Car Backed into - Unseen Damage?

[desertfox73]

Hi,

My car was backed into yesterday at work - our building is undergoing some construction, and a large contractor's truck backed out of a parking space and into mine...while my car was still in it. Fortunately, the guy was cool and didn't drive away, so I'm not stuck with a repair bill.

I've attached a few pics of the damage (pardon the poor quality, taken with my camera phone at the scene - first time to post pics), which pretty obviously indicate damage to the rear bumper and the right rear quarter panel. I spoke with a claims adjuster already and I am having my car looked at on Monday. They will also look at the front bumper lip because the car was pushed a little bit, into the concrete "curb" of the parking space, and I'll ask them to check all of the parts of the top-drop mechanism including the trunk lid.

My questions to you are:

1. Are there any issues I need to have checked with the transmission? I don't feel anything different when driving, but having a car pushed when the car is in park probably isn't the best thing. Should I have the shop look at this, or would I notice already if there is a problem?

2. If the bumper is replaced, and the rear quarter panel is replaced, will this later show up on a carfax report? If so, it seems like that will cause additional depreciation beyond normal wear and tear. Am I being reasonable in assuming this?

Thanks for your help. I'm not interested in using this incident to get parts replaced that don't need to be (or pad my bank account), I just want the car to be back in perfect shape. And, I also don't think I should absorb any loss in value of the car if that will happen. I haven't been through a claim in about 10 years, so your advice is much appreciated.

PS. Notice how I don't park anywhere near anyone else on either side of me (picture was taken in the middle of the work day). I thought this would decrease my chances of having dings in the car. Guess not!

Thanks,
Steve

[1sikbmr]

holy shit. doesnt seem like much damage beyond the bumper but would never know until you take it off.

[LucWerkz]

Doesn't seem like too much damage under the bumper. I can't say anything about the transmission though. It doesn't seem like the hit would affect your transmission because that part of the bumper is very soft and really has nothing underneath to support it. So the truck could've been going 5 miles (same as a person running into your car) and dented it that much. But don't take my word for it. I'm not an autobody specialist.

Also here's a picture of my e92 with the bumper taken off so you can see what it looks like underneath the bumper. I don't think it should be that much different from an e93.

[FVM3]

new bumper

[mdosu]

not bad, only new bumper needed. It could have been worse, he could have hit you straight on and bent your exhaust pipes.

[IFX]

2 Things.

1.That bumper CAN be fixed, with a good body man, believe me I've seen it done.
2.There won't be anything damaged underneath.



Oh.. edit, is the bumper torn near the taillight?

If so, yea new bumper.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

OP sorry for your misfortune it sucks. Nice that the fellow driving the truck did not hit and run.

Re your concern about the transmission or damage otherwise. I recommend you let the dealer determine this, we should trust the trained folks for this. Then you should also ask your dealership where they handle minor body work.

Doing this will put your mind at rest and in the end the job will be done properly. I think you are looking at about $3,000- and change for the body work.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Alter Peter

OP sorry for your misfortune it sucks. Nice that the fellow driving the truck did not hit and run.

Re your concern about the transmission or damage otherwise. I recommend you let the dealer determine this, we should trust the trained folks for this. Then you should also ask your dealership where they handle minor body work.

Doing this will put your mind at rest and in the end the job will be done properly. I think you are looking at about $3,000- and change for the body work.

Are you kidding? Where and how did you get that figure from? Please explain...

Your post is irrelevant. The job can be done correctly at an independent body shop if OP can find one in his are and save him probably 50 percent over the stealership.

The most this job will cost is 1500, if it's anything more, op is getting reemed.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by IFX

Are you kidding? Where and how did you get that figure from? Please explain...

Your post is irrelevant. The job can be done correctly at an independent body shop if OP can find one in his are and save him probably 50 percent over the stealership.

The most this job will cost is 1500, if it's anything more, op is getting reemed.

From experience then things are more expensive up here in Canada.

I never kid my friend, as for no other damage underneath the bumper only the experts can tell him that.

So let us wait and see shall we. Oh I don't recommend to go to some off the road or independent body shop. I'm sure some day he likes to sell his car and it should be nothing less then perfect after all is said and done.

The OP should not take any shortcuts, he pays insurance and so does the truck driver or his company so the end result should be perfect or as good as new. Here in Canada a BMW is repaired as far as body work is concerned (as long as under warranty) by a certified and approved BMW body shop. What one does once the car is out off warranty is up to the owner. A certified Body Shop by BMW is one where you find certificates on the wall of body shop technicians that have been trained and certifyed by BMW.

[desertfox73]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like probably dont have much to be concerned about other than the visible damage, but I'll let the shop figure it out. I'll also look into filing a diminished value claim if this will eventually pop up on a carfax check.

I'm taking it to the BMW of Dallas recommended shop next week - Bankston Collision in Addison. If anyone has thoughts about this shop, I'm all ears.

[M3Dreams]

If your car was pushed sideways considerably, in other words, long distance, I would worry for the transmission. A gentle nudge, even a couple of feet, should not damage the locking mechanism (provided this is DCT)

Generally, carfax history is updated through police reports and/or major insurance claims. If there was none made, then no need to worry.

Looks like a new bumper for sure.

Good luck!

[KIS]

My car was backed into and looked identical to yours. Mine was approximately $1,500 being done at the dealership. In my case the quarter panel was not involved.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Alter Peter

From experience then things are more expensive up here in Canada.

I never kid my friend, as for no other damage underneath the bumper only the experts can tell him that.

So let us wait and see shall we. Oh I don't recommend to go to some off the road or independent body shop. I'm sure some day he likes to sell his car and it should be nothing less then perfect after all is said and done.

The OP should not take any shortcuts, he pays insurance and so does the truck driver or his company so the end result should be perfect or as good as new. Here in Canada a BMW is repaired as far as body work is concerned (as long as under warranty) by a certified and approved BMW body shop. What one does once the car is out off warranty is up to the owner. A certified Body Shop by BMW is one where you find certificates on the wall of body shop technicians that have been trained and certifyed by BMW.

I just checked, OP is in Dallas. From my understanding Dallas is in Texas, and oh wait, that's in the U.S

So once again, your post is irrelevant.


I didn't say go to an "off the road" independent shop, I said find a reputable one. He is in Dallas, not the boondocks, it shouldn't be that hard.


Again, BMW isn't the only one who can do good work. And hell, even they are questionable. I've seen work "BMW" techs do, and other members have as well...Makes you wonder.

But hell what do i know, my dad only owns a body shop. And it's not like we work on M3post members' cars..

[mdosu]

i think that job is a good $2000 job, at a minimum, if you want the bumper repaired. They'll have to push it back out, round it and fill it in with putty to even it out. Then repaint the whole bumper. Given the work involved, it's def. easier and I think likely cheaper to get a new bumper, repaint and put it on.


Going the new bumper route, you also dont' need to have the car in the shop for like 3 days. You just drive about with your old bumper, until the new bumper is prepped and ready, then you show up and it's a few hour job to pop that sucker on.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by IFX

I just checked, OP is in Dallas. From my understanding Dallas is in Texas, and oh wait, that's in the U.S

So once again, your post is irrelevant.


I didn't say go to an "off the road" independent shop, I said find a reputable one. He is in Dallas, not the boondocks, it shouldn't be that hard.


Again, BMW isn't the only one who can do good work. And hell, even they are questionable. I've seen work "BMW" techs do, and other members have as well...Makes you wonder.

But hell what do i know, my dad only owns a body shop. And it's not like we work on M3post members' cars..

I said let's wait and see ... so why don't we just do exactly that that ...

My post was to the Original Poster all I try to point out to him since he is driving a 2010 (still under warranty car) is to be on guard.

Someone damaged his property and he is being inconvenienced. I don't know the laws in the US, however, if you don't follow the right steps your warranty might be jeopardized. Something I am sure he is not willing to do. Also if this is being reported (to the insurance companies) then it will go on record. If the repair was not done correctly it will affect his re-sell value. Once again something I am sure he is not looking for and why should he.

You can check a BMW Certified Shop Body Shop will guarantee the work they do. I am sure other Body Shops do excellent work perhaps even better, just let his BMW dealership tell him where they do the body work so he can take his car there and have it done. In doing so he will be fine on all counts.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Alter Peter

I said let's wait and see ... so why don't we just do exactly that that ...

My post was to the Original Poster all I try to point out to him since he is driving a 2010 (still under warranty car) is to be on guard.

Someone damaged his property and he is being inconvenienced. I don't know the laws in the US, however, if you don't follow the right steps your warranty might be jeopardized. Something I am sure he is not willing to do. Also if this is being reported (to the insurance companies) then it will go on record. If the repair was not done correctly it will affect his re-sell value. Once again something I am sure he is not looking for and why should he.

You can check a BMW Certified Shop Body Shop will guarantee the work they do. I am sure other Body Shops do excellent work perhaps even better, just let his BMW dealership tell him where they do the body work so he can take his car there and have it done. In doing so he will be fine on all counts.

Lol, ok?

I don't know what you think could possibly be wrong.. what do you think he needs a new tranny?

For christ sake, the bumper is still perfectly aligned with the quarter and still flush with the left taillight.


But hey, I've got my popcorn ready.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Alter Peter

I said let's wait and see ... so why don't we just do exactly that that ...

My post was to the Original Poster all I try to point out to him since he is driving a 2010 (still under warranty car) is to be on guard.

Someone damaged his property and he is being inconvenienced. I don't know the laws in the US, however, if you don't follow the right steps your warranty might be jeopardized. Something I am sure he is not willing to do. Also if this is being reported (to the insurance companies) then it will go on record. If the repair was not done correctly it will affect his re-sell value. Once again something I am sure he is not looking for and why should he.

You can check a BMW Certified Shop Body Shop will guarantee the work they do. I am sure other Body Shops do excellent work perhaps even better, just let his BMW dealership tell him where they do the body work so he can take his car there and have it done. In doing so he will be fine on all counts.

You edited your post, so I'll reply to the extra stuff you posted.

Yes, his car is relatively new.. But as far as I know warranty has nothing to do with this.

About re-sale, if he takes his car to BMW and or goes through insurance it WILL affect his car's damage report (carfax etc)

So what I would do is, (if possible) get the person who hit him to pay up under the table and get the work done at an independent shop. Everyone is happy. If person wants to go through insurance, not much OP can do... because let's face it not many are willing to just fork out almost 1000 to someone else..

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

For the Original Poster ... let us know how you make out, best of luck, Rolf

[IFX]

Lol, I see your just BMW fanman, so I'll just let this go now ^

You're probably one of those guys who cant turn a screwdriver, so everything MUST go to BMW. It's laughable.

[KJ]

This is $1,500-$2,000 damage max with a BRAND NEW bumper from a high end shop.

All this talk of $3,000 damage is way over top.

If someone charges you $3,000, they are a ripoff.

You can repair the bumper with a little heat, but a bumper cover isn't too expensive and then paint and remove and reinstall. It's a very straightforward job.

I wouldn't go through insurance for this, it's not worth it.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by KJ

This is $1,500-$2,000 damage max with a BRAND NEW bumper from a high end shop.

All this talk of $3,000 damage is way over top.

If someone charges you $3,000, they are a ripoff.

You can repair the bumper with a little heat, but a bumper cover isn't too expensive and then paint and remove and reinstall. It's a very straightforward job.

I wouldn't go through insurance for this, it's not worth it.

Ah... M3post has shows signs of life!

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by KJ

This is $1,500-$2,000 damage max with a BRAND NEW bumper from a high end shop.

All this talk of $3,000 damage is way over top.

If someone charges you $3,000, they are a ripoff.

You can repair the bumper with a little heat, but a bumper cover isn't too expensive and then paint and remove and reinstall. It's a very straightforward job.

I wouldn't go through insurance for this, it's not worth it.

Why don't we just wait? What once the bumper is removed more damage is discovered like the a crack in the Rear Bumper Impact Bar Part No. 002783 $975.93 cost of the part and 1/2 hour labour plus Flex Additive Part No. 936014 $32.48 plus taxes on aforementioned additional parts. The quoted costs and part numbers are Canadian and will differ in the US.

So why not just wait for the OP to tell us what the final outcome is.