If you have a BMW and need spare parts the best place to go is a BMW salvage yard. Most auto salvage yards will have a BMW section, but if you have to have a BMW salvage yard, a German auto salvage, or a European salvage, you have struck gold. In the article below I will help you find the closest BMW junk yard near you, tell you how the BMW salvage yards near me work, give the pros and cons of buying used BMW parts, and show some general knowledge about selling your BMW to a scrap yard.
Map of BMW Salvage Yards Near Me
For “BMW Junk Yards Near Me” or “BMW Salvage Yards Near Me”, see the map below…
If your results seem limited, it’s because BMW auto salvages are few and far between. You can also try searching for German salvage yards or European auto salvage yards. Additionally, you can check our main page which will display any and all car junkyards nearby regardless of manufacturer. Any large-scale auto junkyard will likely have a section dedicated to the BMW brand.
How Does a BMW Salvage Yard Operate
BMW junkyards are locally run. The BMW salvage yards near me buy and sell automobiles and they offer pick and pull services, which means you can pull parts of the autos in the lot and pay for what you take.
How They Get BMWs in the Yard Inventory
All car salvages and graveyards have slightly different operating procedures, but for the most part, they all get their vehicles the same way. The first way is by getting a BMW from a person who wants cash for their car. The owner may have deemed the car inoperable or have figured out that the cost of repair wasn’t worth it.
The other way auto salvages get cars is from insurance companies. When a vehicle has been in a wreck, the insurance company will sell it to a junk yard in order to recoup some of the cost they paid out in a claim. Either way when the junkyard gets the car they look to sell it off for parts to turn a profit.
How BMW Junkyards Process Their Vehicles
When a BMW salvage yard takes in your auto it can’t go straight out into the lot. First, the a need to perform some basic stripping and draining.
Often the first thing that is performed is a major fluid drain. This includes fluids like gasoline, motor oil, wiper fluid, and antifreeze. The gasoline will be put into a safe container and resold, the oil gets recycled at a facility, and other fluids like anti-freeze get re-bottled into plastic containers and resold. Anything being resold is often sold dirt cheap.
Some BMW scrap yards might also pull the engine and the battery. If they take out the engine, they will send it to a 3rd party vendor to be rebuilt and resold with a warranty. If they pull the battery, they will test it and if needed recharge it, then resell it.
How a BMW Junk Yard is Arranged
The BMW salvage yards near me group the lot by year and model. The way a junkyard is organized can be the difference between finding the used parts you need quickly or spending the entire day walking around. Not all BMW scrap yards are managed or organized very well.
If you are looking for some hard-to-find model or older BMW parts, you may not find what you seek. Most yards however will cater to the most popular and best-selling models. You will likely see the following sections at a BMW auto salvage.
- 2 Series
- 3 Series
- 4 Series
- 5 Series
- 6 Series
- 7 Series
- X1
- X2
- X3
- X4
- X5
- X6
- M1
- M2
- M3
- M4
- M5
- M6
- M550
- M240
The BMW salvage yards near me keep a searchable electronic inventory that logs all of the cars in the lot. If you are looking for a particular part or model of BMW, you can call ahead and ask if they have it. I often find it best to give a ring on the phone and ask things like: “Do you have a door for a 2015 7 series”? or “Do you have any M5s on the lot and how stripped down are they”?
What Kind of Used BMW Parts Can You Find at a Junk Yard?
BMW junk yards are a goldmine for used BMW parts. You can find all types of treasures like doors, seats, mirrors, manifolds, water pumps, gaskets, intakes, etc. You might be surprised but you may even find brand new parts. Sometimes before someone junks their BMW for cash they throw parts at it trying to fix the problem. Lucky for us when they can’t fix it they junk the car and leave all of the new parts on it.
At a reputable junkyard specializing in salvaged BMW cars, enthusiasts and mechanics can discover a treasure trove of OEM BMW parts to breathe new life into their beloved vehicles. These salvage yards often stock a wide array of BMW car parts, ranging from essential components like engines and auto body parts to specialized items like auto glass and replacement parts. Whether one is seeking rebuilt BMW parts for a vintage model or specific engine parts for the latest BMW cars, these establishments strive to offer an extensive inventory. The beauty of perusing such facilities lies in the opportunity to find quality used engines and other components at the best price, providing a cost-effective solution for BMW enthusiasts. The commitment to service and quality ensures that customers can confidently source the necessary parts to restore or upgrade their BMW models, all while benefiting from the affordability and reliability inherent in salvaged auto parts.
What Happens After A BMW Gets Stripped at the Junkyard?
Once a BMW has been picked apart and it’s down to the frame the junkyard will often sell what’s left as scrap metal. When they follow this practice they can make more room for more autos on the lot. A good auto salvage will turn over their inventory every six months or so. You will find that all of these businesses are managed well. A neglected junk yard will be full of dilapidated automobiles that have been picked apart and left to rust.
Buying Used BMW Parts at a Salvage Yard
Pros of Buying Used BMW Parts at a Salvage Yard
Buying used BMW parts from a junkyard can save you a small fortune. You can get batteries for cheap or even an entire door for less than 75 bucks. Prices like that are common at auto salvages and you can’t even get them that cheap online on sites like Ebay. In fact, if you are smart you can get used auto parts at the junk yard and sell them yourself online and turn a nice profit. This is something I have been doing for years on Craigslist and Ebay.
If you decide to get used BMW parts at a junk yard, then you should consider purchasing a warranty for any parts that are expensive. A warranty runs you $10 to $15 at the yard near me but can save you a lot of time and energy. If you get a part home and it doesn’t work on your vehicle, you can bring it back and exchange it. Most auto salvages don’t give you cash back, only exchange for a different part or credit.
Another perk for used parts at the auto junkyard is that you can find a lot of factory-installed pieces. Not everything will be assembled by the manufacturer, but you will find quite a bit. I’d rather that than some hack mechanic who installed the part half-assed.
Cons of Buying Used BMW Parts Cheap
There are some downsides of course to purchasing used parts. First of all, you can’t account for the quality of the part and it may in fact be towards the end of its life span. If the car has its odometer still in tack you could take a peak and get a general idea, but that’s not always the case. You also don’t know how the previous owner treated the car, he might have beaten it up and ridden it into the ground. This is why a warranty is recommended for expensive parts.
Another disadvantage is that if the yard is organized poorly you could spend your entire afternoon looking for a BMW model and never find it. It’s possible of course they don’t have it, but then again they may, but the yard is no organization. This is where calling ahead can help.
Tips For Selling Your BMW to a Salvage Yard
If you are looking to junk your BMW for cash, you should do the following first:
- Siphon all the gas out and save it to reuse yourself
- Take all your personal things out. Check glove box, trunk center console, and flaps on backrests
- Cancel your insurance, registration, and plates (don’t have the auto salvage do it – they will charge you)
- Know the value of your BMW before you negotiate a selling price
For help estimating the junked vehicle value, go here.
When you sell your BMW to a junk yard its helpful to understand a bit about common practices that junk yards do. Not all of their negotiating practices are considered fair and you should read up on what to be aware of when selling your car to a junk yard.
BMW Resources
BMW Salvage Yards Near Me Conclusion
Junkyards are great for collectors, enthusiasts, and mechanics. They aren’t easy to find though, so if you have one near you take advantage. The good thing though is BMW is a popular car brand and most auto salvage yards will have BMW’s and maybe even a whole section dedicated to them. No matter what type of yard it is you certainly be able to purchase cheap used spare parts….not just for BMW’s, but any automobile.
Make sure you read up on junk yard scams and the negotiating tactics they use, but for the most part, you will find good honest business people. This is what I have learned from the BMW salvage yards near me. Now go save yourself some money and get some used auto parts.
Frequently Asked Questions about BMW Salvage Yards
What is a BMW salvage yard?
A1: A BMW salvage yard, also known as an auto salvage yard or junkyard, is a place where damaged or decommissioned BMW vehicles are collected, disassembled, and their usable parts are salvaged for resale.
Why consider a BMW salvage yard?
A2: Salvage yards can be a cost-effective solution for BMW enthusiasts or car owners looking for affordable replacement parts. These yards often have a wide range of used BMW parts in good condition.
How do I find BMW salvage yards near me?
A3: You can use online directories, search engines, or specialized websites that focus on auto salvage yards. Additionally, you can ask local auto repair shops or BMW dealerships for recommendations.
Are the parts from salvage yards genuine BMW parts?
A4: Salvage yards typically offer genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) BMW parts. However, it’s essential to verify the authenticity and condition of the parts before purchase.
Can I sell my BMW to a salvage yard?
A5: Yes, many salvage yards buy BMWs and other vehicles, even if they are damaged or non-functional. Contact the salvage yards in your area to get quotes for your specific BMW model.
How do salvage yards determine the value of a BMW?
A6: The value of a BMW in a salvage yard is usually based on factors such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, condition, and the availability of usable parts. Salvage yards may also consider the demand for specific BMW models.
