Greetings. I am new to BMW CCA membership and new to BMW ownership. I have a clean, well maintained 1999 323i w/ the Sport package that I picked up 3 weeks ago and I love it. It was a little bit of a stretch for me to buy (some sectors of aviation employment don't pay so well) but I own w/out any liens. Today a Lexus SUV backed into it in a parking lot with my wife at the wheel (it was not her fault). It looks like the damage was limited to the right fender and door trim, so perhaps I dodged a bullet. However, my beautiful car is blemished. Furthermore, I was on the phone w/ my insurance company this morning to cancel the car it replaced (as it was sold) and declined increasing my coverage beyond PLPD so I could look into what more coverage we could afford, after which the damage happened. Grrr! Does anyone know of a source for reasonably priced salvaged BMW body panels? Is fender replacement not a swap for the faint of heart? Are there any hidden damage things I should be concerned with? Thankfully I am well-stocked w/ copius amounts of fine, German liquid refreshment to mellow my mood. But, alas, it still sucks.
Go to Bavauto.com. They have everything for your E46. From spark plugs to body panels to aftermarket parts. Also try bimmerparts.com. Since you already have a shop that can save the panel, at least look at these site's to know you have resources.
