[BlueSander]

Hi guys,

It sucks that I have to post something like this but I got into an accident this morning in CT. The state decided to cut budget and there isn't any salt on the road. I was on my way to work early morning and hit an ice batch trying to stop for the red light. My car went forward and hit another guy's Lexus RX rushing to work as well. I know our car has AWD and I possibly could try steering out of his path but he was in a panic moment, hit his brake and skidding forward as well. I ended up hitting his rear driver quarter by the rear wheel. Right after the collision, his car looks prefect, however, as we moved toward the side to clear off the intersection, his rear wheel was leaning to the side. Anyhow, I guess it was bad luck but the guy and I both walk away unharmed. He was an older mid 50 ish gentleman and he tried to be nice to me so I hope things don't escalate beyond reasonable property damages.

As of right now, shops around CT are very busy after historical amount of snow during last week and yesterday. I called New Country BMW in Hartford and they referred me to their go-to body shop. I took the car there, the guy gave the car a quick glance and he said minimum 8k, maybe more. I think it's definitely a ripoff so I'm thinking of buying the parts myself. Here are a quick list of what I need at this point:
. Front standard bumper (headlight washer and grill as well)
. side front fenders (prob just the right passenger but if someone has the left one, I would take as well since the tabs are broken as well)
. Left headlight (with adaptive option. Mine light is still light up and working so I'm not sure whether i would just need the housing)

My car is a MY08 328xi coupe in Alpine white.

Thank you and be safe out there everyone.

[monkeybingo]

FYI. If this was due to the ICE on road, should be covered under Comprehensive. This won't affect your Insurance Premium. Unless you have no coverage on your car.

[DSrugis]

Sorry to hear about the accident...glad you are alright. Nothing to be ashamed about. Nothing I can help you with unfortunately but wish you the best in getting the car returned to its previous state.

[LaserPower]

No reason to not go for insurance...did you cut your budget as well by not getting winter tires lol~8k does not sound too bad for proper repair.

[YGazis109]

Was the body shop airport auto?

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by monkeybingo

FYI. If this was due to the ICE on road, should be covered under Comprehensive. This won't affect your Insurance Premium. Unless you have no coverage on your car.

yea, that's what I have heard from other people as well, however, when you get into a situation like this, the insurance company will say you were going to fast given the condition of the road - which means if you are going 5mph and slide on ice, you are still going too fast based on the condition. I have full coverage on my car, however, the 7-8k estimate is such a ripoff. Given the way the body shop guy talked, I'm sure the insurance will end up paying closer to 10k. I was just thinking of fixing it myself.

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by DSrugis

Sorry to hear about the accident...glad you are alright. Nothing to be ashamed about. Nothing I can help you with unfortunately but wish you the best in getting the car returned to its previous state.

Thanks, I think it was bad but things could have been a lot worse.

Originally Posted by LaserPower

No reason to not go for insurance...did you cut your budget as well by not getting winter tires lol~8k does not sound too bad for proper repair.

I just got brand new set of the most expensive & the newest Micheline all season tires the end of the summer. Based on first hand experience, I can guarantee that Continental has better traction on ice/snow than Micheline eventhough Consumer's report said otherwise.

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by YGazis109

Was the body shop airport auto?

Yea, have you dealt with them before?

[YGazis109]

Originally Posted by BlueSander

Yea, have you dealt with them before?

Yeah man they are great! I dealt with the son, tony, and they worked with me on everything I would definitely recommend them because they did an outstanding job on my front end collision this summer and I am very anal about my car! They are a class act and very professional about everything!

[BlueSander]

Originally Posted by YGazis109

Yeah man they are great! I dealt with the son, tony, and they worked with me on everything I would definitely recommend them because they did an outstanding job on my front end collision this summer and I am very anal about my car! They are a class act and very professional about everything!

I see. I think Rich must be the father then. He is taking care of my car, however, they are a bit backed up right now. I can't wait to get my car back. My rental is the new 2014 C-class and this car surprised me so much. I think it handles much better than the 3 series actually but I'm paying extra to drive this car as well for now.

[djkevinnn]

I have a e90 front bumper. It does not have headlamp washers, but if you'd want to delete them, we could do that easily.

[PARTS@STBMW]

Sorry to hear! Hope it all works out for you!

[NightStalker]

Goodluck.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Originally Posted by LaserPower

No reason to not go for insurance...did you cut your budget as well by not getting winter tires lol~8k does not sound too bad for proper repair.

I don't care if you have the best tires on the market- on ice, you're screwed...trust me.

The least practical possibility would have been metal studded tires (like Nokians), but for the amount of occasions you'll actually use them- and unless you have ice 365 days out of the year- I hardly see them worth the purchase.