Help with decision making on wrecked M5

[Etip]

Hi all,
I'm struggling with making a decision on my M5.
It was hit in the front and while the the body work isn't terribly damaged (all repairable and maintain serial numbered panels), the frame was bent.
It is in front of wheel/suspension, but the body shop says it's not fixable and recommends the reapair is pulling the motor and replacing the frame rail.
With all the R&R work, fixing fenders and hood, etc. paint... it is rather expensive ($24K)
Otherwise,the car is very clean and complete, runs great, with 167k miles.
Washington does not do salvage titles for cars over ? 25 years, so, while I would never try to hide the accident history (and I'm assuming Carfax would show it), the title is not salvage.
what else... The dash has a couple cracks.

I'm really torn on what to do. I don't want to part it out, but it's a lot of money. I'm into the car very little, and have purchsed a new valance, etc. needed for the repairs.
Just interested in people's thoughts and opinions. A few years ago, it would have been an easy decision, but e28 M5 are so expensive now, you can't really just go out and get another one.

[WesfromTas]

I wouldn't do anything quickly. Perhaps garage it and chew it over. I know E9 guys that had same issue and really regret wrecking the car. Can you do much of the work yourself? What of insurance?

[Fanclutchnut]

Sorry to hear about your situation. I would agree that these cars should be saved whenever possible and financially feasible. A rust free car is particularly nice to have (ask me how I know).

I would suggest getting a second opinion and quote. I know it’s a pain to tow the car around but speak with cca members about reputable and reasonable shops in the area that are familiar with these cars.

Also, consider doing some of the prep and reassembly work yourself to reduce the cost. You didnt mention if insurance (yours or other vehicle) would be covering some or all of the cost. That would play into my decision as well.

Lastly, don’t be hasty.

[Ohmess]

You might want to contact Mario Langston at VSR about your car. Several of the e9 guys use him; he's a good metal guy. I know one of the e9 guys who also has an M5 uses Mario exclusively.

http://www.vsr1.com/

[austin8753]

i think we're at the point where, unless the car was severely tweaked, there's no point in taking a fixable M5 off the road. find a shop who knows old cars well and are into keeping them on the road.

my $.02, for what it's worth... they are really special cars. i parted BMWs for a long time, i wouldn't part an M5 these days.

A

[Etip]

Ok. I think I have a plan.

In working with the shop, I'm going to have the structural repairs done now (frame, radiator core support, hood, etc) to get the car safe and drivable.

I'll get it home and do reassembly of the front end (valance, grills, bumper, trim etc).

In the future (summer/fall depending on variables), I'll take it back to have the fenders repaired/straightened, hood, valance, spoiler and everything painted. i. e. Get the car cosmetically back to 100%

I think this is the best path for me to get it back together within the constraints of my means.

I'm excited to move forward.

I'll start another thread, as since they're pulling the motor for this, I'm going to do some maintenance with the motor/trans out (motor mounts, clutch, and whatever else folks recommend).