Copart Makeover Part 1: From Crashed Car to Dream Car – a BMW M240i Project
When Car Dreams Become Reality: A BMW M240i Is Given a New Lease of Life
The idea sounds almost too good to be true: Not just repairing a damaged car but transforming it into a dream car. That's exactly what we did with a BMW M240i from the Copart inventory. Our adventure started with a simple thought – "Can we do this?" – and ended with a project that taught us more than we could have ever imagined.
The Purchase – the First Encounter
The Discovery: Our story begins in Dortmund, where our team came across the BMW M240i. Despite its recognizable front-end damage, we saw the potential that lay dormant in it. The vision was clear: not only to repair this vehicle, but to make it an example of the quality and possibilities at Copart.
The Challenge: During the first on-site inspection, the vehicle was classified as "starts and shifts", which meant that the engine was working and the vehicle was mobile. However, a discharged battery was the first obstacle we had to overcome with a battery booster. This moment marked the beginning of our restoration journey.
BMW M240i Front Damage - How It Arrived
Transport and Initial Assessment – off to Bochum
The First Impression: Once the vehicle had been successfully transported to our location in Bochum, we immediately began to take stock. Despite my previous lack of contact with the BMW brand, the connection to the vehicle was immediate. Bridging the battery was a small victory on the road to full recovery.
The Analysis: A thorough investigation revealed the true extent of the damage. Despite the heavy traffic in the Ruhr area, which delayed our return journey to the workshop, we were motivated. Once at the workshop, we were able to carry out a detailed analysis of the damage and draw up an initial list of necessary repairs.
BMW M240i in the Workshop
Battery Replacement and Coding – the First Hurdle
The Necessary Replacement: After the successful transfer of the BMW M240i to our workshop, we were faced with the next challenge: replacing the battery. This step was crucial, as the performance and reliability of the vehicle depend largely on a functioning power supply. A battery that fails after around 50,000 kilometers and three years is not uncommon but replacing it and then coding the battery management system required precision and expertise.
Precise Execution: The replacement process was carefully planned and executed. After removing the old battery and installing a new battery of the same type, it was essential to re-code the battery management system. This coding is essential as it ensures that the vehicle charges the battery correctly based on its age and condition. Without this important step, the new battery would not be able to perform to its full potential. Armed with the Carly app, we also managed this task with flying colors.
Disassembly and Damage Analysis – It's More Complicated Than Expected
Dismantling: Disassembling the front end of the BMW M240i revealed the full extent of the damage. It was meticulous work to dismantle the front apron, the add-on parts and especially the kidneys and headlights. Each step required a deep understanding of the vehicle's construction and precise handling to avoid further damage.
The Findings: During disassembly, we discovered that the damage was more extensive than initially thought. In particular, the discovery of a deformation on the frame was a setback. This discovery made it clear that a simple repair would not suffice and extensive bodywork was required. The challenge now was to restore the BMW not only externally but also structurally to perfect condition.
Bodywork and Engine – a Question of Precision
The Complex Task: The deformation of the BMW M240i's frame required the engine to be removed - a complex and time-consuming task. The decision to outsource this work was made due to the need for specialized welding techniques and our requirement to deliver the highest quality. I left this task to the professionals at Marx Performance, who removed the engine and carried out the necessary repairs with impressive precision.
BMW M240i Engine Removal
Follow Our Project in Full Length on YouTube!
In this blog post series, we take you on our journey to transform a BMW M240i from crashed car to dream car. Here you can watch the first video of our exciting makeover series, which documents the initial phase of our project in detail.
To experience the full series, visit our YouTube channel where you can find all the other videos. Immerse yourself in every step of our restoration – from the initial inspection to the final tweaks. See how we overcome challenges and make the vehicle shine like new.
And What Happens Next?
You may be wondering what comes next after this exciting turning point in our story. We assure you that the journey with our BMW M240i is far from over. Restoring this crashed car into a dream car is an ongoing process, full of challenges and successes.
In our next blog post, Copart Makeover Part 2: From Buying Parts to Perfection – a BMW M240i Project, we'll take you on the next step of the restoration. Find out more about the procurement of spare parts, the technical challenges and the final tweaks needed to make our BMW M240i shine in new splendor.
Browse through our vehicle inventory and discover your next restoration project. Perhaps you will find exactly the vehicle that sparks your enthusiasm.
Until next time, stay tuned and keep following us as the journey of our BMW M240i is a living testament to what is possible with passion, dedication and a touch of creativity. We can't wait to share the next chapters of this fascinating journey with you.
