Re: rear smash - Light at the end of the tunnel (archive)

Bad Luck, I know how you feel as the same thing happened to me near enough. When you have the car repaired make sure that they only use genuine BMW parts and tell them to garuntee this in writing DO NOT LET THEM REPLACE PARTS WITH INFERIOR COPIES. When the car first goes in for repairs before they start any work make sure that it is placed on a "jig" and a "gyro" to make sure that the Chassis is still true and not warped or twisted, if the Chassis is twisted then you are wasting your time and money having it repaired as it will never drive correctly again. One point off consellation that may help you feel better is that I was hit by a big Range Rover with Bull bars on the front and he hit me at approx 30mph to 40mph and I had my car repaired with no problems and the chassis was still in perfect alignment these Beemers are built to last and can take a licking and still keep on ticking. as for insurance tricks - not really just make sure that you keep every scrap of paper that relates to the accident and if possible record all phone calls with yours and the guy who hit you insurance company no one can then deny that that said a certain thing on a certain date.
Above all you are the customer and you tell them what YOU want and don't let them fob you off with what they want.

Good Luck.

Hello,

I need some advice or info. I was rear-ended during a rainstorm in northern VA on Friday. Believe it or not, we were in a backup passing two accidents on the shoulder and as we passed the second accident traffic stopped. The pickup behind me accelerated while looking at the accident in his rearview mirror and hit me going around 25 mph. Anyway, damage is extensive to the rear deck, back panel, bumper and probably the rear side panels and whatever is underneath.

I have no knowledge or experience with BMW bodywork or shops in Fairfax County, VA so I towed it to the place (Manassas European Auto Body) recommended by the firm that sold the car, Auto Advantage. No estimates have been done because of the weekend.

My request is for any advice on:
1. What parts are normally used in body repair for BMW? Is it BMW manufactured? etc.

2. Is there anything I should insist upon or request when having the car fixed?

I am concerened that it is repaired as close to original as possible. Any insurance tricks or hassles I should worry about?

Thanks for any advice you can give. If this is not the proper board, please recommend another.

Thanks,

Dave

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