Hey guys!

This happened to me tonight (Halloween) while I was stopped at a red light. Lady apparently took her foot off the brake and rammed me. She was really nice about it. Not too serious but it was sort of a "first" for both of us. Anyway, got her information and whatnot but am now wondering a few things:

1.) Any idea on how much this will cost me?
2.) What are my options (new aftermarket Rieger bumper, for example)?
3.) Anyone know of or hear of any good (i.e., expensive) body shops to get an estimate for her? She said she'll pay out of pocket up to $1k or so. If it's more than that, than she'll get her insurance involved. I may just get the estimate and the money (hopefully) and then take it to another, more reasonably priced shop and do more stuff. Is that a good idea or am I bad for doing that?

Here are some pictures of the accident if anyone's interested:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7578%20(Edited).JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7579%20(Edited).JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7580%20(Edited).JPG

:( My baby's been hit.

Thanks in advance all!!! :)

Curtis

clumpymold@sbcglobal.net

KSD Auto Body in Tujunga.

spectrum collision in Lake forest.
the ONLY Certified bmw body shop in Southern California

Ouch, sorry to hear.

Did the trunk also get damaged?

Don't take it to a second rate shop because a lady rear ended you at fault. Get an estimate at a dealer recommended/good indy shop. Her insurance is absolutely liable to you, but if you do it off the books, she has a chance to screw you. Careful.

ouch sorry to hear curtis,
when I got T boned by a durango I checked out a few shops and got some quotes, ill see if i can dig up those places.

-david

Sorry to hear that Curtis, but at least it wasn't your fault. You should tell her that your exhaust got bent and you need a new one, then when ou get a new one give your old one to me :D

You got PM clumpy. BTW that's way more then 1k of damage.

I get all my stuff painted at ridgeway autobody in los angeles, western & 11 st, 323 731-2222. Talk to a guy named John. They are pretty good with color matching and they use pretty good paint. Haven't been anywhere else to give you a good comparision tho. Sucks you got hit man, sorry to hear that.

KSD Auto Body in Tujunga.

You have a number for that? Where is that, exactly? I'm in Monterey Park (91754) and don't really want to travel that far for a bodyshop. I prefer (from experience) finding a shop that's really close (somewhere I could walk to would be awesome).

spectrum collision in Lake forest.
the ONLY Certified bmw body shop in Southern California
You have the # for that one too. Does it matter if it's BMW certified? Does that mean that they're really expensive too?

Ouch, sorry to hear.

Did the trunk also get damaged?
I don't know. Doesn't look like it but I can't close the trunk normally though. I think it may just be the apron. I'll have to have the shop check it out.

Don't take it to a second rate shop because a lady rear ended you at fault. Get an estimate at a dealer recommended/good indy shop. Her insurance is absolutely liable to you, but if you do it off the books, she has a chance to screw you. Careful.
What's "indy"? I see. Well, if the estimate is over $1-2k, I think she'll have the insurance company deal with it. Otherwise, she'll pay for it. She seems REALLY nice. Some old lady who is an Archaeologist. Really sweet lady.

ouch sorry to hear curtis,
when I got T boned by a durango I checked out a few shops and got some quotes, ill see if i can dig up those places.

-david
Sweet! :buttrock Anyshop would be helpful. I think I'm going to get 3 estimates when I get the chance and decide from there.

I get all my stuff painted at ridgeway autobody in los angeles, western & 11 st, 323 731-2222. Talk to a guy named John. They are pretty good with color matching and they use pretty good paint. Haven't been anywhere else to give you a good comparision tho. Sucks you got hit man, sorry to hear that.
Thanks! I'll give them a call. They sound far away though. :D

Sorry to hear that Curtis, but at least it wasn't your fault. You should tell her that your exhaust got bent and you need a new one, then when ou get a new one give your old one to me :D
Yeah, tell me about it, Garrett. I always thought I could avoid accidents. Until I realized that something like this could happen. I was just sitting there at the light and so was she (behind me). Then, all of a sudden, bang! I'm like, wtf?! She just took her foot off the brake by accident. I couldn't do anything to avoid it (not like I was paying attention anyway). And yeah, sure. I'll see if I can get the exhaust "repaired" too. ;)

You got PM clumpy. BTW that's way more then 1k of damage.
Thanks! Yeah, I'm guessing it's more than $1k. Even if it was JUST the apron. The top of the bumper is also scuffed so I assume the entire bumper needs to be painted, correct?

Also, anyone know how long I have to report it to my insurance company? Should I even do that? What about her to HER insurance company? Is there a time limit?

You have a number for that? Where is that, exactly? I'm in Monterey Park (91754) and don't really want to travel that far for a bodyshop. I prefer (from experience) finding a shop that's really close (somewhere I could walk to would be awesome).[/B][/U][/SIZE]


Oh, heres the directions (http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&un=m&2tabval=address&1n=LOS+ANGELES+COUNTY&cl=EN&ct=NA&1v=ZIP&1tabval=address&1y=US&1a=&1c=MONTEREY+PARK&1s=CA&1z=91754&1ah=&2y=US&2a=7370+FOOTHILL+BLVD&2c=TUJUNGA&2s=CA&2z=&2ah=&idx=0&id=4186dc75-001d1-01082-cdbcf387&aid=4186dc75-001d2-01082-cdbcf387) I got my bumpers, side skirts, and moldings all painted there. A very reputable shop, been around for 15 years.

you know you can come to my dads shop in LA, he fixed a couple of BMW's from this forum..hit me up on AIM if you want more info

Make sure to check the rear fenders for any bulge. Check the gap between the door and the body... making sure its about the same for both side.

The damage might just be obvious at the rear of the car, but make sure there isn't any bends/ bulges on the side because of the unibody construction of the car shell.

Go get a good shop... ask your local dealer where they take the car for body work.

Sorry for what happened.

Part out the car, and gimme your HID. ^_^

Sorry to hear that Curtis.
I'd highly recommend Marcos Auto Body
MARCOS AUTO BODY
600 E LAS TUNAS DR, SAN GABRIEL, CA 91776
Phone: (626) 309-9100

They arent very cheap, but im sure you will be impressed by their professionalism.

yeah, it looks like it's just that apron from the pics, but like he said, check the quarter panels too, if the quarter panels have buckled at all or anything, you're gonna be looking at ~5k in repairs.

What's "indy"? I see. Well, if the estimate is over $1-2k, I think she'll have the insurance company deal with it. Otherwise, she'll pay for it. She seems REALLY nice. Some old lady who is an Archaeologist. Really sweet lady.


of course she's nice! she's the one who is at fault.




sucks to hear curtis. Good luck man.

Oh, heres the directions (http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&un=m&2tabval=address&1n=LOS+ANGELES+COUNTY&cl=EN&ct=NA&1v=ZIP&1tabval=address&1y=US&1a=&1c=MONTEREY+PARK&1s=CA&1z=91754&1ah=&2y=US&2a=7370+FOOTHILL+BLVD&2c=TUJUNGA&2s=CA&2z=&2ah=&idx=0&id=4186dc75-001d1-01082-cdbcf387&aid=4186dc75-001d2-01082-cdbcf387) I got my bumpers, side skirts, and moldings all painted there. A very reputable shop, been around for 15 years.
Hey, thanks! I'll try to check them out but they're sorta far. 24 miles is quite a drive. Especially to ask someone to drive me there at least a few times to drop me off, pick me up, check progress, etc. :(

you know you can come to my dads shop in LA, he fixed a couple of BMW's from this forum..hit me up on AIM if you want more info
Name of shop? Number and location? What' your AIM name or email? :)

Part out the car, and gimme your HID. ^_^
Haha, yeah. I highly doubt it's totalled, but I guess I'll never know. :dunno

Make sure to check the rear fenders for any bulge. Check the gap between the door and the body... making sure its about the same for both side.

The damage might just be obvious at the rear of the car, but make sure there isn't any bends/ bulges on the side because of the unibody construction of the car shell.

Go get a good shop... ask your local dealer where they take the car for body work.

Sorry for what happened.
Yeah, I'll check that again now. I didn't notice anything at first glance. I did, however, notice this today (the rear bumper on the passenger side looks off now, as well as the trunk). The plastic bumper trim is also scuffed from the accident. I included the driver's side rear bumper gap for reference.

Any other comments? I haven't had a chance to take the car to a shop during the day yet so any feedback from you guys would be greatly appreciated. I'll know for sure what the damage is when I get an estimate.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7611.JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7612.JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7616.JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7618.JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7620.JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7622.JPG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/clumpymold/Resize%20of%20PICT7624.JPG

of course she's nice! she's the one who is at fault.

sucks to hear curtis. Good luck man.
True but she seriously seemed like a good person. Plus, she's an archaeologist. I'm a "biologist". :D

yeah, it looks like it's just that apron from the pics, but like he said, check the quarter panels too, if the quarter panels have buckled at all or anything, you're gonna be looking at ~5k in repairs.
I'll check that now. :)

Sorry to hear that Curtis.
I'd highly recommend Marcos Auto Body
MARCOS AUTO BODY
600 E LAS TUNAS DR, SAN GABRIEL, CA 91776
Phone: (626) 309-9100

They arent very cheap, but im sure you will be impressed by their professionalism.

:buttrock This is the shop that I was trying to remember. I've heard their work is amazing but couldn't remember the name nor the location. Awesome! I'll try to check them out tomorrow or Wednesday. Thanks!

I was very very satisfied when I got my acura Legend repaired there. When I went to pickup my car, they thuroughly went over all the repairs with me. Then the guy took me on a test drive around the block to make sure there wasnt any rattles or strange noises. Lastly, they did a full detail and made sure I was happy before I was allowed to leave with my car! Now that is service!

I was very very satisfied when I got my acura Legend repaired there. When I went to pickup my car, they thuroughly went over all the repairs with me. Then the guy took me on a test drive around the block to make sure there wasnt any rattles or strange noises. Lastly, they did a full detail and made sure I was happy before I was allowed to leave with my car! Now that is service!
Wow, I was hoping to find a shop that actually took care of my car. You say they actually detailed your car? I NEED to go there then. I just called to get the hours (M-F 8-5:30 and Sat. 9-2). And they're only about 5-6 miles from my place. Even closer from my work since I work on San Gabriel. :buttrock I may have to stop by there on the way to work tomorrow. ;)

Not sure if it was a full detail, but it came out much cleaner than when it went in.

Pretty much most body shops do that... i know KSD Does...

the name of the shop is Absolute Rover, and its on 8171 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles CA 90046. my AIM is InfamousE36

Hope that helped

the name of the shop is Absolute Rover, and its on 8171 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles CA 90046. my AIM is InfamousE36

Hope that helped
Wow, that sounds far from me. I doubt I'll check that out. Thanks though. :(

ohh..ok

Dont go to M1 autobody for sure. If you want inexpensive and done right. Ask me about it. They are kinda ghetto lookin, but oddly enough even the BMWCCA president goes there.

Dont go to M1 autobody for sure. If you want inexpensive and done right. Ask me about it. They are kinda ghetto lookin, but oddly enough even the BMWCCA president goes there.
This is confusing, Kent. Is M1 autobody inexpensive and done right? If not, what shop is? Are you talking about TWO shops here or just one that is inexpensive, done right, kinda ghetto lookin', and the BMWCCA president goes there?

He means dont goto M1 autobody because only ricers and people with tail light conversions on their accords go there. Honestly, just take your car to the closest place because the damage doesnt seem that bad and most places would probably do an equal job. Since you're not paying for it, Marcos!
BTW: M1 isnt very inexpensive. I asked how much to paint my lip spoiler and was quoted $100. Went to EXPO autobody and got it done for $50.

He means dont goto M1 autobody because only ricers and people with tail light conversions on their accords go there. Honestly, just take your car to the closest place because the damage doesnt seem that bad and most places would probably do an equal job. Since you're not paying for it, Marcos!
BTW: M1 isnt very inexpensive. I asked how much to paint my lip spoiler and was quoted $100. Went to EXPO autobody and got it done for $50.
EXPO? Where's that? Sounds familiar. I think I've seen their ad in the Asian mags.

EXPO is on Baldwin.

EXPO is on Baldwin.
Ahh, now that rings a bell. I believe I went there for an estimate for my Audi. I'll have to check them out too when I get the chance. Thanks!

damn! sucks to hear Curtis. I use to know a good shop out here in the valley but they moved and I don’t know where! :dunno I got to get some 'ish done to my car also, let me know where you wind up going. Good luck!

you should make sure the back doesn't look crumped--i mean make sure your frame isn't bent...

curtis...marcos autobody sucks...and they take forever...i did business with them once...pm me if you wanna take a look at my body shop

curtis...marcos autobody sucks...and they take forever...i did business with them once...pm me if you wanna take a look at my body shop
Ooh, really? Well, I just heard they're expensive. I'd like to get an estimate there and hopefully have 21st Century cut me a check. Then I'll take it somewhere else. Where is your body shop located?

Oh, and I went to Marcos Autobody today but it was too late for an estimate. :( I'll go again tomorrow to see what they quote me. I went to T&L today and they quoted me $1600.64. The trunklid and rear bumper both need to be repainted. The bumper most likely will either be repaired or replaced as it's sorta pushed in underneath the plastic trim.

We'll see how much Marcos charges. I also plan to get another quote from maybe Jamy since it was nearby too.

damn! sucks to hear Curtis. I use to know a good shop out here in the valley but they moved and I don’t know where! :dunno I got to get some 'ish done to my car also, let me know where you wind up going. Good luck!
Alright, will do. I'll post an update tomorrow evening.

you should make sure the back doesn't look crumped--i mean make sure your frame isn't bent...
Yeah, I brought it to a shop today and they said no frame damage but there is bumper, rear panel (piece above bumper), and trunklid damage. They're all really slight though. Current estimate is at $1600.64 but I'm going to see what else is there since the place I went to today was a bit far (not to mention really ghetto).

Hey curtis im going to the shop tomorrow. My friend needs to get work done on her audi. Its Mission Auto Express, 323-222-9866 its on the end of mission drive. If you need a nice referal let me know.

Hey curtis im going to the shop tomorrow. My friend needs to get work done on her audi. Its Mission Auto Express, 323-222-9866 its on the end of mission drive. If you need a nice referal let me know.
Hey Kent,

I'm free tomorrow. When are you going? Or when is your friend going? What's the address for your shop? I'd prefer something closer to me and so far, all the shops seem far away. I'll check some more tomorrow. I'd like to get 3-4 estimates before I decide.

spectrum collision 949-597-8200 ask for peter or louis ( louie)

they are expensive. they do what ever "bmw" protocol tells them to do.

they only replace with OEM parts.

they did a great job on my wife's car and brother in law's car.

both are bmws.

the reason why i say certified...is that..the techs there has to go through a bmw body shop and get certified as a bmw body shop...they have a group of guys ...1 group concentrate on 3-series...others 5- series...other 7 series..etc etc.

so they know what they do and expensive..but if the insurance pays for it...who cares.

spectrum collision 949-597-8200 ask for peter or louis ( louie)

they are expensive. they do what ever "bmw" protocol tells them to do.

they only replace with OEM parts.

they did a great job on my wife's car and brother in law's car.

both are bmws.

the reason why i say certified...is that..the techs there has to go through a bmw body shop and get certified as a bmw body shop...they have a group of guys ...1 group concentrate on 3-series...others 5- series...other 7 series..etc etc.

so they know what they do and expensive..but if the insurance pays for it...who cares.
Hey, thanks for that. I'll do that if my other shop falls through. I ended up finding a shop (and a really cool owner) right near my house (walking distance). He even called a lawyer for me since I was feeling neck pain still. Ended up speaking with a lawyer today and then seeing a chiropractor today. :(

They say 2-3 months physical therapy at 3 times/week. Soft tissue damage and my bone structure is a bit tweaked. :eek:

hey curtis you can go mission auto...they do good work too...im familiar with them. if you wanna take a look at another body shop that i use just call me up 626 589 9954

hey curtis you can go mission auto...they do good work too...im familiar with them. if you wanna take a look at another body shop that i use just call me up 626 589 9954
Thanks, but I already found a shop who also found me a lawyer and a chiropractor. :)

Thanks anyway, Alan!

- Curtis

Updated situation:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3096559#post3096559

:D