[x7shopper]

My wife ended up scraping a pole pretty good on a turn. 2022 custom X7 (owned for 8 months)

a) 3 long paint scratches on the door (2 on the top, one on the bottom)
b) Edge of the door/panel over the wheel is dented
c) Panel over the wheel is loose, I was able to pop it back in, but its broken at the edge where the dent is located
d) Aluminum running board is badley dented, not sure if that is repairable, there are scratches underneath that too

Most repair shops are closed today. Wondering if you all have any suggestions on taking to a collision shop vs working with smaller shops and not involving insurance.

[Saejin]

I recommend a trade-in...of the wife that is.

Just kidding.

My wife has done this and more with some of our vehicles.

I wouldn't use insurance as your rates will just go up, but you'll have to do that analysis once you get a repair quote. Pay $10K for the repair, or suck up a $50 a month hit on your insurance...could be more.

Looks like a full door repaint, replace running board, and some work on the panel of course.

I'd just try and find a shop that has a history of working on BMWs...small or large. Probably stay away from the larger chain type collision centers. Maybe even ask your dealer what they recommend, but understanding they may default to cheaper versus better.

Hope you can find a good shop.

[x7shopper]

I got a 7k quote, as they want to replace the door shell. Apparently aluminum doors can't be fixed for dents!

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by x7shopper

I got a 7k quote, as they want to replace the door shell. Apparently aluminum doors can't be fixed for dents!

My Lincoln Navigator has Aluminum body/doors too, and I once had similar damage. I was told the same by some shops, but a few reputable shops were willing to fix it with full confidence. I used to live in the Chicago area at that time if that's where you live and can guide you to one of them.
They ended up stripping the entire door to the bare metal, work it out from their, and then re-do the paint job. The vehicle came out flawless. I was quoted only $2400 and a few other reputable ones quoted me also in the range of $3500 +/- (and that was for 2 doors, plus a complimentary front bumper re-spray to clear out road rock chips) including blending in the front fender!.

[ddv2005]

Originally Posted by BMW5and7

They ended up stripping the entire door to the bare metal

I don't' think that stripping the entire door to the bare metal is good idea because it has galvanization or another protective coating that no way to reapply in shop.
This summer I had small scratch on front door on my brand new QX60 2022 and it cost me just $350 for perfect repair and full door paint job (metallic bluish color) in NYC

[BMW5and7]

Originally Posted by ddv2005

I don't' think that stripping the entire door to the bare metal is good idea because it has galvanization or another protective coating that no way to reapply in shop.
This summer I had small scratch on front door on my brand new QX60 2022 and it cost me just $350 for perfect repair and full door paint job (metallic bluish color) in NYC

I know but that was the only way to fix the issue I had to back to factory-looking. Working on Aluminum panels isn't that easy. They applied protective coating again by the way, and game me a written lifetime warranty that has zero exclusions, so there is nothing I need to be worried about at all. It is a Lincoln Navigator anyway, hence not that type/brand of vehicle that I keep for long.

[x7shopper]

I called an independent tech that repairs dents and he also mentioned that it's very difficult to fix aluminum doors, especially when the damage is at the edges.

[AlteBMW]

Small dings in aluminum doors can be repaired with paintless dent removal but not when on the edges as noted. I had a G12 repaired after I (NOT my wife) had an encounter with a stanchion that was hidden in a snow bank. Insurance paid but it was in excess of $10k by the time they got finished.

[themama]

Originally Posted by x7shopper

I got a 7k quote, as they want to replace the door shell. Apparently aluminum doors can't be fixed for dents!

Do you pay insurance premium yearly or every 6 months ? If it's yearly then you are at better spot.

If the scratch is scarring to the eyes, claim insurance and get it repaired. Ofcourse it is going to increase the premium but it is reasonable to take that chance if you are looking at paying 7k out of pocket now.
As it is not an incident involving damage to another party, insurance might go lenient also.

Wise option is to live with the scratch if you are too worried about insurance premium, but I know it is easier said than done.

As an option, check if you can find the panel for cheaper price and get it painted at a reputable shop, that way you may end up around 1-2k.

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by x7shopper

I got a 7k quote, as they want to replace the door shell. Apparently aluminum doors can't be fixed for dents!

unfortunately no, its very difficult to remove sharp dents and creases from aluminum without tearing or cracking the metal. and a good shop wont do bondo and spray.

the door skin itself is 1600. random parts are probably another 2K.
my guess the rest is labor? they will need to blend the panels adjacent to the damaged one
did you get a quote from a factory certified collision center?
https://my.bmwusa.com/ccrc

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Orient330iNYC

unfortunately no, its very difficult to remove sharp dents and creases from aluminum without tearing or cracking the metal. and a good shop wont do bondo and spray.

the door skin itself is 1600. random parts are probably another 2K.
my guess the rest is labor? they will need to blend the panels adjacent to the damaged one
did you get a quote from a factory certified collision center?
https://my.bmwusa.com/ccrc

I had similar damage (well, it was worse as another car was involved, but resulted in replacing a door, wheel trim, and running board plus paint), total was just over $7k ($7056) including the door. They actually added the door to the claim later, original with just a repair/paint for the door plus the running board and trim was $4988.