I have just inherited an (almost!) perfect E39 530i.  First registered 2001 only 68k miles.  Unfortunately my father-in-law drove it into a very solid bench and has cracked two headlight lenses, bent the nose and one corner of the bonnet, and creased the offside front wing.  The bonnet still opens and closes securely.  It is still driveable, and no damage to radiator (I have run the engine and got it up to temperature and there are no leaks). Interior is mint, 5 clean alloys with 4 good tyres. This car was bought new by my father-in-law and garaged, so no rust.  Should I repair with salvaged bonnet and O/S wing + headlights?, or sell it to a breaker?.  The best offer I have had so far is £400.  Any ideas??

Hi John

Welcome to the Forum

For me it would be a simple choice, repair it but then I love tinkering. A Bonnet and wing in the right colour if your lucky should cost about £150 to £200 a pair of headlamps Xenon with Halo's about the same plus a weekends labour. Then service check over and MOT and it could fetch any where between £2500 and £4000 depending on the buyer

Rather than just a general Breaker talk to the specialist BMW Dismantlers they may offer more

Dave

Thankyou for the positive input, Greydog.  I WOULD do the repair myself, but when I sold my kitcar, I promised my wife that I would not replace it.  2 months later, I bought a very nice 2002 MG TF before you ask: Head-Gasket already replaced properly (X-Part multilayer + reinforced oil rail.) She is now complaining that I am now spending too much time doing minor work, polishing and generally enjoying it!  Another "project" would lead to divorce.  I have sold the beemer on Facebook Marketplace amazingly quickly to a real 5 Series enthusiast who has a manual 530i and wants an Auto for his wife.  

Jay Leno the American chat show host and Car Nut famously said " what would a wife prefer a husband who smells of transmission fluid or booze and cheap perfume"

Glad you had successful outcome

Dave