Reality Check

Matbrach · 01-20-2006, 04:35 PM

Where I live, the management company that maintains our house hires gardeners to come out once a week to mow the lawn, trim, etc.

On their last visit they managed to spray debris all over the front right of my car. I haven't washed it off yet - so I can not see if there is any damage caused by the flying sand, dirt, rocks, grass etc. Should I leave it as is in case they want to see it. Or do you think the photos here will suffice?

Also do you consider asking for a car wash at the very least is reasonable?

What are your thoughts?

HoosBMW · 01-20-2006, 04:41 PM

I wish a slow canerous death on the poor soul who would make that mistake with me....a car wash would be a gift of a question....my friend you get free lawn mowings for a year and a full detail...thats some shit....i am sorry for ya

marketman · 01-20-2006, 04:45 PM

If you don't get that stuff off soon it could etch your clear coat !

noflash · 01-20-2006, 04:52 PM

Yes, you should be mad.

Wash your car. Look for damage. Take more pics.

Bring those pics to your management company.

Consider legal action when they balk.

roppongicorolla · 01-20-2006, 05:06 PM

Is it something that won't rinse off? At best they might offer to pay for a car wash. They might also suggest you cover your car. Legal action? No wonder the courts are overloaded.

D.D. · 01-20-2006, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflash

Yes, you should be mad.

Wash your car. Look for damage. Take more pics.

Bring those pics to your management company.

Consider legal action when they balk.

What He Said!! :rocks: :mad: :mad: :rocks: :mad: :mad: :rocks: :mad: :mad: :rocks: :mad: :mad: :rocks: :mad: :mad:

poldim · 01-20-2006, 05:16 PM

Have the same problem with my old car. Went to management and they credited me a month of HOA pay, which was 23 bucks at the time. At least it was something.

jcoo085 · 01-20-2006, 05:18 PM

That's clearly a lack of respect on the gardener's part. A fact that must be taken up with the management company.

You've already taken photos with the damage. Does your camera have a date functions? It might be an idea to have the camera print the date on the photo and take some new photos. As well, get the photos printed at the photo shop. Otherwise they may argue the fact that it was taken with a digital camera (and you could have 'doctored' it).

Then wash the car and take photos again highlighting any damage (with the date and if possible, the time). Print them up on photo paper as well.

Basically, try to remove as many contestable points as possible.

ben1364 · 01-20-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roppongicorolla

Is it something that won't rinse off? At best they might offer to pay for a car wash. They might also suggest you cover your car. Legal action? No wonder the courts are overloaded.

__________________________________________________ __I agree. Too many people are lawsuit happy!

canucklion · 01-20-2006, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben1364

__________________________________________________ __I agree. Too many people are lawsuit happy!

I agree three.

Matbrach, I would take your car to the car wash first, save the receipt. Then take additional pictures of any nicks/scratches possibly left behind by the flying debris. If the damages are substantial (which, from looking at the pictures, are not IMHO), then ask the management to reimburse you for a paint job, if the damage is not substantial (which I think is the case, again IMHO), I would ask for a month or two of free maintenance. Use legal action as the very LAST resort.

scottz5 · 01-20-2006, 07:06 PM

Its a car! If they did that to my kid, I would be pissed!

LEDZEP · 01-20-2006, 07:15 PM

I hate scumbag lawn services. I have to be careful which spots I park in at work in the summer to keep that from happening. Yes, you should be pissed and you should first talk to the building management and get the name of the "boss" of the lawn company. Tell him you want him to pay for a first class detailing at the shop of your choice, and any damage found.

Next, tell him if it happens again he will be served with a summons to appear in court.

SCA · 01-20-2006, 07:18 PM

Been there, done that. Complain to the management. I got a $25.00 gift certificate from the lawn service company to use at a local car wash.

BTW, I never used it until the day I sold the car and the new owner was in route to pick it up.

Lost Rider · 01-20-2006, 07:41 PM

Legal action? No.
Wash your car? Yes.
Ask the management to be more careful.

my 2 cents

bmwnewbie · 01-20-2006, 08:13 PM

The management company isn't going to give you too much, if anything at all. It's like getting debris on your car when street cleaning comes by. There's only one person that's going to care about your car, you.

db17k · 01-20-2006, 08:40 PM

SACK UP AND JUST WASH YOUR CAR! what kind of world do we live in now a days. Ask the gardener to be mindful of your car, otherwise all that crap will wash off. lifes to short, your car gets more dirty after one trip in the rain.

DavE90 · 01-20-2006, 08:55 PM

Dude! What's that front plate on your car???

db17k · 01-20-2006, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavE90

Dude! What's that front plate on your car???

dealer plates

NaTuReB0Y · 01-20-2006, 08:57 PM

don't rent.............

noflash · 01-20-2006, 09:48 PM

I thought I implied to wash the car and check for damage first.

I am fully against frivilous lawsuits, but if the car is all scratched up he should just grin and bear it.

If someone came and through a bunch of rocks at your car you wouldn't say, oh well, the courts are backed up.

PLEASE GO WASH YOUR CAR SO WE CAN PUT THIS TO REST.

Matbrach · 01-20-2006, 11:51 PM

I rinsed the car and noticed a few dings - definately caused by the flying debris (I matched before and after photos).

Definately not worth pursuing legally, however if there were multiple scratches and it had damaged the finish I would have demanded compensation. Laws exist in this country (and many others) to protect private property - with this said I believe the Law should be used when both parties can not arrive at an amicable agreement - I used this board to see if asking for a car wash was too much.

The photographs were taken in case there was sigificant damage - fortunately it does not appear that there was - and in the event that those responsible were unwilling to resolve the issue caused by their negligence.

The management company provided the name of the gardening service, and suggested I take the car to to get cleaned - and I will be reimbursed. That takes care of one of the three things that would fully satisfy me that the situation was resolved fairly - the other two being a simple apology (Oh, sorry about that) and a pledge to be more carefull in the future.

I am amazed at peoples "it's just a car comment" - no kidding - thanks for restating the obvious... I didn't advocate getting a gun, placing landmines in my yard, or driving wrecklessy through Houston -I didn't say I was pi$$ed or anything else of the kind - I said I was upset - and IMHO rightfully so.

bg4426 · 01-21-2006, 12:08 AM

classic HOUSTON reference.

01-20-2006, 04:35 PM	#1
Matbrach Trophy Husband - Honorable Mention 2 Rep 60 Posts Drives: Jet Black 330i. X5 4.8 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Manhattan Beach iTrader: (0)	Reality Check - Should I be upset? Where I live, the management company that maintains our house hires gardeners to come out once a week to mow the lawn, trim, etc. On their last visit they managed to spray debris all over the front right of my car. I haven't washed it off yet - so I can not see if there is any damage caused by the flying sand, dirt, rocks, grass etc. Should I leave it as is in case they want to see it. Or do you think the photos here will suffice? Also do you consider asking for a car wash at the very least is reasonable? What are your thoughts? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-20-2006, 04:41 PM	#2
HoosBMW A ROOM WITH A MOOSE! 24 Rep 420 Posts Drives: waiting on the replacement Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335I [0.00] 2006 330I [0.00]	I wish a slow canerous death on the poor soul who would make that mistake with me....a car wash would be a gift of a question....my friend you get free lawn mowings for a year and a full detail...thats some shit....i am sorry for ya
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 04:45 PM	#3
marketman Private First Class 3 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 2000 323it Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Melbourne FL iTrader: (0)	If you don't get that stuff off soon it could etch your clear coat ! __________________ Live now. THere will be plenty of time to be dead later.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 04:52 PM	#4
noflash Captain Caveman 150 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Yes, you should be mad. Wash your car. Look for damage. Take more pics. Bring those pics to your management company. Consider legal action when they balk. __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 05:06 PM	#5
roppongicorolla all systems are go 2 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 325i SG SPP Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Jackson, Texas iTrader: (0)	Is it something that won't rinse off? At best they might offer to pay for a car wash. They might also suggest you cover your car. Legal action? No wonder the courts are overloaded.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 05:16 PM	#7
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 302 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	Have the same problem with my old car. Went to management and they credited me a month of HOA pay, which was 23 bucks at the time. At least it was something. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 05:18 PM	#8
jcoo085 Lieutenant 43 Rep 463 Posts Drives: E90 320d Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stuttgart, Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 320d [0.00]	That's clearly a lack of respect on the gardener's part. A fact that must be taken up with the management company. You've already taken photos with the damage. Does your camera have a date functions? It might be an idea to have the camera print the date on the photo and take some new photos. As well, get the photos printed at the photo shop. Otherwise they may argue the fact that it was taken with a digital camera (and you could have 'doctored' it). Then wash the car and take photos again highlighting any damage (with the date and if possible, the time). Print them up on photo paper as well. Basically, try to remove as many contestable points as possible. __________________ E90 320d - Black Ext/Fluid Grey Int \| Steptronic \| Business Navigation \| PDC \| Sunroof \| Alarm Exterior Pictures \| Interior Pictures \| Video
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 07:06 PM	#11
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 95 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Its a car! If they did that to my kid, I would be pissed! __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 07:15 PM	#12
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	I hate scumbag lawn services. I have to be careful which spots I park in at work in the summer to keep that from happening. Yes, you should be pissed and you should first talk to the building management and get the name of the "boss" of the lawn company. Tell him you want him to pay for a first class detailing at the shop of your choice, and any damage found. Next, tell him if it happens again he will be served with a summons to appear in court. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 07:18 PM	#13
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	Been there, done that. Complain to the management. I got a $25.00 gift certificate from the lawn service company to use at a local car wash. BTW, I never used it until the day I sold the car and the new owner was in route to pick it up.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 07:41 PM	#14
Lost Rider Captain 87 Rep 805 Posts Drives: R NineT, X1 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW R NineT [0.00] 2015 X1 xdrive [9.00]	Legal action? No. Wash your car? Yes. Ask the management to be more careful. my 2 cents __________________ GET LOST! www.lostrider.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 08:13 PM	#15
bmwnewbie Enlisted Member 2 Rep 49 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	The management company isn't going to give you too much, if anything at all. It's like getting debris on your car when street cleaning comes by. There's only one person that's going to care about your car, you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 08:40 PM	#16
db17k Chicketeh china the chinese chicken, you have? 34 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 335ci hold out Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 S2000 [0.00]	SACK UP AND JUST WASH YOUR CAR! what kind of world do we live in now a days. Ask the gardener to be mindful of your car, otherwise all that crap will wash off. lifes to short, your car gets more dirty after one trip in the rain. __________________ "In Soviet Russia car forks you!"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 08:55 PM	#17
DavE90 Bimmer Fan & S FL Realtor 22 Rep 129 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Dude! What's that front plate on your car??? __________________ Miami Homes E90 330i Jet Black, Terra Leather, Comfort Access, Premium and Sport Packages
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 08:57 PM	#19
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 341 Rep 7,369 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	don't rent............. __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 09:48 PM	#20
noflash Captain Caveman 150 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I thought I implied to wash the car and check for damage first. I am fully against frivilous lawsuits, but if the car is all scratched up he should just grin and bear it. If someone came and through a bunch of rocks at your car you wouldn't say, oh well, the courts are backed up. PLEASE GO WASH YOUR CAR SO WE CAN PUT THIS TO REST. __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-20-2006, 11:51 PM	#21
Matbrach Trophy Husband - Honorable Mention 2 Rep 60 Posts Drives: Jet Black 330i. X5 4.8 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Manhattan Beach iTrader: (0)	I rinsed the car and noticed a few dings - definately caused by the flying debris (I matched before and after photos). Definately not worth pursuing legally, however if there were multiple scratches and it had damaged the finish I would have demanded compensation. Laws exist in this country (and many others) to protect private property - with this said I believe the Law should be used when both parties can not arrive at an amicable agreement - I used this board to see if asking for a car wash was too much. The photographs were taken in case there was sigificant damage - fortunately it does not appear that there was - and in the event that those responsible were unwilling to resolve the issue caused by their negligence. The management company provided the name of the gardening service, and suggested I take the car to to get cleaned - and I will be reimbursed. That takes care of one of the three things that would fully satisfy me that the situation was resolved fairly - the other two being a simple apology (Oh, sorry about that) and a pledge to be more carefull in the future. I am amazed at peoples "it's just a car comment" - no kidding - thanks for restating the obvious... I didn't advocate getting a gun, placing landmines in my yard, or driving wrecklessy through Houston -I didn't say I was pi$$ed or anything else of the kind - I said I was upset - and IMHO rightfully so.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2006, 12:08 AM	#22
bg4426 New Member 2 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	classic HOUSTON reference.
	Appreciate 0 Quote