[evlthoma]

About a month ago a Mini Cooper S removed a sizable chuck of the front end of my '06 330xi to the tune of $14000 damage (so far). Repairs are under way, new frame rails and front suspension required along with all body damage (I was not happy to learn the engine had to be removed to straighten the car). I'm thinking the car won't ever be the same and that thing to do is replace it.

[!Xoible]

true. it sucks when there's a big damage and they dont total it. i hope it's leased.

[evlthoma]

alas I own it (I kept my last 2 BMWs more than 5 years each, so it seemed like a good idea at the time).

[bsamoul]

ya.. that is unusual because usually they'll just total it if they have to fiddle wtih the engine at all after a crash. even if it does drive fine after, you'll still know what happened to it in the back of your head at all times...id probably think about replacing it.

[slant83]

[Uberdude328i]

Originally Posted by slant83

The obligatory response...

[RA65C83]

Just be assured that if you took it to a reputable shop who is certified for BMWs and has all the proper equipment to repair them, it will drive perfectly fine after. My friends 06 330i was t boned by a Tacoma 1 month after he leased it. Front drivers frame rail was replaced along with all new suspension in front. New hood, fender, bumpers, front drivers door, front rim, etc. Upon impact his car spun and the drivers rear quarter panel slapped against the side of the truck. The whole drivers side quarter panel, door frames, etc. was replaced as one piece. Engine, trans, rear suspension assy, dash, etc had to be removed. It took the shop around 9 months to fix which was ridiculous. The car sat for about 3 months because of "personel probs" as they put it. Initial estimate was $15k, and with the car being only 1 month old with 1,300 miles on odo, they decided to repair it. After it was finished the total repair came to just over $40k. BUT....the car drives and looks PERFECT. If anything it's more solid than it was new. It's amazing the work they can do these days. Don't listen to people who say it will never be the same.

[rrandyy]

It will never be the same. At the very least, you'll have more tire-wear than you would on a car that didn't need the frame straightened out.

[RA65C83]

They use a fixture/jigs on these cars when there is any chassis damage, which are so precise...they do not even have to test hang doors. You cannot get any more precise. Most likely the car will be repaired on a Celette fixture which is basically the same bench the car was built on at the factory. The car is perfect once it's finished.

[AltecBX]

You'll be fine as long as they do good work and a good oven to paint. But try to get rid of it, you'll never look at it the same. Just like a girl that played you before. You have to pimp it and move on.

[Double White]

Now that the value if his car is reduced ... Isn't the mini's insurance obligated to pay the value the car has lost ?

[E90330iS]

Originally Posted by Double White

Now that the value if his car is reduced ... Isn't the mini's insurance obligated to pay the value the car has lost ?

For depreciation you have to take it to small claims court.. I would do it though, the court will be leaned toward you more. GL

[dxb335d]

Need pics really to get a good idea of the damage.
Its an unofrortunate posistion to be in. For sure the car is now compromised not only with road holding but in safety terms also. I would sell the car on.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by RA65C83

They use a fixture/jigs on these cars when there is any chassis damage, which are so precise...they do not even have to test hang doors. You cannot get any more precise. Most likely the car will be repaired on a Celette fixture which is basically the same bench the car was built on at the factory. The car is perfect once it's finished.

K. And that would be because body shops are honest and take as much pride and time in doing their work as the factory does.

[evlthoma]

Originally Posted by slant83

I’m a loser, I didn’t take any

[evlthoma]

Originally Posted by Double White

Now that the value if his car is reduced ... Isn't the mini's insurance obligated to pay the value the car has lost ?

This Mini driver and I have the same insurance company and he admitted fault, so all the damages go against his liability insurance. My claim rep told my I could get a dealer quote (in writing) for the value of the car post repairs and the value of the car if it hadn't been damaged and submit a diminished value claim against Mini driver's liability insurance. Any one done this? Seems a little weak, can't imagine insurance paying anything off a single dealer quote...

[evlthoma]

Originally Posted by RA65C83

... Don't listen to people who say it will never be the same.

Logically I agree, emotionally not so sure. We'll see how I feel when I drive it. I'm thinking I should trade it no mater what just to take the financial hit now rather than have a low-trade-in-value time bomb ticking away.