[lxapilot118]

So as some of you know, the first day I had my car in the US some lady backed into it...here are pics of the damage. Basically, the license plate frame pushed into the bumper slightly. Insurance will pay me $850, but I'm not sure which option to take. Keep in mind that when having something painted, the paint doesn't adhere as well as paint from the factory. Here are the options--

1. New bumper, painted, new license plate holder (hence the $850 estimate).
2. Repair and repaint my bumper.
3. Repair and paint only the middle section of the bumper (retain 90% of the original paint)
4. By a euro-style license plate holder that will cover the marks.
5. Don't do anything, and save the money for a repaint for when I get the inevitable rock chips.
6. Combination of the above.

If I save enough money with one of the other options, I could try and get the invisible bra. What do you guys think?

[BMW F22]

it doesnt even look that bad

[lxapilot118]

no it's not...just annoying. That's why I think getting a new bumper and having it painted is a little extreme. I'm tempted just to cover it up with the Euro holder and get the invis. paint protection, but dunno how that would affect resale value--most people would want a new car back to 100%.

[Chesmu]

leave it alone. you can't see it. save your money and insurance premiums

[jcoo085]

If you're that worried about it, I would do

4. By a euro-style license plate holder that will cover the marks.
5. Don't do anything, and save the money for a repaint for when I get the inevitable rock chips.

#4 because having a german plate on that tiny holder looks kind of weird (IMO) and as a bonus it will cover the marks. You might also want to try straightening the plate a bit

#5 because undoubtedly you will have something else happen to the car (rock chips etc) and for something that can be covered up easily I would keep the money.

[LEDZEP]

I'd be more pissed about the bent Euro plate.

Get a check from her insurance company and save it for when you have several paint chips.

[longtran]

,whatever you do, do not repaint it. always try to keep the orignal paint. if you repaint it, it wont be the same.

[lxapilot118]

ya I think I'm gonna get the euro holder and save the rest. I bent the plate somewhat, but I still have the rear plate I can use. Should I get the invis bra too?

[lxapilot118]

The worst of the damage is the upper left hand corner of the plate holder...it pushed into the bumper a bit. Can't tell though unless you take the thing off.

[Broken1]

Meh. I would leave it!!

Take the $850 put it into a savings account - and use it to buy a new bumper when you're is covered in stone chips and etc.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by Broken1

use it to buy a new bumper when you're is covered in stone chips and

and corn chips. don't waste your money. all the best

[Dgunsuh]

It's hardly noticeable. That happened to me on my '04 TL, someone backed into me and did the same exact thing, you only notice it when you go look at it up close, from a distance you can't tell and there's probably no internal damage either....after a month you won't even think about it.

[scottz5]

leave it

[canucklion]

leave it, and don't even get the inivisible bra,
like others have said, get a new bumper when it's pock-marked and put on the invis. bra then

[BrunoT]

Our new Saab was damaged at the dealership by a machine they used to move cars around in crowded areas, it was the rear bumper, and they had to replace and repaint it. 3 years and 60,000 miles later I still can't tell it was ever damaged. But I also made them write me a guarantee letter saying they'd repaint it if there was ever a problem with it fading or not adhering.

But, in your case, the damage appears to be so small that I'd just bank the $850. There is too much that can go wrong if you get a bad paint job, and some paints are harder to get right than others (ours was bright red). You will probably get your share of small dinks and such over the years anyway.

Damage that affects resale value is the kind where people worry there's some structural damage from a wreck. Any signs of repainting might actually hurt more than help if they fear a wreck. I'm not sure how thickness meters work on plastic, but usually an expert can tell.

I've sold a couple of BMW's myself and they each had similar small flaws and nobody ever seemed to care about any of them, because the car was very clean, in good shape otherwise, and had all maintenance up to date. A entire car of faded, scratched, unwaxed paint is one thing when determining value. A small spot that isn't obvious is another. You will drive yourself crazy if you think you can own a vehicle in most places, drive it much, and have it remain pristine. It may happen, but if you "let go" and realize it's a depreciating asset that ages, you'll probably be happier.

And if you trade in your vehicles, the odds are the appraiser at a dealership won't even look that close. They just stick their noses in a book and look for signs of neglected maintenance.

[lxapilot118]

Thanks everyone! Definitely gonna bank the $850 (except for the 9.95 for the euro plate holder).

[radionomad]

If you put in a claim the insurence industry attaches that information to the VIN of your vehicle. This information remains in various databases and can appear on reports offered by many companies. Many people buying used cars (and even dealers) use these reports to apply pricing pressure to the seller's (or trade) asking price. It does not matter if it wasn't your fault the damage was done. And in your case I don't think the $850 is worth having "front bumper replacement"appear on a report is a good thing for a small ding.

[lxapilot118]

hmmmmm....good point.