Aftermarket body panels???

[hutchcassidy]

Can anyone help me?!! Someone, very conveniently, drove into my recently purchased 3 series compact (1996) - and damaged the front wing beyond recognition - then subsequently drove away without leaving their details ! So, I'm now left with the repair bill. As a student, I'm trying to do it as cheaply as possible - and so that I don't lose my no-claims bonus! In the process, I've come across aftermarket parts. Would anyone reccommend using this type of part? And if so, does anyone know a cheap parts company that specialises in aftermarket body panels? Or should I avoid them at all costs!!

Many thanks!!

[007ben]

most cheap aftermarket is cheap.

Aftermarket stuff i would go with hammand or ac-schnitzer....

but OEM is good stuff too...

[Mr White G]

Get the parts and panels from a scrap yard or breaker.

Cheap parts have a bad finish and ultimately don't look as good/work as well.

Breakers have all orig parts at 'cheap cheap' prices for your pride and joy

[El Presidente]

do you have pics of the damage? If it just the front bumper I would go aftermarket. You can usually find OEM or OE quallity parts on ebay for cheap. As long as you don't get fiberglass you'll be fine. When purchasing a bumper, only get ABS or urethane

[PhunkDJti]

scrap yards and eBay are great places to find OEM replacements real cheap