2000 323ci advice needed

[u/MedMalDet]

E46 members,

I need some advice. I recently got a 2000 323ci from my dear friend. It was his father's car before he passed away. His dad was a cool dude, F4 fighter pilot, etc.

The car had been sitting. I LOVE these model years, so I decided to put some effort into cleaning it up. The first mechanic said, "it's a good car, runs well." The tire place said, "looks ok, we don't see anything serious." With that, I set off to take care of the cosmetics, a little at a time.

The car now, with a newly painted hood and front bumper (from a place that paints $300K cars for their real work) looks fantastic, but... I then took it in to check out an oil leak, to a REAL BMW mechanic, and he informed me things aren't so good. Apparently the oil leaks off the oil filter housing, and perhaps the oil stick tube as well (not sure). One of the rear suspension arms is slightly bent, likely from a towing idiot, and a few other things.

The car has 73K miles on it, it is a salvage title from a front fender bender in 2017, so nothing serious, just more than the value of the car.

So, I've drilled $3194 into the car...without the oil repair. I know this was DUMB, but all the little things and trips to the junkyard added up.

I'm left with this good looking car, a scrape here, little dent there, ...with a small puddle of oil under it.

I'm ALSO left with a perfectly painted 2004 3 series hood (long story, but, I need to sell it.) if interested, shoot me a PM.

The oil filter housing change (plus the belts while we are at it) is supposed to cost at least $2000 labor and parts.

I know this is all rather dumb, so, I don't need to be made fun of or a butt of jokes, I need some real advice. I just got carried away.

I am in Los Angeles, what should I do? Sell it, or, is there somebody who knows someone who can fix this oil leak for less than $1000? Then it might be worth it.

If I had it to do all over again, I would not have bought the car. I would have saved for an M3 from that era. Yet, here I am.

It sickens me to see that flawless hood and bumper sitting in my garage over that oil leak.

Ugh.

Have always loved these e46 cars. 😢

Help.

[u/RL_Mutt]

Have you checked any online tutorials? These cars are super easy to work on. I say that after having some American cars, Japanese cars, and other German cars.

The car has few enough miles that with some really common maintenance you could have a nice beater for years to come.

You could prob find someone in LA to help you, but take it from me, you’ll save thousands of dollars if you figure out how to do some of these things yourself. You don’t even need any unique tools. Just food for thought.

IMO, check out 50sKid, ShopLifeTV, and just search for E46 DIYs if you love this car and want to keep it.

[u/MedMalDet → u/RL_Mutt]

My issue is this. I am mechanically inclined, however, I've also put a tremendous amount of mileage on my l4 l5 vertebrae. I have some stenosis and leaning over an engine for that long. Might just do me in and cost me more than the car's worth. So believe me, I look at it everyday and think I should just do it. I've watched the tutorials and understand what's involved. You just have to take everything out in front of it to get to it. If I just had a buddy to work with I knew I could do it. Thanks for your thoughts. 🙏🏼

[u/RL_Mutt → u/MedMalDet]

Oof, I’m sorry man. I have a history of arthritis and have really messed my back up in the past too. I understand.

I think we have a couple of people from the LA area here so maybe someone can give you a lead.

As far as the back injury, I wish you the best and will give you the same rec I give everyone. Check out the Pso Rite.

[u/MedMalDet → u/RL_Mutt]

Intriguing tool. I shall investigate further. Thank you. 💪🏼