It finally happened to me....

[takedown8]

Hey guys,

I'm pissed off and bummed today. I was parked in a lot and some idiot must've backed into or drove into the side of my front bumper. There's a small crack in the paint and it was just enough to knock my front bumper off a bit.

I'm planning on bringing it into the dealer asap. Could you guys let me know what you think? I think it can be put back in place (I'm not gonna try myself), but what about the slight crack? Should I just touch up paint or do I have to have the whole bumper repainted?

<SIGH> I'm depressed. I guess it could've been a whole lot worse.

Here are some pics:

[ovrkll]

Oh, wow!!

Sorry to hear this, hopefully you can mount it back on yourself. Once the dealer gets ahold of it, you never know exactly how much they will want to charge. Overall from the pics it doesn't look that bad, may have to replace some bent/broken mounting hardware, but then again you won't really know till you look under the bumper. Hope your Z gets well soon!

[AlanL]

Have you checked with your insurance yet?

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by AlanL

Have you checked with your insurance yet?

No, I haven't. It just happened 2 hours ago. Should I check with them first or should I have an estimate done first?

Also, do you guys agree that I should avoid the dealer and go to a reputable collision place?

[ovrkll]

Try to find a reputable collision specialist that does a lot of BMW's. Almost all dealers send their cars out to a shop for body and paint work. Might want to call you dealer and get a recommendation, can't hurt to ask.

I would get an estimate first, if you can get it done right away, then decide if you want your insurance involved. I know someone is going to chime in about no-fault and that your rates shouldn't go up, but I still don't trust 'em.
Each annual renewal period your rates may mysteriously go up.

[takedown8]

My insurance allows one accident "free" without the insurance going up. I don't think it would be worth it for this to be the one. Besides, I'm not sure it would be worth it given the deductible is probably $100 or $500 or something (I'll have to double check my policy).

[pj130i]

Oh it is so sad... It reminds me my accident from this monday. I hit a cat in the night in approx 150 kmh. The front bumper is totalled and air condition cooling too. Damage for 3 500 $... It was a million dollar cat... But my insurance will cover it and my M will be back soon, I hope

Do the same, "doctors" from your dealer will make you feel better again

[Dleo]

if i were you, i would def fit the bumper back in place myself and go over the scratch with some rubbing compound followed by a wax.

these type of things happen all the time, no reason to get crazy over it or spend a ridiculous amount of money on something so small.

the bumper seems like it just got a little out of place, DIY and save a ton of money. I'm sure it is only a matter of removing a few bolts, placing the bumper back in place and then tightening up the bolts.

whatever you decide to do, good luck!

[inTgr8r]

Damn.... that sucks!
I agree with your thinking....
with deductible, it's probably not worth going the insurance route.
UNLESS..... you're thinking of an aero kit bumper

[Bluesharp]

I had a dream about a week ago that some lady smashed into Bluesie at a gas station... I started crying like a baby in the dream. Hahaha.

[takedown8]

Any chance, based on the pics I posted, I could convince the dealers that the bumper came off on its own and thus should be repaired under warranty? I'm not sure if they would notice that little crack in the paint.....well maybe they would. I'm just feeling annoyed as hell right now and just want it to be fixed!

I looked up the DIY on how to remove the front bumper....way too involved for me. I'd probably screw something up.

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by Bluesharp

I had a dream about a week ago that some lady smashed into Bluesie at a gas station... I started crying like a baby in the dream. Hahaha.

Thanks for the sympathy, Bluesie. It's not always about you, y'know!

[Mark]

Its hard to judge from pictures alone, but from the looks of it, its very minor damage that can be easily fixed on your own, and therefor avoid any problems with insurance or having the stealer charge you an arm and a leg to repair it.

I would first start by taking the front bumper off the car and check the hangler on the side of the car that was hit. It seems like the bumper is either off the hanger or the hanger was bent/snapped. In that case, a new hanger might cost like 5-10$ maximum and the bumper should be able to placed back on easily.

Keep in mind these bumpers are designed to survive an impact of 5mph which is somewhat considerable.

I hope it works out for you and the damage might be something different from what appears in the pics, but I would atleast try to fix this on your own first. I wish I lived in canada, i'd be right over there to help you take the bumper off.. I love doing this stuff, d'oh!

[ward]

Originally Posted by takedown8

My insurance allows one accident "free" without the insurance going up. I don't think it would be worth it for this to be the one. Besides, I'm not sure it would be worth it given the deductible is probably $100 or $500 or something (I'll have to double check my policy).

comp and collision are different

you should be fine since you weren't driving at the time

[imz4n]

Thats a darn shame. How someone can do something like that and just drive off. Sorry to hear. Get the car fixed and move on. Don't dwell on it.

[oneshare325]

Sorry...that sucks to see!! GL with the repairs!

[Fartpimpson]

Hit and run

[Rick Hunter]

F**KERS... So sorry to hear of your mishap, mate. I guess it doesn't matter how much you try to protect your car... it all comes down to other drivers. At least you weren't hurt.

It'll get better, I'm sure of it. Wish I could help.

[Caddyshk]

Originally Posted by imz4n

Thats a darn shame. How someone can do something like that and just drive off.

In Ontario many drivers received their license in other countries and or use imposters to take both their written and driving tests here. It's also estimated that due to the ridiculous cost for insurance here, as many as 1 in 10 cars/drivers are uninsured (this is supported by police traffic records). The insurance scam is quite simple - you need to have insurance to register a car and renew annually, these uninsured motorists are not driving cars with any lien on them so they simply insure for the registration process and than cancel. I’ve literally sat and watched people in malls and street parking using other vehicles as feelers to guide themselves in and out of parking spots.

[561design]

Originally Posted by takedown8

Any chance, based on the pics I posted, I could convince the dealers that the bumper came off on its own and thus should be repaired under warranty?

Don't do that. They'll think you're crazy. A bumper doesnt just fail. Especially one with a scratch marking an "impact". Take off your wheel and remove the wheel liner. Look at the damage. It may be just a couple clips or a hanger that needs to be replaced. If it's more than that then just put the liner back as you found it. It should only take you about 30 mins (if you take your time). Just remember where you put your screws and you'll be fine.

[fire-n-ice]

Oh my GOD! Jesus I'd be livid. It's not the bump, it's the fact that they drove off that makes it so bad.

I don't see the harm in calling your ins. co. They're not going to raise your ins. rates just because you call and ask. It may be something they're willing to pay for and just have a couple hundred out-of-pocket for you. Why not try?

I'm extrememly busy and don't have time to do a lot of DIY stuff, not to mention I don't like mods so I just don't have the experience anyway, even if I wanted to try.

I hit a deer in my truck two years ago at 45mph (ovrkll, don't say one word about my speed my dear!), and called my ins. co. I had a 250.00 deductible and they claimed my ins. rates would not go up. They haven't, and my truck was fixed for 250.00 out-of-pocket for me. Thing is, you don't really know how much damage was done just by looking at it from the outside. It may be nothing, or there may be more involved.

In any case, good luck and I'm sorry this happened to you.

[Ski]

That sucks, plain and simple..

Now if Jules was around he say something to this nature, "so what! It's just a car. get over it"