ActiveHybrid 3 crazy repair

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 12:22 PM

Just a heads up to any AH3 owners out there, if any airbag is deployed the hybrid battery or high voltage system as BMW likes to call it becomes useless. I had a small accident, very low impact but enough to deploy a curtain airbag which only resulted in replacing the passenger door and fender but when my car came back it acted funny and my battery died and the car was dead. Took it to BMW and they informed me of the hybrid battery needing to be replaced and not covered under warranty due to faulty repair, they hit me with a bill for $10k for just the battery being replaced, now i'm fighting my insurance to cover the cost because I'm not paying it and I didn't know that the airbag being deployed basically makes that battery useless, it's something the insurance company should've known.

Mike_L · 01-10-2015, 12:26 PM

$10k??? Its only a $5400 part. Something else must have had to be replaced too.

http://parts.bmwofbridgewater.com/p/...148617935.html

Falafel Combo · 01-10-2015, 12:28 PM

So it seems that you had the car repaired by a non-BMW repair center the first time around?

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 01:02 PM

I took it where my insurance recommended that it go to because it was only a door and fender repair with a new airbag. Open Road BMW of Edison said $10k and I said that's impossible but then again i'm not a service tech so I wouldn't know what goes into it honestly. I just figured I'd post up here and let someone with more knowledge chime in.

sputman · 01-10-2015, 01:11 PM

It should defiantly be covered by your insurance... that's what insurance is for. You were in an accident and this repair is directly related to it. It just happens that it'll have to go to a couple difference places to get fully repaired.

Just make sure the dealership deals directly with the insurance company so you're not out of pocket the $10k for a period of time or have to fight to get reimbursed.

The cost of the repair should practically be of little interest to you as you won't be paying it. That being said, insurance jobs are sometimes billed out at different rates opposed to street price and that may explain the difference.

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 01:19 PM

I almost lost my shit when they told me the price, I'm dealing with the insurance to get this straightened out. I'm just puzzled that if the part is $5k is the labor really $5k for just replacing the storage unit, I've seen where it is and its as simple as lifting the trunk mat to access it, of course I could be way off on the time it takes to replace it, but that's a pretty steep price for labor.

Falafel Combo · 01-10-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreggerFL

I almost lost my shit when they told me the price, I'm dealing with the insurance to get this straightened out. I'm just puzzled that if the part is $5k is the labor really $5k for just replacing the storage unit, I've seen where it is and its as simple as lifting the trunk mat to access it, of course I could be way off on the time it takes to replace it, but that's a pretty steep price for labor.

Probably much more involved than that. But I agree. 100% insurance responsibility, especially if BMW has determined that the prior repair (based on ins company recommendation) was not performed as recommended. Keep us posted.

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 01:43 PM

I'll keep you guys posted on the progress, as of now i'm driving around in an X1, I miss my car so much now

USC2000 · 01-10-2015, 01:53 PM

It doesn't sound like the issues with the battery is due to the accident, but due to the repair itself. Seems like the shop screwed something up. Definetly something the shop should cover but the insurance company will probably have to make sure they do.

I went to an insurance recommened company one time and they screwed up 3 times trying to fix my car. And that was a simple windshield replacement. Never again did I listen when they recommended someone. Seems like they recommend the cheapest fix for them. I now take it where I want and usually its where the dealer takes their cars.

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USC2000

It doesn't sound like the issues with the battery is due to the accident, but due to the repair itself. Seems like the shop screwed something up. Definetly something the shop should cover but the insurance company will probably have to make sure they do.

I went to an insurance recommened company one time and they screwed 3 times trying to fix my car. Never again did I listen when they recommended someone. I now take it where I want and usually its where the dealer takes their cars.

The SA explained that when an airbag is deployed the computer tells these connectors to disable the high voltage system which in turn depletes it and makes it useless and it has to be replaced no matter what, the warranty doesn't cover faulty repairs which what they're saying it is so that's why they smacked me with the bill which in turn caused me to call my insurance to start the process of them picking up the tab.

M-terkait · 01-10-2015, 02:03 PM

I dont think bmw is that stupid to burn 5400$ in a small accident..

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 02:08 PM

I'm just going by the info given to me by the SA. Seems like insurance covers it so it's $5400 back in their pocket for a part that needs to be replaced after an accident. On a normal F30 this isn't needed but with the AH3 it's different they say, the outcome I'm expecting is insurance picking up the tab and not me.

Labeef · 01-10-2015, 02:44 PM

Don't be mad at BMW regardless the price. Be pissed at your incompetent body shop and insurance. It may be different in your state and your insurance carrier, but with State Farm if you use their body shop the repair is covered for life. Check in to your coverage and see if that's true and hold them to it.

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labeef

Don't be mad at BMW regardless the price. Be pissed at your incompetent body shop and insurance. It may be different in your state and your insurance carrier, but with State Farm if you use their body shop the repair is covered for life. Check in to your coverage and see if that's true and hold them to it.

I'm not mad at BMW, I get where they're coming from. I was taken back by the bill towards me. I've already contacted my insurance about this whole mess and they're working on a solution.

SamS · 01-10-2015, 02:56 PM

FYI, the HV battery and associated components have a 7 year/ 70K mile warranty on the AH3.

Mike_L · 01-10-2015, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

FYI, the HV battery and associated components have a 7 year/ 70K mile warranty on the AH3.

But the warranty won't cover crash repairs. No warranty does.

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamS

FYI, the HV battery and associated components have a 7 year/ 70K mile warranty on the AH3.

Glad to know that, once they replace it i'll be covered again

stormlv · 01-10-2015, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreggerFL

The SA explained that when an airbag is deployed the computer tells these connectors to disable the high voltage system which in turn depletes it and makes it useless and it has to be replaced no matter what, the warranty doesn't cover faulty repairs which what they're saying it is so that's why they smacked me with the bill which in turn caused me to call my insurance to start the process of them picking up the tab.

Makes sense at first glance...
When you get into an accident, the last thing you'd want is your battery igniting a fuel source.

However, if the battery is disconnected, why would it drain so fast (since there are no consumers anymore) ?

I highly doubt they actively try to discharge the battery on the spot.

Doesn't seem right with me...

Was the electric mode available after the crash?

Golden Arrow · 01-10-2015, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M-terkait

I dont think bmw is that stupid to burn 5400$ in a small accident..

They can do whatever they want. BMW's warranty doesn't cover damage caused by accidents; that's what insurance is for, which they should absolutely cover the cost of this.

bily · 01-10-2015, 09:58 PM

I do know there is reprogramming on the battery and power mgmt system post replacement. But that does seem like a lot. I went through an insurance shop too, but travelers stood behind the repairs and when the power mgmt unit needed to be replaced we did it at BMW. Good Luck.

GreggerFL · 01-10-2015, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormlv

Makes sense at first glance...
When you get into an accident, the last thing you'd want is your battery igniting a fuel source.

However, if the battery is disconnected, why would it drain so fast (since there are no consumers anymore) ?

I highly doubt they actively try to discharge the battery on the spot.

Doesn't seem right with me...

Was the electric mode available after the crash?

No I had a warning pop up that said High Voltage system disconnected.

01-10-2015, 12:22 PM	#1
GreggerFL Der Große Böse Wolf 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i(gone), '13 AH3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	ActiveHybrid 3 crazy repair Just a heads up to any AH3 owners out there, if any airbag is deployed the hybrid battery or high voltage system as BMW likes to call it becomes useless. I had a small accident, very low impact but enough to deploy a curtain airbag which only resulted in replacing the passenger door and fender but when my car came back it acted funny and my battery died and the car was dead. Took it to BMW and they informed me of the hybrid battery needing to be replaced and not covered under warranty due to faulty repair, they hit me with a bill for $10k for just the battery being replaced, now i'm fighting my insurance to cover the cost because I'm not paying it and I didn't know that the airbag being deployed basically makes that battery useless, it's something the insurance company should've known.
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01-10-2015, 12:26 PM	#2
Mike_L Banned 284 Rep 1,961 Posts Drives: 2015 335xi GT M-Sport MPPK Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: New York City iTrader: (2)	$10k??? Its only a $5400 part. Something else must have had to be replaced too. http://parts.bmwofbridgewater.com/p/...148617935.html
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01-10-2015, 12:28 PM	#3
Falafel Combo Banned 3773 Rep 6,673 Posts Drives: X5 xDrive50i Join Date: May 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	So it seems that you had the car repaired by a non-BMW repair center the first time around?
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01-10-2015, 01:02 PM	#4
GreggerFL Der Große Böse Wolf 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i(gone), '13 AH3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I took it where my insurance recommended that it go to because it was only a door and fender repair with a new airbag. Open Road BMW of Edison said $10k and I said that's impossible but then again i'm not a service tech so I wouldn't know what goes into it honestly. I just figured I'd post up here and let someone with more knowledge chime in.
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01-10-2015, 01:11 PM	#5
sputman Private 22 Rep 85 Posts Drives: '15 M235i xDrive + '21 Z4 M40i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Burlington, ON iTrader: (0)	It should defiantly be covered by your insurance... that's what insurance is for. You were in an accident and this repair is directly related to it. It just happens that it'll have to go to a couple difference places to get fully repaired. Just make sure the dealership deals directly with the insurance company so you're not out of pocket the $10k for a period of time or have to fight to get reimbursed. The cost of the repair should practically be of little interest to you as you won't be paying it. That being said, insurance jobs are sometimes billed out at different rates opposed to street price and that may explain the difference.
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01-10-2015, 01:19 PM	#6
GreggerFL Der Große Böse Wolf 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i(gone), '13 AH3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I almost lost my shit when they told me the price, I'm dealing with the insurance to get this straightened out. I'm just puzzled that if the part is $5k is the labor really $5k for just replacing the storage unit, I've seen where it is and its as simple as lifting the trunk mat to access it, of course I could be way off on the time it takes to replace it, but that's a pretty steep price for labor.
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01-10-2015, 01:43 PM	#8
GreggerFL Der Große Böse Wolf 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i(gone), '13 AH3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I'll keep you guys posted on the progress, as of now i'm driving around in an X1, I miss my car so much now
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01-10-2015, 01:53 PM	#9
USC2000 Lieutenant Colonel 127 Rep 1,604 Posts Drives: F30 328i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: El Paso, TX iTrader: (10)	It doesn't sound like the issues with the battery is due to the accident, but due to the repair itself. Seems like the shop screwed something up. Definetly something the shop should cover but the insurance company will probably have to make sure they do. I went to an insurance recommened company one time and they screwed up 3 times trying to fix my car. And that was a simple windshield replacement. Never again did I listen when they recommended someone. Seems like they recommend the cheapest fix for them. I now take it where I want and usually its where the dealer takes their cars. __________________ 2014 Alpine White 328i M Sport \| M Performance Exhaust \| M Performance Front Splitter \| M Performance Carbon Fiber Spoiler \| M Performance Grills \| M Performance Pedals[/SIZE] ______________________
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01-10-2015, 02:03 PM	#11
M-terkait Major 209 Rep 1,252 Posts Drives: F30 335i 3/13 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Kuwait iTrader: (0)	I dont think bmw is that stupid to burn 5400$ in a small accident.. __________________ Docrace 6266
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01-10-2015, 02:08 PM	#12
GreggerFL Der Große Böse Wolf 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: '08 BSM 135i(gone), '13 AH3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I'm just going by the info given to me by the SA. Seems like insurance covers it so it's $5400 back in their pocket for a part that needs to be replaced after an accident. On a normal F30 this isn't needed but with the AH3 it's different they say, the outcome I'm expecting is insurance picking up the tab and not me.
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01-10-2015, 02:44 PM	#13
Labeef Captain 265 Rep 807 Posts Drives: 320I Sport/Xenon Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Don't be mad at BMW regardless the price. Be pissed at your incompetent body shop and insurance. It may be different in your state and your insurance carrier, but with State Farm if you use their body shop the repair is covered for life. Check in to your coverage and see if that's true and hold them to it.
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01-10-2015, 02:56 PM	#15
SamS Banned 867 Rep 6,248 Posts Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	FYI, the HV battery and associated components have a 7 year/ 70K mile warranty on the AH3.
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01-10-2015, 09:58 PM	#20
bily Lieutenant 84 Rep 540 Posts Drives: 22 G05, 22 G26 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 i4 [0.00] 2022 BMW X5 [0.00] 2015 BMW 428 Cabriolet [0.00]	I do know there is reprogramming on the battery and power mgmt system post replacement. But that does seem like a lot. I went through an insurance shop too, but travelers stood behind the repairs and when the power mgmt unit needed to be replaced we did it at BMW. Good Luck.
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