I have a 1987 325is coupe in black with some damage on the the front of both fenders around the headlights as well as damage to the hood.
Is it better to keep the originals and have them repaired and re-painted (they have the original VIN stickers on them) or completely replace? The cost of the panels to buy isn't significant at all. You can get a new hood for about $150 and new front quarter panels for about $250 each which doesn't seem unreasonable at all.
Is there real value from keeping original parts?
well if you know someone in the body shop biz they can order you new panels and they "may" be able to order you new vin numbers to place on the new panels to keep it original.
Better to repair. Also, new parts these days aren't very good. Even the genuine BMW is a lot crappier than you'd expect.
Edit: I'm assuming that the parts are otherwise good and rust free since you're in CA.
2011 M3 Sedan
2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD LBZ
1999 323i GTS2
1995 M3 - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
1990 325is
1989 M3 - S54B32/GS6-37BZ
Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo
Hers: 1989 325iX
IMO find a set of used, rust free originals.
1991 318is
2001 740i
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