).

[SSkoda]

an engine failure on the M50Touring. I would say suspension but I'm going to give it it's 4th new set of front shocks in 2 years tomorrow...

I'm doing the top end on my new M20 tomorrow and it should stay cheap, so any repair over £100 (thats about $170).

[Martinator]

http://e28-535i.com/upload/MartinCrackM30
Nah, I'm replacing the block. 12psi of turbo boost is too great and would be missed.
I think the air conditioning is the scariest repair. Might not be a deal breaker though.

[Chinman]

Insurance check.

[e34armour]

Hmm, I am looking at a $6k for 4 shocks on my car, so I guess I really don't know. I guess I am with Kip here...Frame damage most likely.

Why so much?

[bdejong11129]

Insurance check.

:lol:lol That's the spirit, short, to the point, and understandable.

[NikosX]

They're EDC.

[David325e]

For me it was body damage that I could not afford to fix (including raising ins premiums) and didn't have a place to sit the car until I could do it myself. I'm paranoid with the 540. I'll not get rid of it unless body damage occurs.

[kipwinger]

Hmm, I am looking at a $6k for 4 shocks on my car, so I guess I really don't know. I guess I am with Kip here...Frame damage most likely.

Bag the EDC and go for some GCs. /OT

[strad]

Catastrophic engine failure would probably do it for me, as would getting into a big wreck with it.

My car is actually a salvaged car already (I bought it from copart), but it did not have what I would call major damage. It just needed a little pull on the shock tower (about a quarter inch) and a fender. It even retains its original bumper assembly and hood with the vin stickers on them lol.

[Skyjordan7]

i Would Give up If My Motor Went Or Any Repair that would Cost Me 1700$ Or More.
Im so Attached to this Car, But Sometimes you Gotta Let go

Sorry Baby(E34) I Love You <3

[Elekta]

If the S38 threw a rod....then I'd probably put an S52 in it, but I would not try to rebuild an $12k plus engine

[Jon Mar]

If the car was totaled beond reconigtion i think that would be it for it. I probably would part it for another e34 though :)

[LouieD]

As many have said, body/frame damage that would compromise integrity or fire. Just the other day I saw a Touring at pick-a-part that had it's qrt panel crushed and I thought if that happened to mine I'd strip it down to a shell and find another to work with.

[rotaryboots]

Well seeing how I just spent close to a grand on the top end, I'd have to say if it got wrecked and the cost was more than its worth. If the bottom end turned out to go then I'd look into fixing what went bad like a bearing or something and if another engine was the only solution I'd probably find anther block. Not having to pay anyone to repair my cars help a lot. But my E34 is just too clean to part or scrap it.

[camaroguy]

Bag the EDC and go for some GCs. /OT

Or sell the car and pick up an '01 740i Sport -> Six speed swap :devillook....Flame suit engaged!

[muckRunner]

i think if the insurance company considered it a total loss, then id prolly let the GAP insurance do its thing, take the auto insurance check and look for a 525IX or mercedes 3-series 4matic.

but other than being totaled im sure i could repair it. engines arent very expensive considering the cost of an M50tu vs an S-engine. suspension components arent too bad. this is what junkyards are for. just gimme the parts and let me work my magic.

[Hodge]

Frame damage or signifigant body damage.

It's getting a new tranny now, so that kinda rules out mechanical stuff for me.

[garethashenden]

lots of body damage

[T444E]

As many have said, body/frame damage that would compromise integrity or fire. Just the other day I saw a Touring at pick-a-part that had it's qrt panel crushed and I thought if that happened to mine I'd strip it down to a shell and find another to work with.

Saw a white on blue touring with the whole passenger side quarter cut out. Looks funny.

But probably a trans or motor. Even then I would look for an M62.
Car was already wrecked; doesn't bother me.

[TouringGuy]

Transmission, head gasket, major body damage.

[Skatingzooyork]

Now that enough people have commented, lets see how many people jinxed themselves and get in a wreck.

I don't know what my breaking point would be...

[Uber 525i]

my breaking point is next time i have to either fill the tire with air, or change my oil

[kahluastud412]

as soon as i find a 540/6 that i like for sale

[MadFish]

The day Im dead...if I can fix it then Im going to fix it. If I cant, then Im going to die trying.

[Jbaroli]

Now that I´m possibly getting a decent job (I´m unemployed):

NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:lol:lol:lol

[E34nication]

When the car's totaled with frame damage... then I'll part it and try a different car.

[jbh1989]

The day Im dead...if I can fix it then Im going to fix it. If I cant, then Im going to die trying.

amen

[e34moneypit]

Rot. Not rust, but rot. I can deal with surface rust, but if the body was to rot through, then I'd have to call it curtains and get a new e34 to start over with. Not that I don't have something in mind already just in case, but still...

Good news though. I work in a bar, and this open mic night/karaoke all star (sarcasm) was HAMMERED tonight. Turns out she and her hubby opened a body shop locally and willingly agreed to respray my touring. Back in action, bitches!

[5senses]

Patience guys... 1 day i'll post pics of Dirty D when purchased.... I'll b the opposition.. what will you fix your car for....

[sander06]

I'd never get rid of my car unless it was totaled and I was still alive!

[jessejames]

frame and/or extensive body damage...but even then, I would have had to grown tired of it, as well.

[gtopaul]

http://www.MyEasyPics.com/is.php?i=701225&img=Picture_631.jpg

[E34tn]

http://www.MyEasyPics.com/is.php?i=701225&img=Picture_631.jpg
What in the hell is that?

[misswin]

It'd have to be totaled.... this car has my heart.

[535ipower]

Major body damage, but i would still keep it for the fact that i have another one in which i can transfer parts to.

[jbondbmw]

http://www.MyEasyPics.com/is.php?i=701225&img=Picture_631.jpg

Okay, who put molasses in the valvetrain......

http://www.theherbprof.com/images/Molasses.jpg

[paanta]

Major wiring fire/meltdown, rust or any body damage not covered by insurance. It's soooo hard to get body work done that isn't noticeable.

Parts are so cheap and I've refreshed so much already that there's not really much that could break that it wouldn't make sense to fix. I plan to hang on to it at least until a clean E39 530i sport or E46 330i is under ~$5-6K, and even then my Passat goes before the E34. So, a good long while.

[Smoothjazz]

Anything that is more than replacing the car with another Calypsorot 530/540...Of course, I'll replace with a 540.

[keith2]

Well since there is a loan on my car (long story, my moms fault) the only way this would happen would be if the insurance company totals it out. But if I owned it out right the only thing would be frame damage. If the engine blew up, Id save and upgrade, too much body damage? Grab the bondo! I believe "if it can be built it can be fixed" and would love a project car (not saying I want anything bad to happen to my beloved E34!!)

[Yahweh]

Okay, who put molasses in the valvetrain......

http://www.theherbprof.com/images/Molasses.jpg

Quaker state

[5mall5nail5]

Nothing

[93FIM5]

Massive body/frame damage then the S38 would be dropped in a Z3 M Coupe!

[E34Beast]

I have almost come to the point where I am thinking about parting out my E34. I have both quarters rotting out and it has been vandalised on multiple occations. If I was to take my car to a body shop and had them estemate repair on my car they would total it out. The only thing on the outside that is nice is the doors because I have changed them, the drivers fender, and the bumpers.:(

[gtopaul]

http://www.MyEasyPics.com/is.php?i=701225&img=Picture_631.jpg

Came in for service with the oil level & oil pressure lights on and tapping. 50k miles on it, never had an oil change, a quart of thick goo in the oil pan. She paid $9k for a new engine. Takes all types I guess.

[T444E]

Came in for service with the oil level & oil pressure lights on and tapping. 50k miles on it, never had an oil change, a quart of thick goo in the oil pan. She paid $9k for a new engine. Takes all types I guess.

Enough said.

[E34Beast]

Came in for service with the oil level & oil pressure lights on and tapping. 50k miles on it, never had an oil change, a quart of thick goo in the oil pan. She paid $9k for a new engine. Takes all types I guess.

What was that in???

[E34tn]

Came in for service with the oil level & oil pressure lights on and tapping. 50k miles on it, never had an oil change, a quart of thick goo in the oil pan. She paid $9k for a new engine. Takes all types I guess.

What was she running in it? BBQ sauce?

[LaytonDavis]

Don't know how to awnser that one....Probably something really bad with the wiring harness.....Just did a tranny swap on my touring and it wasnt bad at all. This is my 1st E34 but I had an E30 for years and those things were pretty simple to work on..Oh yeah got a free parts car from a member here so i have another engine rear end and a whole bunch a parts so I'm good for quite a while!!!!