Are you guys hoarding parts?

[George Hill]

full disclosure, I'm <5yrs away from "retirement" and looking at other things to do mostly for fun.

My only concern and not with you specifically but with people who think parting a car can be fun or is ultra profitable as a side gig is they generally over pay. That ultimately drives up the market and then they don't follow through getting all the meat off the bones which then makes the used market smaller and further driving the market up. I see it all the time someone buys a car then losses interest for whatever reason and now all of these good parts just get trashed because of a multitude of reasons.

That said if you are going to make a go of it I am happy to support a fellow enthusiast. When the time comes, do make a post and I will be sure to follow.

My personal current philosophy is that I save parts for myself and my clients, once I have 3 or 4x of a part and I don't expect an immediate need (1-2yrs) I sell the extra. Some stuff I don't sell unless its to a personal client like black touring interior parts, M3 splash shields or parts for conversions. I also generally buy 2x of everything now so I at least have 1x in stock.

For enthusiasts I usually recommend people make a list of their goals for the car and what parts they need to achieve them and then just keep an eye out. Buy used if a good deal comes along but don't be afraid to buy nicer if something better comes along.

With all of that said I personally don't see parts being a big problem for a while, sure small problems will arise, but nothing insurmountable for a driver car.

This is the progression of a nearly a full part out on a ZHP. Only thing not in that pile are doors, trunk lid, hood and some misc clips and what not, the shell is ultimately stripped to a bare tub. Note the pile ends up spilling out under the E39.

[Obioban]

From 9 years ago, when I went to Clemster's in person to pick up a larger part.

[tnord]

I appreciate not wanting to shrink the used market, I don't think I'd be doing that. my goal would be to provide a service that allows the good cars to have a longer life.

This is the kind of stuff I'm looking at parting out, not just buying high mileage examples to strip down. Nobody is going to miss a 266k mile convertible with major rear end damage. but from a parts perspective there's some value there if you can take the time, and have the storage space.

https://www.copart.com/lot/98558945/clean-title-2006-bmw-m3-ar-little-rock

It's a fair point that there's more parts than I'm really prepared for.

[ATB88]

I appreciate not wanting to shrink the used market, I don't think I'd be doing that. my goal would be to provide a service that allows the good cars to have a longer life.

This is the kind of stuff I'm looking at parting out, not just buying high mileage examples to strip down. Nobody is going to miss a 266k mile convertible with major rear end damage. but from a parts perspective there's some value there if you can take the time, and have the storage space.

https://www.copart.com/lot/98558945/clean-title-2006-bmw-m3-ar-little-rock

It's a fair point that there's more parts than I'm really prepared for.

yo i'd take that windscreen and hardtop if you bought it <_< <_< lol

[EthanolTurbo]

I appreciate not wanting to shrink the used market, I don't think I'd be doing that. my goal would be to provide a service that allows the good cars to have a longer life.

This is the kind of stuff I'm looking at parting out, not just buying high mileage examples to strip down. Nobody is going to miss a 266k mile convertible with major rear end damage. but from a parts perspective there's some value there if you can take the time, and have the storage space.

https://www.copart.com/lot/98558945/clean-title-2006-bmw-m3-ar-little-rock

It's a fair point that there's more parts than I'm really prepared for.

266k miles and a color matched hardtop... someone really loved that car. What a shame.

[tnord]

see!!!!! I’m not crazy!!!!

[George Hill]

Hardtop, that car is going to go for more than you think. I bet in a like for like condition that car is worth more than a coupe.

[tnord]

just the main components of hardtop, wheels, engine, trans, diff is probably $3-$5k depending on condition.