[bmwbmw786]

Hi, Hope every e90er is well.

Basically my car was involved in a (not-fault) collision. The car is high standard spec, kitted upside, leather seats, idrive, led lights, sat nav, only 50,000 on the clock. So would genuinely say that its worth at least £5,500.
However my insurance company has told me that the car is a total loss, and is a write off. I feel injustice cause I reckon the damage isnt more than 60% of car value. The insurance company wont let me buy the car back. So I reckon, if I dont take the write off amount, and just repair it myself.

Can anyone give a rough estimate of the damage to repair in the pics?
And if you can, any BMW repairers that could repair it?

Also, there is no actual engine damage, it starts up fine and because BMW are strong cars (as we all know) the engine is untouched

Thankyou all very much.

Much Apprieciated

[Miller335]

Just curious, why would you want to own this vehicle after being damaged like that?

I would never look at the car the same way again and would want it out of my garage even if they fixed it perfectly.

[bmwbmw786]

I can not afford to buy a new one, even with the write off pay out. Also this car is very decent, sat nav, 50,000 milage. Its a shame for it to just die. Lolz. I understand your point, but this car is what I want

[Miller335]

Why won't they let you buy it back?

Also, you're going to have to get it to an autobody shop for an estimate, it's just impossible to know what kind of $$$ in repairs by looking at a few thumbnail sized pics.

[e90coast]

10,000$ i suppose

[woggledog]

It'll buff out :-)

seriously though, I'd get it to a body shop for a quote. I'd also consider a change of insurers once this is through. The damage looks to be relatively superficial

If the lights are untouched, you've probably saved a small fortune!

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by Miller335

Why won't they let you buy it back?

I'd like to know that too. Looks like your insurance carrier sucks balls.

[Maestro]

As it was said I would like at getting a new insurance company, but that could be the way the deal with in the UK. I know of situations in the US where an older car with low mileage the insurance company agree to pay up to the value of the car to repair. Labor and painting are going to be the big ticket items, I had bumper damage covered under insurance and they was $1600 and most of that cost was labor and paint.

[El Cheapo Loco]

You won't know if there is any damage on structural or engine components until a bodyshop start taking stuff off. But judging by the pictures, cosmetic repairs can easily exceed US$6000.
I'm sure you can repair it for less. But remember silver is very difficult blend. You pretty much have to paint half of the car.

[bmwbmw786]

Im with Admiral Car Insurance, and when they sent me the notification of Total Car Loss, it stated in the letter, that you can not by the car back, under their guidlines. Which is crap. Never insure with Admiral guys.
Judging by the general consensus, it should take £3000 ish to repair, but I will get proper quote from the insurers.
I just feel done over by the company. I am not gonna let the insurance companies win over the innocent car users.
Do you reckon I can allow them not to take my car, and not pay me, and for me to repair it myself???
Does anyone think that I can ask them to write it off, pay me a small amount, and I will go repair it from a car garage?

Thanks for all your replies so far guys. I aint gna let these insurers do one over on me

[evoix]

idk how true this is but a bmw tech told me that when these cars are in an accident the battery cable somehow breaks circuit and destroys itself to avoid a fire in a collision. He said it costs thousands to repair and rerun that wire but idk if its true or not

[bo1o02]

Since you are not AT-FAULT, I assume the other party will be paying for the Actual Cash Value of your car. I'm not familar with insurance practices in the U.K. but here in the U.S. totaled vehicles such as yours will be sold off at an auction. You have the option of buying back your vehicle after the insurance company gets an approximate value of your totaled vehicle. Then they will deduct the price of the totaled vehicle and write you a check for the difference.

You are now left with a salvaged title for your car and have to repair it and have it pass inspection to receive your car title.

If you are good with your hands and know you can save a bit of money this way, then more power to you. But it's a big freaking headache.

[SgtGoldy]

So heres the deal:

Since your not at fault Fight Fight Fight Fight Fight for the most money you can for the total value. Then take that money and get yourself an upgrade

Seriously I've been there and its really nice to drop 25k+ at a dealership and have an almost paid off car.


Or if you have to have it:

They're gonna total it out, then resale it at a salvage yard. I dont care if they tell you, you cant buy it back. You can, you just have to find out where they auction it at. They will start the bidding at a mere 5-10k. Buy it back with the cash they gave you and throw the rest into fixing it. You'll come out ontop and have money left over. Lots of money left over.

[palitsyn]

Yeah, what is the whole "not at fault" thing?

[bmwbmw786]

Well basically the non fault is because a woman hit me while driving through a crossroad and my lights were green and hers were red. Hence I am not at fault. I do appreciate your answers and I like the project: wallet destroyer. But in the UK they will take the car to the breakers/scrap yard and scrap it. Which is pointless, if you saw the car inside and out, you would be surprised. The insurance company are just trying to get the money out of the common man.

I really hope that they let me keep it, and I can get some money out of them, like at least £1000 for help to pay for damages, and the damage costs no more than £3000. Thats the best case scenario, but i doubt that would happen

Its a sad day when the insurers try to kill a BMW E90 off, when its still got a lot of fight left

[BashShah]

786 and ASA brother.

I rebuilt BMW.
With parts, labour, Paint.
No more than 5.5k Canadian.

But that's me with my connections.

My strongest advice would be to ask the insurance company to pay you out fairly. Meaning what are they willing to pay you, and how fast can you get the equivalent with no accidents.

Has the insurance company offered you an amount for the car, not the repairs.

DN

[ezmaass]

I'd budget $8k - $10k. I'll admit that's just a complete wag, and it's really hard to know if there's frame damage until some takes a good look. I also wouldn't rule out any engine or mechanical damage just because it starts up. Cracked plastic bits, loosened or broke bolts, mounts, etc... I'd have it thoroughly checked.

[Deluxx3]

It doesn't seem like that much damage. Like all I see is the hood, front bumper, left headlight and left fender that needs a replace.
Did the airbags deploy?

[07lilredwagon]

there is always hidden damage..take the fender off, and bumper cover off you will find the radiator support, frame rails, engine accessories, steering components, motor mounts, ect...may very well be tweaked or damaged...You cant see any of this until you take all the body panels off. Even paint and especially seam seal hides further damage.

what looks to be minor, may or may not be.

I would recommend finding a body shop that will be your advocate. You never want an insurance company that is paying your for the damage to be the ones to also pay you for the damage, if you know what I mean. Its a conflict of interest.

The body shop gives you the REAL estimate because they are not biased.

In the states, we have body shops that are "insurance company certified" which means there may be a conflict of interest with the paying insurance company if the body shop "works for them"....

My good friends run an independent body shop. they are not tied in with any insurance company so are advocates for their customers.

I would start there...if you really love the car, fix it....it will never be perfect, but what is?

lastly, I dont think you have gotten the full story on what your rights are. a good body shop will help you with this.....you are entitled to more than you are being told!

JP

[Famous87]

This just cost my insurance company about $9,000

[bmwbmw786]

My airbags didnt deploy.
It does look like its going to cost a lot to repair. I am going to go and get it checked out from a garage, and get a quote. I will find out the offer that the company will give, and keep you guys posted.
Looking at the last message, it makes my damage look severe, so I guess I will have to pay out a lot for a repair :/

[woggledog]

Originally Posted by bmwbmw786

My airbags didnt deploy.
It does look like its going to cost a lot to repair. I am going to go and get it checked out from a garage, and get a quote. I will find out the offer that the company will give, and keep you guys posted.
Looking at the last message, it makes my damage look severe, so I guess I will have to pay out a lot for a repair :/

One thing you could do is stick a tracker in the car if you don't get it repaired, and track the car to the scrappys. Offer the owner what he paid plus 25% (20% for vat and 5% profit) and you will both come out a winner.