How Much Do Scrap Yards Pay For A Car?

Ever wondered, “How much do scrap yards pay for a car?” You’re not alone. Many car owners find themselves needing to scrap their old vehicles, especially after identifying irreparable problems like a faulty BMW E90 gearbox, or dealing with BMW X5 E70 injector problems. However, before you head to the scrapyard, ensure you’ve got your BMW spares in order to maximize your car’s value.

How much will i get for a scrap car?

According to TransUnion’s monthly Dealer’s Guide, the typical price range for selling a vehicle to a scrap yard is between 13% and 20% of its current retail value, as determined by TransUnion.

For Example

If you’re considering selling your 2018 BMW 3 Series 320i Sport Line Auto to a scrap yard, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of pricing. According to industry standards, the typical scrap value for a vehicle is between 13-20% of its current retail value. In the case of a 2018 BMW 3 Series 320i Sport Line Auto, which currently has a retail value of R 425 385, the scrap value would be between R 55,697.50 and R 85,077.

However, the scrap value of a vehicle can also depend on how much of it is salvageable. Salvageable parts such as the engine, gearbox, and differential can greatly impact the price offered by a scrap yard.

Factors that determine the price of a BMW at an Scrap yard

The price a Scrap yard will pay for a BMW is determined by various factors, including the make, model, and year of the vehicle, as well as the condition of your BMW, the mileage, and the demand for the BMW’s parts.

• Make, model, and year: Different makes and models of cars have different values and different parts that are in demand. For example, a luxury car from a high-end brand will typically be worth more than an essential economy car. Similarly, newer cars will generally have more value than older cars, as they will have more advanced and sought-after features and parts.
• Condition of the car: The overall condition will also play a role in determining the price. A car in good working condition, with minimal damage and low mileage, will be worth more than a car that is not running or has extensive damage.
• Mileage: Higher mileage cars are generally worth less than cars with lower mileage. This is because cars with higher mileage have been used more and may have more wear and tear on their parts.
• Demand for the BMW parts: The demand for the specific parts of a BMW can also affect the price. For example, a BMW with a high-demand engine or gearbox may be worth more than a car with fewer in-demand parts.

Overall, the price that an auto wrecker will pay for a car will depend on the specific combination of these factors, and it can vary greatly from car to car.

The value of a BMW’s parts

Scrap yards often pay more for BMWs that have valuable parts that can be sold. These parts can include engines, transmissions, and high-demand body parts such as hoods, trunks, doors, and bumpers.

• Engines: A car’s engine is one of the most valuable parts. A running engine can fetch a high price, especially if it is in good working condition and from a popular make and model.
• Gearboxes: Similar to engines, auto wreckers also highly valued transmissions. A car with a working transmission can be worth more than one without.
• High-demand body parts: Certain body parts such as hoods, trunks, doors, and bumpers are in high demand and can fetch a reasonable price. These parts are often sought after by other mechanics and car owners who need replacement parts.
• Other parts: Other valuable parts include wheels, tires, alternators, batteries, catalytic converters, and electronics.

Scrap yards will typically remove these valuable parts from the car and sell them to other mechanics, auto parts stores, and individuals. This provides a source for used parts and helps reduce the environmental impact of discarded cars by recycling their metal content.

The value of your BMW’s metal:

The weight and type of metal used in a BMW’s body also affect the price an Scrap yard will pay.

• Weight: The weight of a BMW’s metal is an important factor in determining its value. Heavy BMWs, such as trucks and SUVs, are typically worth more than lighter BMWs. This is because they contain more metal, which is valuable to recyclers.
• Type of metal: The type of metal used in a BMW’s body is also essential. BMWs made mostly of steel are worth less than those made of aluminum. This is because aluminum is a more valuable metal and lighter, making it more expensive to transport.
• Condition of metal: The condition of the metal also plays a role. BMWs that have been in an accident have rusted or have been exposed to salt or other elements that can deteriorate the metal condition would be worth less than those that have not been exposed to those conditions.
• Scrap yards will typically weigh the vehicle, and based on the weight and the metal type, they will calculate the value of the metal of your car. This value is then added to the value of your BMW’s parts to determine the overall price that the Scrap yard will pay for the model.

Tips for selling your BMW For Parts to a Scrap yard:

• Research the value of your BMW: Before selling your BMW to an Scrap yard, research the value of your BMW’s make, model, and year, as well as the condition of your BMW. This will give you an idea of what you should expect to receive for your BMW.
• Shop around: Contact multiple Scrap yards to get quotes for your BMW. Compare the prices of different Scrap yards to ensure you get the best deal.
• Provide detailed information: When contacting an Scrap yard, provide as much information as possible about your BMW, including the make, model, year, condition, and mileage. This will help the Scrap yard give you an accurate quote.
• Remove personal items: Before selling your BMW to an Scrap yard, remove all personal items from the BMW, such as registration papers, insurance papers, and other valuables.
• Disclose any known problems: Be honest about any known problems with your BMW. Scrap yards will still take BMWs with problems, but disclosing any issues upfront is essential to avoid any surprises later on.
• Make sure the title is clear and ready to transfer: Before selling your BMW to an Scrap yard, check that the title is clear and ready to transfer. This will make the process of selling your BMW much easier and smoother.

How location affects the price of a BMW:

• Regional demand for parts: Scrap yards in different regions may have different demands for certain types of BMWs and parts. For example, a BMW that is in high demand in one region may not be as popular in another. This can affect the price a Scrap yard is willing to pay for the BMW.
• Transportation costs: The location of the Scrap yard and the BMW also affects the price of your BMW. Scrap yards may be willing to pay more for a BMW that is located close to their facility, as the cost of transportation will be lower.
• Scrap metal prices: Scrap metal prices can vary depending on the location. In some regions, scrap metal prices may be higher, which can lead to Scrap yards paying more for BMWs in those areas.
• Environmental regulations: Scrap yards may also be affected by environmental regulations. In some areas, there may be more strict regulations on the disposal of BMWs and their parts, which can impact the prices offered by Scrap yards.

By considering these factors, you can get a better idea of how location can affect the price of a BMW. It’s important to keep in mind that while location may play a role in the price offered by Scrap yards, it’s not the only factor determining a BMW’s value.

How to choose an Scrap yard:

• Research the company: Before selling your BMW to an Scrap yard, research the company to ensure it is reputable and has a good track record. Check for reviews online, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and look for certifications or accreditations from organizations such as the Automotive Recyclers Association.
• Check for licenses and insurance: Make sure the Scrap yard is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damages during the BMW removal process.
• Ask about their process: Inquire about the Scrap yard’s process for handling your BMW. How will they tow or transport your BMW? How will they dispose of your BMW’s fluids and other hazardous materials?
• Understand their payment policies: Before selling your BMW to an Scrap yard, understand their payment policies. Will they pay you in cash or check? Will they offer to pay more if you agree to wait for payment?
• Look for environmentally friendly practices: Look for Scrap yards with environmentally friendly practices. They should have proper processes for handling and disposing of hazardous materials and recycling or repurposing BMW parts.

By following these tips, you can choose a Scrap yard that is reputable, reliable, and can offer you a fair price for your BMW. It’s essential to take the time to find a good Scrap yard, as it can ensure that you get the best deal for your BMW and that it is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

The Bottom Line

The amount an Scrap yard will pay for a BMW can vary depending on several factors such as the make, model, year, condition, and location of your BMW, as well as the demand for the parts. To get the most money for your BMW, research the value of your BMW, shop around, provide detailed information, remove personal items, disclose any known problems, and ensure the title is clear and ready to transfer.

Location can also play a role in the price of a BMW, as regional demand, transportation costs, scrap metal prices, and environmental regulations can all affect the prices offered by Scrap yards. When choosing an Scrap yard, research the company, check for licenses and insurance, ask about their process, understand their payment policies, and look for environmentally friendly practices.

And last but not least, don’t forget to give your trusty old ride a proper goodbye, because, after all, it’s been there for you through thick and thin, and a sentimental farewell is the least you can do.

Ultimately, the value you get from a scrap yard largely depends on the vehicle’s condition and the demand for its parts. For instance, if you have a 2006 BMW 320D E90 or a 2002 BMW 320D E46 that’s been well-maintained, you could fetch a decent price. Conversely, a car riddled with BMW N62 engine problems may not be as valuable. Either way, knowing what your car is worth can provide leverage when negotiating with a scrap yard.