Awfulness inside...

[JupiterBMW]

Sitting on the side of the road. Car spun on me getting on highway (wet roads, shitbox rear tires) and I couldn't keep it. On the back spin, drivers rear hit the curb, hopped it. Drivers door and curtain airbags deployed, drivers rear wheel is at about a +35 degree angle. Drivers rear door gaps are tweaked too. Hoping its not a total. Awaiting tow truck for 75 mile ride home. Ugh... So upset with myself.

And yes I'm sober. I am ok too. Just mad/sad.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[kayger12]

Damn. Sorry to hear.

Glad you're okay.

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

[cakM3]

damn Jon!!!! I hope everything will be okay!!! Glad to hear you're not hurt though...

[JupiterBMW]

Tow truck finally here. Just got out and looked again... Yep, I think she's done for.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[cakM3]

Dammit!!! This is something I really don't want to hear....not from your car Jon! Man.....I wish there was something that could be done....you have such an awesome car.....I'm so sorry to hear this....:(

[danewilson77]

:facepalm of sadness.

Glad you weren't injured buddy. I hope you had total loss protection (TLP).

If you did have TLP > The hunt begins!

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[328ioc]

:-( shit. I want to give you time at home and I will call you this afternoon/evening ok bro?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[GMATT]

Jon.....glad you are ok. Cars can be replaced. All the best to you.

Sent from my fancy telephone!

[JupiterBMW]

It sickens me to look at it, but here it is...

6444


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[zhpnsnv]

Oh man I'm sorry.

[toddness]

Oh man, this sux. Glad nobody was hurt.

[328ioc]

Jon, that actually looks better that I was expecting based on your earlier description. I was expecting much more body damage. That looks like mostly suspension.

Hope it can be salvaged.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[BimmerWill]

From the pic that looks salvageable to me...either way im glad you came out unharmed.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Hornung418]

Not what I was expecting. Glad you're okay. Airbags deploying should be the most expensive part of the repairs. The rest looks manageable, but you never truly know until you get down to it. Best of luck with the repairs.

[Ryans323i]

Dang buddy. Sorry to hear. Glad you're ok.

[JupiterBMW]

Heh, you guys obviously can't see the crinkle in the body just behind the rear door....


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[JupiterBMW]

Double post

[JupiterBMW]

Double post.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[JupiterBMW]

Finally back home. This angle should show the body damage better.

6445


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[cakM3]

Jon,

Hopefully the frame is intact and not bent....if so then I would "assume" this can be repaired.....here's to keeping my fingers crossed your car will be repaired back to 100%!!!

[328ioc]

Finally back home. This angle should show the body damage better.

6445


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

Still doesn't look as bad as I personally expected but I do see it now.


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Hornung418]

If the door's not bent and if it can be opened without major struggle, I think it's safe to assume you will drive the car again. Hope everything works out.

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the words guys. I know this probably sounds silly, but I'm actually physically sick over this. Knowing the car is irreplaceable really bugs me.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[328ioc]

Thanks for the words guys. I know this probably sounds silly, but I'm actually physically sick over this. Knowing the car is irreplaceable really bugs me.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

I would feel exactly the same way.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[cakM3]

Jon,

I know how you feel....I would be in the same condition if that happened to either of my cars.....

[danewilson77]

Thanks for the words guys. I know this probably sounds silly, but I'm actually physically sick over this. Knowing the car is irreplaceable really bugs me.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

Took me about a month to physically/mentally recover after my last BMW was totaled. Buying the ZHP though help me recover after that.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[johnrando]

Oh no Jon! My heart sank when I heard this. I really hope it's not totaled. I'd be sick if this happened to my car. Keep us posted.

[static667]

It hurts me to hear this, man. I was depressed for a while after me first E36 was totalled. It doesn't look too terrible, though. It may be savable.

Sent via Tapatalk 2 on my hacked Fascinate.

[cakM3]

Oh no Jon! My heart sank when I heard this. I really hope it's not totaled. I'd be sick if this happened to my car. Keep us posted.

Well you were sick when the power line fell on your car not too long ago.... I remember that. Fortunately for you everything seemed to work out :thumbsup

Hopefully everything will work out for Jon as well...I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him!

[nike001]

This sucks man. Normally I'd be saddened a bit, but yanno.. it happens.

But it's an Alpine White AND NATURAL BROWN interior. I'm almost depressed.

If they total it, be prepared to plea with your insurance company to let you take off stuff you recently added like your exhaust, lights, etc etc. I wonder how much it would be to ship an interior...? :shifty

[M0nk3y]

The wheel isn't something major. It may look like it but trust me, that's an easy fix.

Appears you just bent your wishbone.

However, what speed were you taking the turn? Did you have DSC off?

Yes, bald tires probably had something to do with it but a car going on an on-ramp isn't unstable at all.

[johnrando]

Actually, take that stuff off asap before the insurance company takes a look.

[NorCalZman]

Oh Jon... :-( so sorry to hear see this. I saw how excited you were when you were looking over my car. Ugh this sucks. Hopefully it can be fixed. Don't despair just yet. Couple questions though:

Did the stability control kick in at all??? Did it just happen too quick for it to be able to help or what? I have been wondering just how well our DSC works
And what do you mean bout the tires? You went cheap on them or they still needed to be replaced.

Seeing something like this makes me really want these crappy Kumhos the previous owner put on to wear out (even more than before)so I can put on some proper tires like michelins.

[jack.chris328]

NOOOOOOOO...... Awe man, so sorry to hear about this. I am glad to hear that you are o.k. Heartbreaking to look at. It looks so minor from the pictures. But I know it is more involved. It is fixable but you would need to find the right body shop with a good alignment guy.

[Jon D]

That sucks. Glad your ok. In the end car is replaceable if need be

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks again guys... So, I haven't done a lot of looking, but basically, the whole back corner is caved in a little just like the wheel. You can see the gap for the rear door in the one pic. The door itself is fine, but the frame/body around it is curled in a little, hence the crumple in the wheel arch. I didn't get it on stands yet, but I will do that... The exhaust feels under some strain, so I think its a little bent under there where the muffler hangers mount.

What really kills me is that the two brand new tires have been in my garage for a week, just waiting for the wheels to arrive... Which they do tomorrow...

So more on the incident... To be honest, and I feel like SUCH an idiot for having to admit this, but DSC was off. Background story for everyone... My two good tires (purchased a few months back) are on the rear 135 rims. Well, just for kicks, and knowing that my wheels are on the way and I have the other two new tires, I swapped the 135s, front to back and vice versa... I wanted to see what the 8.5" would look like up front. In addition, I then had the two garbage tires on the back (on there when I bought the car)... So, 225s out back, worn Michelin Pilot Sports.

Anyway, I've been turning off the DSC now and then to step the back out and have a little fun on occasion, mostly when I have lots of wiggle room and obviously no other cars. Nothing high speed, just a little push to get more of a feel for the car...

Well, earlier last night I had turned the DSC off, and I had just left it off, forgotten about it... Was heading home, in the turn lane to get on the highway. Roads were a bit damp, and when I got on the ramp, I accelerated (briskly but by no means WOT) and the car stepped out, insanely fast... I'm thinking some oil or something on the road assisted in the spin... It happened so fast.. I corrected, but the car snapped hard and spun me the other way. I thought I was good as I had it sliding pretty much straight backwards, but when I hit the brakes, the car didn't feel like it slowed at all (more reason for me to think something on the road) and hit the curb... Jumped it, as you can see, folding the wheel under...

Devlin and I have been looking at ZHPs online, not much to choose from, making me even more upset... The recommended body shop (by my neighbor/local BMW dealer sales manager) is closed today, and can't get a freakin claims adjuster on the phone either.

The only thing that has piqued my interest, that Interlagos Blue '06 M3 ZCP is still on Craigslist down here... Geezus though, $34k...

[webster]

ugh. so sorry to hear about this. you drive the car all the way down the whole freakin east coast just fine, and something like this happens. best of luck with either repairs or the replacement....you're gonna have a helluva time finding AW/NB combo again though...ugh

AWs are going down like crazy lately...

[JupiterBMW]

You know what's really freaking ironic? I found this on the local Craigslist... Its a steptronic, but if I had that, then the wife could drive it... Hmm.. If it is totaled, I'll cry a lot, and then probably buy this.

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/ctd/3405342698.html

[NorCalZman]

Both the M3 and that ZHP look cherry. Think you'd be happy with either (more happy with the M3). M3 does command a lot doesn't it. Shows what a sweet spot the ZHP is in price vs performance.

I have ridden in my friends M3 and it is quite a monster of a car. Engine sounds so sweet. I think your car is fixable. The question is will it cost so much that the insurance just wants to write it off.

[johnrando]

Not sure if I missed it, but is the car home? This might be a good time to take off the extras you put on.

[imola red zhp]

Just read this, Sorry to hear about this Jon, glad you alright that's more important. Hopefully she can be fully repaired, especially the Alpine. I ll check out here if any ZHPs out here there was one earlier this week in Sacramento but its gone now....don't worry if she's not repairable we ll fined another for you

[cakM3]

You know what's really freaking ironic? I found this on the local Craigslist... Its a steptronic, but if I had that, then the wife could drive it... Hmm.. If it is totaled, I'll cry a lot, and then probably buy this.

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/ctd/3405342698.html

If you got that I wonder if you could swap out the interior from your old ZHP to this one??? Wouldn't that be nice! Although steptronic....

[jack.chris328]

Not to shabby... If it does end up going the totaled route. You probably know that you can retain the car(and swap interiors) :) But also just know that the price they charge you to buy it back is negotiable. Even better if you have receipts for work do on it that you can show them. Try to take the third offer. Unless you just state what you wanted for it after the first offer and they give it to you. "Give me XX,XXX and I keep the car and we have a deal". That is how it went for me when my truck got hit. Got just dollars short of being able to purchase the same make and model truck again and keep the old one.

[alexandre]

If you got that I wonder if you could swap out the interior from your old ZHP to this one??? Wouldn't that be nice! Although steptronic....

130k miles + step = timebomb

[NorCalZman]

Auto to manual swap???

[JupiterBMW]

Unless you just state what you wanted for it after the first offer and they give it to you. "Give me XX,XXX and I keep the car and we have a deal". That is how it went for me when my truck got hit. Got just dollars short of being able to purchase the same make and model truck again and keep the old one.

Yeah I have to learn more about how this all works. Never been in this situation.

If I did go this route, I would swap the entire powertrain into this new step car because like alex said, thats a lot of miles... I'd also swap the interior. Still doesn't have nav, but that's ok. My head unit is dying anyway.




Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[az3579]

Can anyone say "holy grey batman"? Swapping the interior would take quite a bit of work... the carpet, dash, door panels, seats, and trim (you have black cube, right?) would have to get swapped, unless you like the grey. That's way too much IMO...

[Oli77]

Just on the forum and I read this! Sorry to hear Jon and, as others have said, the most important is that you are OK.

Good luck with your next move.

[BavarianZHP]

Glad you're ok, cars are replaceable. Try not to take it out on yourself for too long. At least you know what happened and how it happened, a valuable lesson to us all. Definitely keep us all posted on any progress and good luck to you sir in finding another ZHP, if it comes to that. I'm sure the community would help you find another car as well... Feel free to put up your desired preferences and we can help search.

[Vas]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Keep us updated.

[danewilson77]

The car just has to be in a rolling condition. I took all of my stuff off of it...including the rims. If it is totaled, they're going to junk it or sell it at auction. I would purchase a set of shitty 5x120 rims and bolt that shit up....and take the rims. I would also figure out a way to salvage that interior.

I know I'm getting ahead of myself...but you gotta start thinking on all possible outcomes.

Additionally, scan in all of the receipts from all money that has been put into the car in the last 6 months. You can have value of the car adjusted with these maintenance type additions. In my case it wasn't enough to save the car, but it put the value higher....which means my payout was better. I now always get TLP when buying a car.

[UdubBadger]

Oh Jon. :(

Glad ur ok buddy.



- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[NorCalZman]

Can anyone say "holy grey batman"? Swapping the interior would take quite a bit of work... the carpet, dash, door panels, seats, and trim (you have black cube, right?) would have to get swapped, unless you like the grey. That's way too much IMO...

For a tan interior to replace a dove grey? I think its worth it. Just takes time and patience. I have done interior work before and I think that is less scary than engine work. heh.

[az3579]

I now always get TLP when buying a car.

What is TLP?


For a tan interior to replace a dove grey? I think its worth it. Just takes time and patience. I have done interior work before and I think that is less scary than engine work. heh.

Not tan, my friend. Natural Brown. Way harder to find, and infinitely better looking IMO. :thumbsup

[328ioc]

What is TLP?



Not tan, my friend. Natural Brown. Way harder to find, and infinitely better looking IMO. :thumbsup

Tpl = total loss protection

Jons leather is near mint as well......

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[wsmeyer]

Damn, glad it was just the car and your ego that were bruised.

I think if you don't want it totaled it would be smart to present them with the price of local comparable cars when the adjuster looks at it so they aren't making the repair / total decision based on a generic 330.

If they total it I would definitely keep it and swap the interior to the replacement. You just need to find one with black interior right?

William.

[danewilson77]

Every car I finance through USAA (QTY 4), they offer TLP when you finance. If the car ends up being totaled, they pay off the loan. It basically protects you from getting stuck with the depreciation if someone kills your car (or if you do).

Other companies may call it something different.

[UdubBadger]

GAP protection is the same/similar no?


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[JupiterBMW]

I paid cash for the car, so title is in hand, that at least is good. In terms of replacement, like I said, I have never done any of this before, so I'm definitely going to look into it all. Please post up any advice. I agree with the one comment, I should bring them some current listings of similar ZHP sedans for comparison.

In terms of this car, if it can be fixed, I'm keeping it. I don't care if they brandish the title. I never plan to sell it and try to recoup my money. I want THIS car... If it is not repairable, then my next goal will be to keep the car, get some money from insurance, and then swap as much as I can into a new car. The local alpine white/grey steptronic car would be ideal, because its white. I can transfer everything else over if I have to. But yes, I want to salvage as much as I can of the interior. My drivers door panel will most likely need to be replaced though, so have to cross that bridge at some point.

I would also try to swap as much of the drivetrain as well. Would actually be kind of cool having a spare drivetrain, would allow me to rebuild/modify stuff while the car stays whole... Hmm...

If in the end the car is not repairable and I have no option to keep it, I will probably pass on the ZHP and get something different. Or maybe I'll just find a clean white sedan and enjoy it for what it is. I don't know...

I'm still holding out faith that the car might be repairable. Later tonight I'm going to try and get it on jackstands and see what she looks like underneath...

[cakM3]

Jon,

It kills me to see this happen after all the work you put into your ZHP.....I hope the damage is repairable...

[NorCalZman]

Take pics!

[JupiterBMW]

Just another thought... If anyone has a Carfax subscription, could you take a look at the car I posted in post #38 and send me the report?? I'd really appreciate it. I think I might take the drive down to see it... I'm half tempted to go look at the ZCP M3 too... Ugh, I don't need that... lol

[NorCalZman]

Look at both. Then you can decide if the M3 is worth the extra 20k over a ZHP ;-)

[328ioc]

If you want me to come look at the ZHP and M3 with you let me know and we can find some time.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Johnmadd]

Sorry to hear Jon. I must say that having lots of spare parts is great, all the glass ,fenders , drivetrain, and all the little trim stuff and various odd parts. Good luck.

[MiniD]

Jupiter,

Check out this second post:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1920682&highlight=zhp

Too bad he can't receive PMs due to lack of post count. Sorry to hear about your car :( .

[NorCalZman]

Jon.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-BMW-M3-2-door-Coupe-/261135507465?redirect=mobile&forcev4exp=true

[330i ZHP]

this really sucks - looks like the rear trailing arm pulled the body in during the impact.

[JupiterBMW]

Mini... Thanks so much for that link man. I replied and will keep an eye on it. I wonder if that's the same car that was for sale in Texas a few months ago. The one in Texas did fit the description... It was my car's twin, but I think it had silver trim. It was in rough shape, had about 115K miles if I remember correctly.

Antone... Hah, no thanks on that. The ONLY way I would go to a coupe would be if it was either an Alpine White or Interlagos Blue Competition Package car... But I'm not even really thinking that I want to spend that kind of money.

[JupiterBMW]

this really sucks - looks like the rear trailing arm pulled the body in during the impact.

Yeah, about to find out, heading out to the garage to put her on jacks right now. If anyone wants to watch via FaceTime, hit me up! :rofl

Facetime at jdinisio@gmail.com

[Nomar06]

Damn...suck to see this happen to such a nice car. Glad your ok and hope things work out for you in the end.

[Johal E32]

Damn, I'm sorry to hear/see about this.

I'm sure your car is fixable, it seems to damaged in some awkward ares, but hopefully our ins. will cover it. IMO, get the BMW dealer to fix it, at least they will use OEM parts and paint.

[Washburn]

Very sorry to hear this :( Alpine white! as an owner of an AW coupe this is especially painful to hear
- hope everything gets sorted out and that your ins. covers it. Keep us posted

[cakM3]

Thanks Jon for the FaceTime chat :thumbsup Like we talked about, hope things will work out for you bro! Still keeping my fingers crossed!

[3ZHPGUY]

Sorry to hear about your bad news Jon and glad you only hurt your pride. My personal paranoia runs high about being in a similar situation on these unforgiving Tennessee back roads. Your cars very clean so the value's high and it may not be totaled. I worked in a body shop for many years in a past life and saw far worse damage repaired. A good body man with a good frame man can do amazing things.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, the car is on jackstands and left rear wheel is off. From what I can see, the rear shock is bent, and the rear camber arm is completey hammered. I can't see if the rear trailing arm is bent or not, but I think the impact caused the twist that translated through the trailing arm to the body, causing the tweak and ripples in the wheel arch.

The SS brake line appears ok, but it got pulled tight and was rubbing the axle boot enough to tear the boot. Not sure if there is damage to the axle or not, but it looks ok.

Oh, lets not forget the 2 inch long chunk missing out of the wheel.

[az3579]

The quarter-panel damage is what would make or break this repair...

[WOLFN8TR]

Dam John I felt sick reading this. Sorry to hear about you're ZHP. Glad you are ok, that is the most important thing. From the looks of your car in the pictures I would say it is repairable. My brother got into a head on collision in his Ford F150 an it was 10 times worse and they fixed it just like new.

Good Luck...

[JupiterBMW]

Agreed... I will hopefully find out all of this sometime this week.

[JupiterBMW]

I would just like to say that reading this whole thread again exemplifies how incredibly awesome this forum and the 'family' is... Thanks so much for all the kind words today guys. It still sucks and my gut turns a little every time I walk out to the garage to see her beat up like this...

I will post more updates as I get them... Oh, and I got a copy of the Carfax for the AW sedan steptronic down here in FL... Have to pursue all avenues until I know which way I'm going... So, thanks for that. :)

I'm crashing out, need to end this crappy day...

[cakM3]

Sleep it off Jon! After seeing your car during our FaceTime chat I could see some of the damage better....like I said, hopefully your car will be repaired back to 100% and since you're keeping this beautiful ZHP....it doesn't matter if your title changes....it will still be an awesome car! :thumbsup I'm sending positive energy your way bud!!!

( keeping just alittle for both my BMWs though ;) )

[Hornung418]

Damn...I had my DSC off experience long ago. Driver side stepped out and I went the whole way around and backed the car between a mailbox and a curb. Incredibly lucky. Take it for what it is and be glad your okay. Catch you on the flip side. And send me a PM when you can.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[zhp43867]

Hi Jon, I don't know you as well as some of the regulars here, but I'd like to offer you some advice based on having a very similar experience. First of all I'm very sorry to see your car in such a state, but I'm glad you're okay!

And this hurts to say... but if it's deemed totaled or even right on the tipping point, let them total it. I was in a similar position as you well... almost two years ago now with my old ZHP. It was right along the lines of damage close enough that it could have been totaled, but I wanted them not too and they didn't. I had it fixed by probably the best body shop in my area. They did a very, very nice job.

But it was a huge hassle- and if you asked me if I'd do the same thing again, I would not.

I edited it so most of the damage pictures are missing. it looks jsut barely tweaked on the outside, but the whole fender support was busted and... ugh...

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?269-I-can-t-tell-you-what-it-really-is.-I-can-only-tell-you-what-it-feels-like...

[BCAN]

Oh, man...I am so sorry to see this. I know exactly how you feel Jon, it's one of the worst feelings possible. It'll brighten up eventually though, one way or another. Everything is an eventuality. From my personal experience, I think it should be able to get fixed if it's safe to do so. I had insurance give me upwards of nineteen grand for my old ZHP, and with the condition of your car you should be able to convince insurance your car is worth just as much, if not more. Once they're convinced of its value, then fixing it should be no problem. I know the feeling, you just WANT your car, your baby. There's nothing like it. Time will tell and, regardless of the outcome, time will also mend these wounds.

[JKO_ZHP]

Aw Jon. Glad to know that you're okay though.
I also almost had an accident just last night. Hydroplaned while in a 360-degree turn on a bridge on the 57 freeway but DSC was on and the front wobbled a little but I was able to correct it.

Your DSC off may have been the big factor....but at least the damage isn't super severe and nobody else was involved.....

Hope everything gets sorted out soon.

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks again for the continued help guys. You've all been awesome... The only update is that I spoke to insurance this morning and the earliest I can get an adjuster out here to look at the car is Friday early morning... Ugh...

I'll get under the car some more and take some more pictures if I can... Will update later... Going to get a Christmas tree with my wife and the baby today. Need a little holiday cheer to rid me of this...

Oh, and I'll post pics of my new wheels today whenever they arrive... Well, pics of them in the boxes at least... :crying

[cakM3]

Can anyone say "holy grey batman"? Swapping the interior would take quite a bit of work... the carpet, dash, door panels, seats, and trim (you have black cube, right?) would have to get swapped, unless you like the grey. That's way too much IMO...

Jon,

It's not really that bad..just takes time to get everything swapped over. Just plan time...would make for an awesome project! :thumbsup

Had a friend take out his entire grey nappa interior, including dash, center console, rear decklid, carpeting...everything from his ///M. He diyed his interior seats to Imola...project ended up looking bauce! Got everything put back together again...

Can be done Jon:thumbsup

[JupiterBMW]

Jon,

It's not really that bad..just takes time to get everything swapped over. Just plan time...would make for an awesome project! :thumbsup

Had a friend take out his entire grey nappa interior, including dash, center console, rear decklid, carpeting...everything from his ///M. He diyed his interior seats to Imola...project ended up looking bauce! Got everything put back together again...

Can be done Jon:thumbsup

Oh trust me, I've already thought of that... I started to think about all of those possibilities. To be honest, I think something like the natural brown would look good, but instead of the brown areas, use the dove grey... So basically, it'd be a two tone black/grey interior...

Lots of ideas..

[jayjay_dee]

Late to this, but glad you are okay, and good luck Jon!!!

[RITmusic2k]

Just saw all this now - Jon, sorry for the heartache and hassle that comes with all this. There's definitely gonna be a light at the end of the tunnel, though. Hang in there!

[az3579]

Oh trust me, I've already thought of that... I started to think about all of those possibilities. To be honest, I think something like the natural brown would look good, but instead of the brown areas, use the dove grey... So basically, it'd be a two tone black/grey interior...

Lots of ideas..

This, along with black carpets and black dash, is THE way to get a grey interior looking classy.
That's the only way I'd rock grey. Black door cards with grey inserts, black carpet, black dash. Win.

[JupiterBMW]

Yeah BP, basically, my natural brown interior, but the brown parts would be grey instead of brown... Would look pretty sick indeed... Would look even better on a TiAg car...

[JupiterBMW]

Ok, damage pics, at least what I could see and get captured in photos...

The forward mounting for the trailing arm. You can see the mount slid quite a bit as shown by the location of the bolts in the slots.
6467

Another shot showing the rubber bushing pushed partly out of the mount.
6465

The inside of the wheel well, where the wheel contacted it. You can also see the brake line bracket pushed inward, and now the brake line under some tension.
6466

The bushing mount on the back side of the differential, completely pushed out of the housing.
6464

The trailing arm pushed into the gas tank.
6468

[JupiterBMW]

The camber arm, totally tweaked...
6469

The resultant gap in the rear seat cushions from the tweak of the body
6473

Headlinder popped out of place when the curtain airbag deployed (hanging there)
6471

Door gaps off, between the two doors is a little wider now, and the one behind the back door is pinched to almost nothing. Have to slam the shit out of the door to get it to latch completely...
6470

The wheel that hit the curb first. Its actually one of the 8" wide fronts, but it was on the back...
6472

[johnrando]

wow

[JupiterBMW]

The rear strut, bent a little bit.
6475

A different angle showing the crumple in the wheel arch
6476

Another crinkle I found in the body, just under the rear door kick plate.
6477

Drivers door airbag deployed...
6474

[Hornung418]

Holy shit...that's a lot of work. Hoping for the best, Jon!

[328ioc]

Damn...I am on my phone so the pics arnt the best but it looks like most of the suspension parts can be replaced with new. So I guess it just comes down the the body really?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[JupiterBMW]

Exactly Devlin... The suspension stuff is easy to replace, but the body damage worries me... We'll see...

[Vas]

If the insurance company does not total it, the car will get put on a frame machine and the body will be pulled back to spec. It looks worse then it is John.

[JupiterBMW]

If the insurance company does not total it, the car will get put on a frame machine and the body will be pulled back to spec. It looks worse then it is John.

Best reply to any thread, evAr... :biggrin

Seriously though, yeah, I'm seeing that too. I'm familiar with frame racks, but I guess I've never seen one which makes it still kind of hard to believe... Ah well, we'll see. Having my new rims has me excited and I'm holding out faith that sometime soon I will get the new wheels mounted...

[billyjack]

Wow, sorry to see that happen. At least you are OK (physically speaking - mentally I'm sure its hard).

[johnrando]

My TR8 got pulled back into spec on a frame machine. That car isn't worth what these are though, it's such a jalopy that while I was concerned, it wasn't a big risk.

[az3579]

If the insurance company does not total it, the car will get put on a frame machine and the body will be pulled back to spec. It looks worse then it is John.


The problem isn't them being able to pull it back to spec, it's that the body isn't as strong now. It's much more susceptible to much greater damage if it gets hit there again. Even if it gets pulled back, I'd be worried about the car's safety at that point.

I'm not expert on this stuff, that's just my personal concern about it. I would think that if the car would ever get into a serious frontal collision, the rear would crumple as well from the forward motion/forces, potentially interfering with the passenger cabin. Anyone think this is possible, or the likelihood of it happening is small?

[JupiterBMW]

BP, you are correct, you can never have 100% original strength... Ugh, we'll see. I'm hoping for a fix, even if it doesn't have the same strength, I will ensure it is a safe repair. We'll see.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[zhp43867]

Well it is a unibody... so generally when repairing "frame damage" (technically there isn't your typical frame at all) there is more replacing than pulling and pushing being done...

[Johnmadd]

As long as at looks good :)

[derbo]

oh no! glad you are okay..hope the fix is quick..

[Sockethead]

Jon, I just came across this, Dude I feel for you... I'd be ready to throw up too if that happened to my ZHP and then I'd be going over the whole incident in my head over and over...
Most of those suspension parts are designed to bend like that in an accident to save the rest of the car. It looks like he body is definitely tweaked but I bet it can be straitened.
Back in the late 80's early 90's We had a T-Bird that a friend was driving and she did the same thing into a curb. The body was so bent that the gearshift wouldn't even work. They straitened it perfectly and the car was fine after that. There is hope!

[JupiterBMW]

Jon, I just came across this, Dude I feel for you... I'd be ready to throw up too if that happened to my ZHP and then I'd be going over the whole incident in my head over and over...
Most of those suspension parts are designed to bend like that in an accident to save the rest of the car. It looks like he body is definitely tweaked but I bet it can be straitened.
Back in the late 80's early 90's We had a T-Bird that a friend was driving and she did the same thing into a curb. The body was so bent that the gearshift wouldn't even work. They straitened it perfectly and the car was fine after that. There is hope!

The T-bird story gives me hope. And hopefully another 20 years in body repair technology will make this one an easier repair... Holding out hope!

[JupiterBMW]

Well, nothing to say related to my car, but the AW sedan steptronic I posted up above is sold. I just called on it and they said they sold it for $9200. Ah well...

Now I'm really praying for repairs!

[RedTRex]

Jon,
IIRC you want another sedan?

There is a coupe for sale near me if you are interested - http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/3452141319.html

Also - ran this http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=32258&endYear=2006&keywordPhrases=ZHP&modelCode1=330I&keywords=+ZHP+&startYear=2003&makeCode1=BMW&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&sellerTypes=b&numRecords=25&searchRadius=500&showcaseOwnerId=1361941&captureSearch=true&Log=0


and this http://www.searchtempest.com/results.php?location=32258&maxDist=750&region_us=1&search_string=ZHP&keytype=phrase&Region=na&cityselect=zip&page=0&category=8&subcat=cta&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max


Rick

[brettbimmer]

Jon, I am really sorry to hear/read this thread! I am really happy that you are alright, and hope that they are able to fix your ZHP, as I know that she is your other baby!

A few thoughts, though Monday morning quarterbacking isn't always helpful:

With the front to rear swap, the factory built-in understeer was probably dialed out a bit (maybe not 100% but certainly more then the traditional staggered or square setup at all four corners), due to the wheels on the front being wider with more contact patch on the road then in the rear, so the rear would break free first, thus causing an oversteer situation.

If you by chance lifted when you felt the rear break traction (a common response when the "pucker-factor" kicks in - ask me how I know! :shifty), the weight transfer would shift back to the front wheels quickly, thus providing even less traction to the rear wheels, allowing it to swing around even quicker.

I have done this on the track at VIR in the ZHP going about 85 MPH through the climbing esses & looking across my instructor's lap at a W124 Benz's rear bumper a few feet out the passenger side of my car. NOT a good feeling, but I had to lift as my closure rate was too great & I was going to hit this guy if I didn't. In lifting, I totally upset the balance of my car and that's when the weight transfer went back to the front, thus prompting the rear end to want to swap ends with the front end. DSC was completely off here incidentally, and I was driving on the Yokohama S. Drives, traditional staggered setup, wider rear.

There may have been oil or coolant on the road which caused you to break the rear traction first, at which point the rear end wants to swap ends with the front end. I have done this myself on a racetrack in an E30, accelerating out of a corner at wide-open-throttle, and next thing I know I am off the track in the snow! (Don't ask - early season HPDE).

DSC may have helped here, but I personally don't feel that it would have prevented this. I'm sure others will defend to the contrary, but that's my two cents.

Anyways, glad that you are ok as that is really the most important! Good luck with the repairs, and let me know if I can help in any way.

[Hermes]

Jon, sorry to hear about this. I just saw this thread and read it through, I don't think your car will be totaled. Yes the damage will cost a lot but I don't think it comes to the point of writing off the car. As for the DSC on/off question, I will emphatically say yes that was the cause (paired with slick roads). I can throw the back end out whenever I feel like it with DSC all the way off, and if you're not used to driving in that setting it can be very easy to lose control when attempting to correct. As for rigidity after repairs, buy the Mason rear brace and subframe reinforcement:

http://www.masonengineering.net/images/E36Floorsupport.jpg

[danewilson77]

Jon, sorry to hear about this. I just saw this thread and read it through, I don't think your car will be totaled. Yes the damage will cost a lot but I don't think it comes to the point of writing off the car. As for the DSC on/off question, I will emphatically say yes that was the cause (paired with slick roads). I can throw the back end out whenever I feel like it with DSC all the way off, and if you're not used to driving in that setting it can be very easy to lose control when attempting to correct. As for rigidity after repairs, buy the Mason rear brace and subframe reinforcement:

http://www.masonengineering.net/images/E36Floorsupport.jpg

Agree. Great idea.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[zhpnsnv]

You had the 255s on the front and the 225s on the rear? If that's true then I think that would definitely explain the car's propensity to spin and even DSC's inability to catch it in time, and I totally agree with Brett's assessment of what might have happened. What do you think?

[JupiterBMW]

I agree with all of you. Yes the tires were swapped, giving me the opposite stagger from stock... I never really thought about the contact patch... I mostly knew the 225 fronts (which were in back) were pretty beat up, so I had no concern with spinning them or stepping the back out on occasion. But, with the extra moisture on the roads, and yes, I did lift when it happened, I'm sure you guys are all spot on with your assessments. Sucks...

I'm also glad to hear that a couple more people with experience do not think it will be totaled. At this point, I'm just patiently waiting for the adjuster to come out and assess. Two days down, two more to go, and then Friday morning he'll be here.

As for that brace, my goodness that thing is pretty. But, I have fold down seats, and I do like to use them occasionally. I will keep that bar in mind though, it looks fantastic and I can only imagine the rigidity it adds.

Patience is a virtue... I'm reminding myself of that... :biggrin

[brettbimmer]

Hmmm...custom bar under rear parcel shelf only, still giving you full use of fold-down rear seats?

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Dinan rear strut brace would def help firm it up, side to side.

[JupiterBMW]

Brett, you might be on to something...

Dane... Yes, I was going to add that to my Dinan wish list, but again, I don't want to interfere with trunk pass through. I don't use it a lot, but I'd like to have the option... Of course, I say all this, but I'm trying to think I folded down the seats and used the full space... Hmm...

[RedTRex]

The Dinan rear bar is quick release ..... it's meant to be installed with fold down seats. Just read about it 2 days ago.

http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D180-0461-Rear-Shock-Tower-Brace-E46-Series.aspx#page=9

[NorCalZman]

I thought I read a few times that strut braces dont actually do much (in a discussion about a front strut tower brace)

[Hermes]

As for that brace, my goodness that thing is pretty. But, I have fold down seats, and I do like to use them occasionally. I will keep that bar in mind though, it looks fantastic and I can only imagine the rigidity it adds.

that is actually 2 separate items that Mason sells in the pic. One is the strut brace and the other (much larger) piece is the subframe reinforcement. The quick release ones that others sell might be better suited for you if you do drop the seats down on a regular basis... but you have a 5-door so that should be the hauler anyways. To be honest it's probably the subframe reinforcement part that you would want in your case but in order to mount it you need to buy the brace (see in the pic how it bolts to the brace?)



I thought I read a few times that strut braces dont actually do much (in a discussion about a front strut tower brace)

^ agree (kinda), but that issue only applies to the front end. On cars with folding rear seats the rear brace makes a huge difference in torsional rigidity

[JupiterBMW]

Antone- I'm not 100% sure on the effectiveness of strut braces on the E46 chassis... From what I've read (others should chime in here), the front strut brace on this chassis is really just beneficial in terms of not mushrooming the strut towers. There will be some added rigidity just by the simple fact that the towers are connected, but noticeably so? Maybe not...

JP- Hmm, I will have to look into that stuff more. I'm definitely not opposed to stiffening the car up, but then again, from what I know, a rear tower brace can also increase the likelihood of oversteer... I don't need any more of that!!

As for hauling abilities, yes, but the X3 has Oyster leather (off white) so any hauling gets done with the ZHP. I should put orange stripes on the car because its at Home Depot waaaaay too often... :rofl

[danewilson77]

that is actually 2 separate items that Mason sells in the pic. One is the strut brace and the other (much larger) piece is the subframe reinforcement. The quick release ones that others sell might be better suited for you if you do drop the seats down on a regular basis... but you have a 5-door so that should be the hauler anyways. To be honest it's probably the subframe reinforcement part that you would want in your case but in order to mount it you need to buy the brace (see in the pic how it bolts to the brace?)




^ agree (kinda), but that issue only applies to the front end. On cars with folding rear seats the rear brace makes a huge difference in torsional rigidity

Yes. I noticed.it right away on my ZHP with ZCW.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Hermes]

As for hauling abilities, yes, but the X3 has Oyster leather (off white) so any hauling gets done with the ZHP. I should put orange stripes on the car because its at Home Depot waaaaay too often... :rofl

sounds like you need to pony up for a beater E34 touring for that duty (Inka or Colorado would be good colors to paint it)

[Sockethead]

As for hauling abilities, yes, but the X3 has Oyster leather (off white) so any hauling gets done with the ZHP. I should put orange stripes on the car because its at Home Depot waaaaay too often... :rofl

Have you looks into the OEM liner for the back of the X3? I know they make one for the e53... we have it and it's turned it into a pickup truck lol.

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/r_powell123/_DSC1787.jpg

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp325/r_powell123/_DSC1789.jpg

[johnrando]

Front strut braces do contribute to rigidity, but it's more likely felt on the track than DD. That, and mushrooming prevention. On a vert, the extra stiffness certainly couldn't hurt chassis flex. Not exactly sure about the rear, but you guys are providing that info, so we're set.

[zhp43867]

Mason makes a subframe reinforcement/strut bar combination that doesn't totally block the fold down as well.

http://www.masonengineering.net/images/E46Rearsubframesupport.jpg

http://www.masonengineering.net/Subpages/E46.htm

[webster]

not AW but here's a Silver Grey/Nat Brown sedan FS here in Houston...looks pretty clean

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3359739087.html

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks Wes... I actually saw that car and I do like it. I've got my eyes on 2 other AW sedans if mine doesn't pull through. One is AW/black leather, step, the other is AW/black leather, 6 spd....

So, we'll see what happens... Insurance Adjuster in the morning...

[NorCalZman]

not AW but here's a Silver Grey/Nat Brown sedan FS here in Houston...looks pretty clean

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3359739087.html

Good lookin car. Just needs some spit n polish. New headlight lenses, clears/RCR, small ding removal, etc. Hope it finds a loving home.

DISA valve replaced at 94k huh. Im at 90.5k. I really need to check mine....

[cakM3]

Jon,

Good luck with the adjuster tomorrow. Be sure to have all your receipts and records handy...

[brettbimmer]

Hope that all goes favorably tomorrow. Save the AW's! :D

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[alexandre]

not AW but here's a Silver Grey/Nat Brown sedan FS here in Houston...looks pretty clean

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/3359739087.html

Wow SG over nat brown. You don't see those often.

[Torxuvin]

Wow SG over nat brown. You don't see those often.

+1 I'm a fan

OP good luck tomorrow! Hope it goes well

[NorCalZman]

The crowd is hushed and the drumroll has started, Jon :-)

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for all the warm wishes guys. I haven't received any phone calls from the adjuster all week, but they did say I was scheduled for a visit tomorrow at 7:30am. So we shall wait and see.

Keep my car in your thoughts, in hoping for a smooth recovery. :wub


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[Johnmadd]

Jon, bring your book of receipts and your maintenance log and act very neurotic about this to maximize your situation. :)

[johnrando]

And please remember what we talked about, it's a negotiation. If you don't agree, you can take them to court, which they don't want, so stay strong and firm, you might not get your starting # but you'll probably get them to come up twice. Also, since they have to pay you tax, they hold that out until the end. Say after all the back and forth, you want $10K but they are at $9.3. Then, they'll say, well, when we add the $400 in taxes, you're getting $9.8, deal? So, you're officially not getting what you want from them, but the # ends up being close.

[JupiterBMW]

Oh yes, I will have the laptop with spreadsheet and my folder of all receipts. I am not letting them take advantage of the car being 'old' or anything like that. Its an extremely rare color combination, and in impeccable shape.

Luckily, the car is in my garage, so providing documentation is very easy and everything will be readily available.

Now I just need the adjuster to show up.

[Vas]

Fingers crossed

[Hornung418]

Any word yet?

From a GS3, this was sent.

[JupiterBMW]

Ok, adjustor just left... Whew...

The guy was a really nice guy, a car guy himself, used to work in his Dad's body shop and has done a lot of car stuff. Was very knowledgeable and sympathetic of the fact that this car was a very rare breed... Of course, I made sure he still understood that it was not special. :shifty

Anyway, he did his assessment. He loved the fact that I had the car a foot off the ground on jack stands, in the garage that resembles a NASA clean room... We actually chatted quite a bit about cars, houses, home renovations, and all that stuff. So that was good...

But, he did his full assessment of the car, and then plugged everything into his laptop. He had diagrams of all the suspension, chassis, and brake parts right there, almost like I was looking at the inventory of a BMW parts counter computer. I was really impressed actually. He also discussed a lot about the process of repairing the car, some of which I knew and some of which I didn't... Very good guy and great experience overall.

His general assessment was that it looked ok. He said that if the airbags hadn't deployed, it would've for sure been a fixer, no sweat. But, even with that, he said he still thinks its ok. He wrote out and printed a copy of the estimate for me. He found a grand total of about $4075 in damages. The cost was pretty evenly split between parts and labor. He did note in the estimate that it would need to go on the rack and get pulled. The whole rear end is skewed ever so slightly, as evident in the rear door gaps (both sides).

So, looks like I'm going to be ok and the car will be repaired no problem. I do see a couple discrepancies, and I mentioned to him. He quoted a new wheel at $189, and mentioned it as a style 32. I told him that they were not, and he said no biggie, he had those being the closest ones he could find. He said it wasn't a big deal, when the car was brought in and checked out, they would plug in the VIN and it would come back with all the correct numbers.

So in result, $4100, car has to get brought to a shop now and set up for repairs. I called the body shop that is used by the local BMW dealer and they are arranging for it to get towed in there today.

I'm nervous that they'll get the car down there and find a ton more money in repairs needed, but as it stands now, the car was at about the 40% range for repair cost/value. Of course, that means they're evaluating the car at a value of about $10,000 which we all know is much lower than it should be. But either way, he said that in the state of Florida, as long as it is below 80%, they will repair the car. If it reaches 80%, then he has to do a full evaluation and we go from there.

Overall, looks like she'll be just fine. Whew... I can breathe again. :)

[JupiterBMW]

Wow... Called the auto body and within 5 minutes, the tow company called and said a truck will be here to pick her up in 45 minutes!

Guess I need to go get her off the jack stands...

:( I'm going to miss my girl!

[johnrando]

Great news Jon! Wow, they are fast. Hmmm, you'll be getting new 135s? I want one rear!

[JupiterBMW]

They are replacing the one rear wheel that is busted up... I doubt any more than that... And it will be a reconditioned wheel, but still, nice to have... :)

[328ioc]

Wooo hooo!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Crickett]

:roundel :thumbup Great news!! I'm sure that if she's going to the shop used by your BMW dealership that they'll take good care of her!

My ZHP needed a bit of straightening after my accident & she came out of it good as new! But keep on top of the shop & demand regular updates!!

Good luck!!


iP5. Tapatalk. Bauce.

[NorCalZman]

awesome news. I am kind of surprised its only 4 grand in damage but hey its going to be like it never happened!

[brettbimmer]

Great news Jon!!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[cakM3]

Jon,

I'm so glad to hear that your baby will be repaired!!! That's great news! I can also breathe now....was hoping for the best...what a way to start out your weekend!!! Congrats bro :thumbsup

[alexandre]

Awesome! :thumbsup

[Jon D]

Good to hear..

[Vas]

Now take pictures of it on the tow truck leaving....

[midlandtech]

Great news I'm happy for ya hope the body shop inspection goes just as well


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

I think it's going to be more than that. Hoping not though.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[wsmeyer]

That is great news. Sounds to me like as long as the shop it's getting towed to is less than $8k you're good to go? Can't imagine the adjusters estimate would be off that much.

William.

[Oli77]

Great news! Happy for you.

[RITmusic2k]

Congrats!! Soon this will all be a faint memory :)

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the replies guys! The car was picked up promptly and on the flatbed without any trouble...

I too believe the repairs will be more than the estimate $4100, but the adjuster seemed very thorough, and he explained why he included everything, so I was content with it. I'm hoping not much more than $5000.

Anyway, just got another call, the tow truck delivered the car a little bit ago, so she's already getting attended to at the shop. I feel good about this, and hopefully I'll have her back and rolling on some SWEET new wheels before Christmas! :biggrin

[NorCalZman]

so what are you using to get around in the meantime? are you and the ms sharing the X3?

[JupiterBMW]

Considering I'm on vacation and she doesn't work, yes, we 'share' the X3... The only place we go separately is the gym (her) and Home Depot (me)... So, we really only need one vehicle anyway...

[johnrando]

When I got an estimate for my car, I assumed it wouldn't be through insurance, so the estimate was around $10K (including a brand new OEM top). Once it ended up going through insurance it was like $4K. They discount the bleep out of it and use non-OEM for the work. You have to ask for OEM and pay the difference.

[Sockethead]

Good to hear about the car Jon. I was guessing closer to 6k. Make sure they use all new OEM parts...that could be 1 reason for the low cost of repair...

Edit: John you beat me to it! But very important point.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for the replies guys! The car was picked up promptly and on the flatbed without any trouble...

I too believe the repairs will be more than the estimate $4100, but the adjuster seemed very thorough, and he explained why he included everything, so I was content with it. I'm hoping not much more than $5000.

Anyway, just got another call, the tow truck delivered the car a little bit ago, so she's already getting attended to at the shop. I feel good about this, and hopefully I'll have her back and rolling on some SWEET new wheels before Christmas! :biggrin

Good news Joopy!

[Hornung418]

Nice! Here's a suggestion. For the OEM subprime bushes, see if you can approach the shop about using AKG 90A bushings. Great upgrade and it solves the subfloor issues resulting from the lip on the OEM bushings.

Hope it goes smoothly.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[imola red zhp]

Hope to that AW running again soon, great news....:D

sent from Dennis' Personal Electronic Device

[JupiterBMW]

Nice! Here's a suggestion. For the OEM subprime bushes, see if you can approach the shop about using AKG 90A bushings. Great upgrade and it solves the subfloor issues resulting from the lip on the OEM bushings.

Hope it goes smoothly.

From a GS3, this was sent.

Do expand on this issue? I'm not exactly sure of what you're talking about... I was curious about ordering/bringing them aftermarket bushings, wasn't sure if they would go for that or not...

[jack.chris328]

Awesome News! There is always a few more little things but nothing that will add up to push the total over the limit. +1 with what Justin said. If you want any mods on it now is the time to get it done.

[Hornung418]

You should search YouTube for e46 subframe repair.

There is a spot weld that is right on the bushing lip and the constant loading and unloading is concentrated on that weld. If you were accident free I wouldn't worry about it, but since your differential came undone I can't say what the condition of the subfloor is, but it wouldn't hurt to upgrade ;)

From a GS3, this was sent.

[NorCalZman]

I was going to say I thought later E46s has stronger metal back there and the subframe issues are not really an issue.

[JupiterBMW]

Hmm, all great info, and I will definitely look into getting this stuff taken care of. Not sure I can really afford to spend some of my own money on the car right now. With the holidays and other stuff, I just need to get the car on the road safely... Going to have to take a break with mods for right now...

But its all good. :)

She's at the tow yard, authorizations are signed, so now I'll just wait for a call regarding the official inspection... We shall see. :)

I did take the obligatory photos of her as she left on the truck though. I hope they're good to her! :biggrin

6525

6524

[Vas]

I know what's wrong with your car. It's all that positive camber it has lulz

[JupiterBMW]

Yeah right?!? :rofl

I had to put the spare on it because I didn't want the flat tire/rim to gouge up the epoxy coating on my garage floor...

[wsmeyer]

I know what's wrong with your car. It's all that positive camber it has lulz

That's what happens when you use a curb to do the adjusting

[cakM3]

Hopefully the official inspection will be the same or close to the one you had today :thumbsup I would love to see your ZHP fully repaired and back in service Jon!!! Keep us posted!

[JupiterBMW]

Will keep posting updates for sure... I'm sure the body shop is open today, but not sure about tomorrow, so we'll see. If I don't hear anything by mid-afternoon on Monday, I'll give them a call for sure. The adjuster actually estimated the total time for repair, and he said 11 days, so we'll see how long it all takes.

[zhp43867]

Good luck man :)

I hope the damage is where it looks to be- and hasn't extended itself further into the subframe area!

[RedTRex]

Sweet! Glad it can be fixed. Been on travel so just saw this.

[JupiterBMW]

Well gents, a little update. I called the body shop today to see what sort of progress has been made. The car was picked up Friday and brought there. On Saturday they got started on it and ordered all the parts and the two airbags as listed in the insurance estimate. Today the car made it to the mechanic's hands and I guess they were starting to get it up on the lift and get a look at it. No word on any additional damages, but they're working, and fairly quickly it seems.

We shall see what the rest of the week brings. :fingerscrossed

[danewilson77]

Awesome news Joopy! Looks like getting her back is a reality.

[Torxuvin]

Sending you good thoughts buddy.

[Whitexi]

Any word whats going on with your car yet, it was a real nice one this is a shame.

[danewilson77]

Any word whats going on with your car yet, it was a real nice one this is a shame.

Huh? See above.

[JupiterBMW]

Well gents, a little update. I called the body shop today to see what sort of progress has been made. The car was picked up Friday and brought there. On Saturday they got started on it and ordered all the parts and the two airbags as listed in the insurance estimate. Today the car made it to the mechanic's hands and I guess they were starting to get it up on the lift and get a look at it. No word on any additional damages, but they're working, and fairly quickly it seems.

We shall see what the rest of the week brings. :fingerscrossed


Any word whats going on with your car yet, it was a real nice one this is a shame.

I'm assuming you're too excited over that sweet black Mini to actually read the posts.... :rofl Just messing with ya! :biggrin

[johnrando]

Good news, keep us posted.

[danewilson77]

I'm assuming you're too excited over that sweet black Mini to actually read the posts.... :rofl Just messing with ya! :biggrin

+1....Good stuff. It's ok....Ry expects it. He's suffering from Mini-neeeeeeeeeeeeeesia....

[cakM3]

Jon,

That's great news! :thumbsup Keeping positive thoughts towards your ZHP brother!!!

[Whitexi]

I'm assuming you're too excited over that sweet black Mini to actually read the posts.... :rofl Just messing with ya! :biggrin

Sorry guys lol, I clicked the thread but it took me to page 4 and I just came back to see and noticed the pictures. Glad shes being fixed.

[BCAN]

That's fantastic to hear man, it seems you got luckier than I did, lol. An AW ZHP is saved!

[zhpnsnv]

Saving this car is like nursing a bald eagle back to bird of prey health after it flew into your sliding glass door.

Mad props.

[mLuMaN83]

Dam man, sorry to hear the news! Glad you are ok as well as the family.

Hoping for the best with the car my Florida brother.

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the continued replies guys. I'm not considering her 'saved' until she's back in my garage where she belongs. So, until then, I'm just being patient and waiting for more updates from the body shop. We shall see how it goes... :)

[az3579]

Saving this car is like nursing a bald eagle back to bird of prey health after it flew into your sliding glass door.

Mad props.

I take it you have experience with nursing bald eagles back to health? :shifty

[RedTRex]

Hey Jon,
I really hope this turn out well. I am absolutely loving mine and yours is just the same but an extra pair of doors. ;)

Where in Palm County are you? My mother-in-law lives in Boynton.

Also - been eyeballing this for a few weeks.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pts/3413269303.html

but it is wayyyyyyyyy down there.......



Thanks for the continued replies guys. I'm not considering her 'saved' until she's back in my garage where she belongs. So, until then, I'm just being patient and waiting for more updates from the body shop. We shall see how it goes... :)

[danewilson77]

Hey Jon,
I really hope this turn out well. I am absolutely loving mine and yours is just the same but an extra pair of doors. ;)

Where in Palm County are you? My mother-in-law lives in Boynton.

Also - been eyeballing this for a few weeks.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pts/3413269303.html

but it is wayyyyyyyyy down there.......

Jon, this fella is just what you were looking for to do your "Design comparison". Some car, same color, but a coupe.

You guys should get together.

[JupiterBMW]

Hey Jon,
I really hope this turn out well. I am absolutely loving mine and yours is just the same but an extra pair of doors. ;)

Where in Palm County are you? My mother-in-law lives in Boynton.

Also - been eyeballing this for a few weeks.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pts/3413269303.html

but it is wayyyyyyyyy down there.......

Yeah man, thanks, I'm very excited to get her back too. And yes, you're right, we have almost the exact same car, except I've got a sedan. We definitely need to get together and do a photo shoot... Would be very cool. :) As for me, I live in Jupiter (hence the screenname).

And yeah, I've seen that Borla before... I've already got the Dinan on my car, otherwise I'd be all over it. That's a killer deal for a full cat-back, and I've seen Borla stuff before, very good quality. You should doooo eeeeeet! :biggrin

[JupiterBMW]

Jon, this fella is just what you were looking for to do your "Design comparison". Some car, same color, but a coupe.

You guys should get together.

You sir, are correct. When my girl gets home to me, I will definitely look to do this! Would make for some really cool shots.

[RedTRex]

Going to Boynton New Years Eve. If still avail I just may jump on it.

Also just did a quick map check and see you are roughly 30 North of Boynton....will be solo on trip down, mayhaps I can catch you for a brief visit.

Rick



Yeah man, thanks, I'm very excited to get her back too. And yes, you're right, we have almost the exact same car, except I've got a sedan. We definitely need to get together and do a photo shoot... Would be very cool. :) As for me, I live in Jupiter (hence the screenname).

And yeah, I've seen that Borla before... I've already got the Dinan on my car, otherwise I'd be all over it. That's a killer deal for a full cat-back, and I've seen Borla stuff before, very good quality. You should doooo eeeeeet! :biggrin

[Jon D]

Depending on timing we could do a SFL meet Maybe in West Palm? I'd drive up even though mine is Imola

[JupiterBMW]

Going to Boynton New Years Eve. If still avail I just may jump on it.

Also just did a quick map check and see you are roughly 30 North of Boynton....will be solo on trip down, mayhaps I can catch you for a brief visit.

Rick

Yeah man, that could definitely work out. We're having a pretty big house party that day so I'm not sure I'll have a ton of time to hang out, but I'm sure at least a little bit to get together and meet up would work...



Depending on timing we could do a SFL meet Maybe in West Palm? I'd drive up even though mine is Imola

And yes, Jon, I haven't seen you for a while! Definitely would be good to get together... We need to discuss this more as the time grows closer!


:thumbsup Hopefully I'll have my car back at that point too...

[cakM3]

status bump :thumbup

[JupiterBMW]

Sorry Charlie, no updates as of yet. I called the body shop twice yesterday and didn't get a call back either time... I even told the lady the second time that the first time she gave him my name and told him to call me, he never did. And of course, it happened again. So frustrating...

[Whitexi]

Sorry Charlie, no updates as of yet. I called the body shop twice yesterday and didn't get a call back either time... I even told the lady the second time that the first time she gave him my name and told him to call me, he never did. And of course, it happened again. So frustrating...

I hate that, I went through this the entire time of my recent incident. I'm glad it's all over with now!

[Vas]

Just go pay them a visit imo.

[danewilson77]

Just go pay them a visit imo.

:mob

#noteperfectuseofemoticon

[az3579]

Just go pay them a visit imo.

I say just let them do their jobs and wait until they call you. I bet they get people calling for statuses all the time. Being in that kind of a position at work, I can tell you that getting called every day for a status when you're busy with other stuff gets old; I would think doing that to them would end up making them ignore you for a while.

If you're the guy that just patiently waits for it, they'll get to your car with a better attitude, thus hopefully resulting in higher quality work.



It's a mental game...

[nike001]

I say just let them do their jobs and wait until they call you. I bet they get people calling for statuses all the time. Being in that kind of a position at work, I can tell you that getting called every day for a status when you're busy with other stuff gets old; I would think doing that to them would end up making them ignore you for a while.

If you're the guy that just patiently waits for it, they'll get to your car with a better attitude, thus hopefully resulting in higher quality work.



It's a mental game...

+1. Being around and making friends with the body shop guys where I work, they definitely get sort of annoyed with persistant people. It'll get done.

Probably not as well if you're bugging them 24/7 though. It's like complaining and giving the people a hard time at a restaurant who are preparing your food..

[danewilson77]

I think the shop should be calling people at the end of the day (everyday), to give the customer updated status. Why make the customer call?

[az3579]

I think the shop should be calling people at the end of the day (everyday), to give the customer updated status. Why make the customer call?

I can't answer for the actual body shop guys, but from a service perspective (in essence my job is a "service" type of thing), here are my thoughts on it and how it pertains to my job. This can most definitely apply to the body shop guys.

The simple answer is, it's not a really good use of time; there's simply too much to do. If I spent the time to give every single one of my "customers" a status at the end of every day, then I'd spent a good couple of hours researching all the issues and making all the calls / sending all the emails. That's a couple of hours better spent on actually getting work done. This is most likely why some people don't get answers immediately or for a day or two after making a call; the people are probably working on the car or doing other work that is occupying their time.

It's kind of like meetings. Meetings are pointless most of the time; it's nothing that a quick email can't handle, yet some are forced into meetings that last an hour or more when instead they could be directing their energy into stuff that matters.

It's not like you are ignoring the work; no way. The work is there and can't be ignored; nobody wants work just stagnating in their queue, so they get it out as quickly as they can to prevent status calls. Of course, getting status calls and always providing them is time that could be spent on getting the issue resolved... see what I mean?

There's always two sides to the coin. There's the customer perspective (when will I get my car back????) and then there's the service agent perspective (need to stop getting distracted and get the work done). This is the service agent perspective.





Must be killing Jon not to have his car... I can relate to that!

[alexandre]

Hey Jon,
I really hope this turn out well. I am absolutely loving mine and yours is just the same but an extra pair of doors. ;)

Where in Palm County are you? My mother-in-law lives in Boynton.

Also - been eyeballing this for a few weeks.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/pts/3413269303.html

but it is wayyyyyyyyy down there.......

Get it! I have one and it's a sweet exhaust :D

[danewilson77]

I can't answer for the actual body shop guys, but from a service perspective (in essence my job is a "service" type of thing), here are my thoughts on it and how it pertains to my job. This can most definitely apply to the body shop guys.

The simple answer is, it's not a really good use of time; there's simply too much to do. If I spent the time to give every single one of my "customers" a status at the end of every day, then I'd spent a good couple of hours researching all the issues and making all the calls / sending all the emails. That's a couple of hours better spent on actually getting work done. This is most likely why some people don't get answers immediately or for a day or two after making a call; the people are probably working on the car or doing other work that is occupying their time.

It's kind of like meetings. Meetings are pointless most of the time; it's nothing that a quick email can't handle, yet some are forced into meetings that last an hour or more when instead they could be directing their energy into stuff that matters.

It's not like you are ignoring the work; no way. The work is there and can't be ignored; nobody wants work just stagnating in their queue, so they get it out as quickly as they can to prevent status calls. Of course, getting status calls and always providing them is time that could be spent on getting the issue resolved... see what I mean?

There's always two sides to the coin. There's the customer perspective (when will I get my car back????) and then there's the service agent perspective (need to stop getting distracted and get the work done). This is the service agent perspective.





Must be killing Jon not to have his car... I can relate to that!

All of that and now I know there's 2 perspectives. Thanks.

Additionally, the customer is calling and never getting a call back (The case with Joopy). I simply can't support that, and imho a tepid balance of "give a shit" would help keep customers.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[BCS_ZHP]

One of my best friends owns a body shop, has run it for over 30 years. He's told me you intentionally don't make friends with the customer cause you're seeing them as a result of an accident and the odds of you seeing them again are slim to none. He said you treat them fairly and professionally, fix their car correctly per industry standards, but you don't get emotionally attached to them or the emotions they're going through with their cars in his shop for repair. With the things outside of his control - parts suppliers, insurance companies, insurance adjusters - you can't get into the practice of making promises you can't keep.

In the late 90's, I hit black ice and spun a 6 month old Suburban into a jersey wall, every body panel was damaged except the 2 rear passenger doors. My buddy's shop did the work. I told him to treat it as his own, he told me to be patient then and leave him alone. It took 6 weeks but the vehicle was completed to my satisfaction. Part of the dilemma was the insurance companies want them to use cheaper non-OEM parts to save costs. The body shop has to accept them, then find a reason to reject them, often multiple times, before the insurance company finally relents and authorizes OEM parts. Definitely a PITA, but a good body shop will go thru this dance for you to get it right.

[JupiterBMW]

Sorry I missed all the replies until just now. I literally did a light gut/renovation of one of our bathrooms. Started it yesterday, knowing that guests were starting to arrive tonight. And I'd like to say, all planned work was completed!

Onto the discussion of the body shops... I totally understand the "leave me alone so I can do my job"... And I also respect that. Let me just lay out a brief timeline so everyone understands. Car goes to the shop on Friday the 7th. They call when car arrives so we can take care of paperwork via email. I call on Monday just to talk and ask a few questions regarding progression of things and what I need to do. Guy helps me out and is very cordial, so I leave it be. He also says that car was processed on Saturday, so progress being made already. At this point I'm happy.

I meant to call again this past Friday and see how thing were going. I forgot. So I called yesterday (Monday) and received no return calls, twice. Then I called again today, was told he was with a customer and put to his voicemail. Was very nice and just told him that (1) I wanted to keep the one busted wheel if possible, and (2) that I was just curious as to an estimated completion date as we only have 1 car at home and family coming into town for the holidays... I asked him to give me a call back, just for a few minutes... No return call.

That all being said, I think I'm justified in my feelings and I do deserve a phone call. The adjustor initially gave me a timeline to completion of 11 days. Today is day 11. Well, it's 1:30am so technically day 12. :biggrin. But anyway, I don't need status updates every time they do something or every day, but a once a week phone call I feel is plenty reasonable.

Although, now I will call daily until I do reach him, and I will explain how I've been more than patient and I only need 5 minutes of phone time, if that.

So we shall see. In other news, our bathroom looks great! :biggrin


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[johnrando]

Hell yeah! It's called customer service. And, congrats on getting the bathroom done.

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks John! If I can locate the home renovation thread I'll post some pics!

[JupiterBMW]

I don't even want to talk about my phone call with the body shop today... :crying

[az3579]

Damn, it's been that long already?

[Torxuvin]

I don't even want to talk about my phone call with the body shop today... :crying

That doesn't sound good...... I feel like we are in a hospital waiting room.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, I won't hold you all in suspense. Not that I was trying to, just didn't feel like posting, still don't... But regardless, I gotta fill in the family..

Talked to the body shop and he explained to me that the 'torque box' which is basically the main structural portion of the unibody is tweaked a little. That being said, typically BMW says that it is a "point of no return". If that is tweaked then typically they say its no longer repairable. So, based on what BMW would recommend to the body shop, that is how they do things. Its not 100% as he is waiting to hear back from the insurance company, but its not looking great either. Typically the insurance goes by the recommendation of the body shop, and the guy was saying that they would call it a total.

Sooo, even though all the bolt on parts are easily replaceable, the fact that this 'torque box' is tweaked a little, the car is deemed a structural loss.

And now I have no car. Depressing to say the least.

All I want for Christmas is my ZHP.

[Hermes]

I was told yesterday that BMW should still have spare E46 unibodies in Germany... just a thought


Seriously, that sucks. I guess we should start looking for a car so you can swap your interior into it.

[johnrando]

Oh man, that's terrible.

[jayjay_dee]

Sucks... I was hoping to read a good news...

Goodluck!

[danewilson77]

Sorry Joopy.

#tears

[GMATT]

Been following this thread.........sorry to hear about the loss of another White ZHP. Good luck in finding a replacement.

Gary

[BRGcoopahS]

What a shame. ZHP sedans looks great in white.

[Vas]

Keep us updated on what the insurance company says.

[kayger12]

Sorry to hear, man. Sux.

[az3579]

Well, I won't hold you all in suspense. Not that I was trying to, just didn't feel like posting, still don't... But regardless, I gotta fill in the family..

Talked to the body shop and he explained to me that the 'torque box' which is basically the main structural portion of the unibody is tweaked a little. That being said, typically BMW says that it is a "point of no return". If that is tweaked then typically they say its no longer repairable. So, based on what BMW would recommend to the body shop, that is how they do things. Its not 100% as he is waiting to hear back from the insurance company, but its not looking great either. Typically the insurance goes by the recommendation of the body shop, and the guy was saying that they would call it a total.

Sooo, even though all the bolt on parts are easily replaceable, the fact that this 'torque box' is tweaked a little, the car is deemed a structural loss.

And now I have no car. Depressing to say the least.

All I want for Christmas is my ZHP.



SHIT.
What's the plan now?

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I spoke to the insurance adjuster and he told me that they were going to send a separate inspector out to take a look and see what happens. So it's not completely 100% for sure yet.

I'm not holding out hope though. At the moment the plan is to be depressed and mope around until I hear final word.


Sent from my hybrid iPhone 4/4S... :shifty

[johnrando]

That is very potentially depressing news. Really hope it doesn't come to that... I know how I'd feel with my car.

[Johal E32]

Damn dude, that sucks..

I am sure it will all get resolved soon!

[BCAN]

Oh, dammit... Our poor AW's :facepalm
Holding out hope, but I'm sorry to hear about the news.

[Avetiso]

I've seen a lot of cars get smashed. I've seen a lot of BMW's get smashed. I've seen so much worse than your damage be repaired just fine; excellent in fact. Sounds really weird to me. If you don't mind owning a salvage, I'd buy it from the insurance and get it fixed somewhere else. OR if you get a good payout, buy another one.

EDIT: quarter panels and rear ends is what I am referring to.

[BCS_ZHP]

Jon,
If the adjuster does the worst, call me, found a replacement (except for interior). Yes, it's zhp, AW, 4 doors, 6 spd, just under 100K but tan/sand vs natural brown, clean Carfax. I drove it last weekend, nothing major amiss.
Bruce

[JupiterBMW]

Bruce, I will definitely do that man. I reeeeeeeally hope it does NOT come to that, but I will keep it in mind. I laid in bed last night and just hoped and prayed for my car. Seriously. :shifty

[johnrando]

Know the feeling.

[danewilson77]

Know the feeling.

+1

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks boys... I'm asking that everyone say a kind word and keep your fingers crossed that my girl gets put back together!

[GMATT]

Jon,
If the adjuster does the worst, call me, found a replacement (except for interior). Yes, it's zhp, AW, 4 doors, 6 spd, just under 100K but tan/sand vs natural brown, clean Carfax. I drove it last weekend, nothing major amiss.
Bruce

Bruce ,all that car is sold.

A very good friend bought it yesterday and is trailering it home now.



Sent from my fancy telephone!

[RedTRex]

Dang....not good news.

[JupiterBMW]

Damn Gary, I wasn't hoping to hear about that. There are a couple others out there, so we'll see.

And as for updates, I spoke to the adjuster again today. He said the special investigator isn't going to make it out to the car until Wednesday. So, no word from my end really. He did say that the body shop estimated an additional $6-8000 in damages, on top of the $4100 the adjuster found when he was at my house. We'll see...

Also, I got a rental car today. I asked for a small car, anything not black... What did I get? a black Nissan Sentra. :facepalm Oh well, its small and will be economical, and it'll hopefully slow the mileage accumulation on the X3.

[Johnmadd]

It ok John. If it were me I'd see what it costs just to buy it back from insurance and spare the salvage title. Either fix diy or if you h have a friend willing too give you a good deal and help do some of the work for lesser price. Another option is to buy it back and make money off of parts or use the parts down the road as needed.

[BCS_ZHP]

Bruce ,all that car is sold.

A very good friend bought it yesterday and is trailering it home now.


Sent from my fancy telephone!
Gary,
Are we talking the same car, small dealer in Northern VA? There's also a private seller in my area with another AW but a bit higher mileage.
Bruce

[Torxuvin]

a black Nissan Sentra.

Ballin'

Lol. Hope you get her back soon...

[JupiterBMW]

Gary,
Are we talking the same car, small dealer in Northern VA? There's also a private seller in my area with another AW but a bit higher mileage.
Bruce

Yeah Bruce, I'm pretty sure he is. I looked at the website you told me earlier today when we talked and I didn't see the car on there at all... Bummer!

[BCS_ZHP]

Jon,
Sorry to hear that Jon. If any color other than AW works for you, just let me know. There's a TIAG ZHP sedan in my area that I haven't had a chance to look at/drive yet, similar price range, lower miles, private seller/enthusiast, records and sounds very nice.

Bruce, aka ZHP hunter

[danewilson77]

Jon,
Sorry to hear that Jon. If any color other than AW works for you, just let me know. There's a TIAG ZHP sedan in my area that I haven't had a chance to look at/drive yet, similar price range, lower miles, private seller/enthusiast, records and sounds very nice.

Bruce, aka ZHP hunter

Dhu eeet.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[BCS_ZHP]

Mr Wilson -- With almost 5 drivers, it's high time you become a 2 (or more) Bimmer family, perpetuate the gene...

whadayathink?