Look what my son did to my new Z4

[bulmor]

just a thought but if they let you buy it back there may be someone on here who would buy it off you if you felt repairing or stripping it was beyond your capability.

there must be at leat £1200 of usable parts in the car

Yeah, did think well most of interior fine, engine fine, wheels fine. I think that is about it, but probably a bit of money there I guess. Don't really have a mechanical bone in my body unfortunately and do worry about getting oil on the drive (yeah easily managed if I make the effort I guess), so still considering. A couple of the other guys on here confirmed all panels are bolted, so that could make a difference in terms of how easily it could be repaired, though no doubt, all panels, windows, wind mirrors a couple of lights and a respray, would still amount to a fair whack.

 

[ronk]

just a thought but if they let you buy it back there may be someone on here who would buy it off you if you felt repairing or stripping it was beyond your capability.

there must be at leat £1200 of usable parts in the car

Yeah, did think well most of interior fine, engine fine, wheels fine. I think that is about it, but probably a bit of money there I guess. Don't really have a mechanical bone in my body unfortunately and do worry about getting oil on the drive (yeah easily managed if I make the effort I guess), so still considering. A couple of the other guys on here confirmed all panels are bolted, so that could make a difference in terms of how easily it could be repaired, though no doubt, all panels, windows, wind mirrors a couple of lights and a respray, would still amount to a fair whack.

Repair it if you want but I fear that the car will always be a reminder of an event which you will not want a reminder of.
It will be more expensive but i would suggest for your peace of mind, get rid and start again with another car that's fitted with some things you've said "I wish my car had .... "

 

[srhutch]

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought all the panels were bolted on the Z4, not welded? There's even a recent thread on removing one of the rear side panels that involves removing a bit of the roof to get to one of the bolts.

Yes, all bolted on.

Thanks enzed4 and srhutch, maybe I will look at this again then. Any idea on the price of replacement glass in roof?

Easy answer, but not what you want to hear. Will require a new mohair roof. Should be able to pick one up used fairly easily though.

 

[paddy wright]

Yes, all bolted on.

Thanks enzed4 and srhutch, maybe I will look at this again then. Any idea on the price of replacement glass in roof?

Easy answer, but not what you want to hear. Will require a new mohair roof. Should be able to pick one up used fairly easily though.

Used roof off eBay normally around £4-500 in good condition. I'd still say save your z, it will help you feel you have not been defeated!

 

[Crazy Harry]

Thanks enzed4 and srhutch, maybe I will look at this again then. Any idea on the price of replacement glass in roof?

Easy answer, but not what you want to hear. Will require a new mohair roof. Should be able to pick one up used fairly easily though.

Used roof off eBay normally around £4-500 in good condition. I'd still say save your z, it will help you feel you have not been defeated!

New fitted £624 http://www.monsooncarhoods.co.uk/bmw-z4-hoods

I fancy a blue on for my blue Zed :wink:

 

[bulmor]

I don't think keeping the car would give me bad memories. Yes they are bad, but for some reason, not connected to the car (in my head).

Bad news on needing a new roof to deal with rear window

Good news on the pricing you guys spotted though, thought would be much more

Would I be right in thinking panels best picked up at a scrappies?

Then there is the respray I guess

Bit of a roller coaster this one!

 

[kis]

Really depends on how long you want to take? If your willing to wait I'm sure you can pick up panels already in Titan Silver.

Have you heard back from insurance yet? Think the "project" is a really viable option.

In regards to soft top, I'm sure if you don't have garage space then a hardtop would tie you over till you can get a good condition second hand one.

 

[Crazy Harry]

I don't think keeping the car would give me bad memories. Yes they are bad, but for some reason, not connected to the car (in my head).

Bad news on needing a new roof to deal with rear window

Good news on the pricing you guys spotted though, thought would be much more

Would I be right in thinking panels best picked up at a scrappies?

Then there is the respray I guess

Bit of a roller coaster this one!

If you look through other posts members have been able to get hold of panels that don't need spraying - just bolt on and away you go.

As I recall this seller has had good recommendations - has two rear wings in titan silver http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z4-E85-REAR-RIGHT-WING-IN-TITAN-SILVER-/262980100063

 

[paddy wright]

Same seller has a roof for sale- even comes with a motor that you could keep for future or sell in to recoup some of the cost
http://r.ebay.com/l05uBH

 

[enzed4]

If you end up sourcing mismatched panels (although it looks like members here have given a few good pointers towards Titan Silver panels), you could always look at it as an opportunity to wrap the car, in silver, or any colour in the range that takes your fancy.
I doubt it will be as cheap as sourcing second hand panels of the same colour though - a good wrap is not cheap.

 

[bulmor]

Really depends on how long you want to take? If your willing to wait I'm sure you can pick up panels already in Titan Silver.

Have you heard back from insurance yet? Think the "project" is a really viable option.

In regards to soft top, I'm sure if you don't have garage space then a hardtop would tie you over till you can get a good condition second hand one.

Good shout

 

[bulmor]

If you end up sourcing mismatched panels (although it looks like members here have given a few good pointers towards Titan Silver panels), you could always look at it as an opportunity to wrap the car, in silver, or any colour in the range that takes your fancy.
I doubt it will be as cheap as sourcing second hand panels of the same colour though - a good wrap is not cheap.

Certainly an option, though I thought wraps only lasted a couple of years?

 

[bulmor]

Same seller has a roof for sale- even comes with a motor that you could keep for future or sell in to recoup some of the cost
http://r.ebay.com/l05uBH

Thanks Paddy, I did look on ebay, but don't use it much, so was probably looking in the wrong place or something. (Have book marked the link)

 

[enzed4]

If you end up sourcing mismatched panels (although it looks like members here have given a few good pointers towards Titan Silver panels), you could always look at it as an opportunity to wrap the car, in silver, or any colour in the range that takes your fancy.
I doubt it will be as cheap as sourcing second hand panels of the same colour though - a good wrap is not cheap.

Certainly an option, though I thought wraps only lasted a couple of years?

Quick google search gave this info from a vinayl wrap company:

A well cared for vinyl wrap can last for up to 7 years. (We've seen some last longer, but these were mostly show cars that didn't see much time outside.) We usually give a lifespan of 5-7 years for our color change films (3M, Avery, etc…) and 5 years for our digitally printed wraps.

So, should be no problem with longevity if done well.

 

[kis]

Really depends on how long you want to take? If your willing to wait I'm sure you can pick up panels already in Titan Silver.

Have you heard back from insurance yet? Think the "project" is a really viable option.

In regards to soft top, I'm sure if you don't have garage space then a hardtop would tie you over till you can get a good condition second hand one.

Good shout

I've found two rear quarter panels (R and L) and a bonnet in Titan if you're interested. Think they're in good condition. No idea how much but if you want I'm sure I can get them from the breakers and sort something out to get them to you.

 

[Kingfisher]

I really feel for you but .... if it was me I wouldn't even consider repairing it. It's all very well saying you can buy this, replace that, get it sprayed, everything bolts on etc. Do you really want all that hassle? If it was ever finished to your satisfaction you'd always have the memory of the event and what the car looked like! Take the insurance money, try to forget the awful experience and go out and buy another Z4 ..... in a different colour!
I really hope you manage to get over the whole sorry experience and have no more grief ... and rent a garage somewhere as well ... maybe from one of those neighbours! Good luck! ...

 

[bulmor]

If you end up sourcing mismatched panels (although it looks like members here have given a few good pointers towards Titan Silver panels), you could always look at it as an opportunity to wrap the car, in silver, or any colour in the range that takes your fancy.
I doubt it will be as cheap as sourcing second hand panels of the same colour though - a good wrap is not cheap.

Certainly an option, though I thought wraps only lasted a couple of years?

Quick google search gave this info from a vinayl wrap company:

A well cared for vinyl wrap can last for up to 7 years. (We've seen some last longer, but these were mostly show cars that didn't see much time outside.) We usually give a lifespan of 5-7 years for our color change films (3M, Avery, etc…) and 5 years for our digitally printed wraps.

So, should be no problem with longevity if done well.

Wow, longer than I thought, thank you.

 

[bulmor]

Really depends on how long you want to take? If your willing to wait I'm sure you can pick up panels already in Titan Silver.

Have you heard back from insurance yet? Think the "project" is a really viable option.

In regards to soft top, I'm sure if you don't have garage space then a hardtop would tie you over till you can get a good condition second hand one.

Good shout

I've found two rear quarter panels (R and L) and a bonnet in Titan if you're interested. Think they're in good condition. No idea how much but if you want I'm sure I can get them from the breakers and sort something out to get them to you.

Thanks Kis, still debating it all. Insurance told me I should find out this week which way they're going, so good to chew the fat with you guys now, so I am prepared when the call and options come.

 

[bulmor]

I really feel for you but .... if it was me I wouldn't even consider repairing it. It's all very well saying you can buy this, replace that, get it sprayed, everything bolts on etc. Do you really want all that hassle? If it was ever finished to your satisfaction you'd always have the memory of the event and what the car looked like! Take the insurance money, try to forget the awful experience and go out and buy another Z4 ..... in a different colour!
I really hope you manage to get over the whole sorry experience and have no more grief ... and rent a garage somewhere as well ... maybe from one of those neighbours! Good luck! ...

Thanks Kingfisher. I think I've managed to put the experience in a box, though the 'it could happen again' thing has crossed my mind. Not sure I would handle it so calmly the next time, but god forbid it does, I do.

 

[Sportbilly]

I have the exact same car, model, colour the lot and love the thing. I scraped the back passenger side quarter panel and was gutted so I can't imagine how you must feel. Hope you managed to get it sorted.