rear ended today...
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: San Diego, CA
rear ended today...
got rear ended by an uninsured motorist today.
Besides the rear bumper that needs to be replaced, it looks like my exhaust is tweeked since they are no longer aligned properly. The imprint of all 4 pips were on her bumper...
So, I may go with an aftermarket exhaust? Any suggestions? Really need one that isn't any louder during cruise... My wife would kill me since I promised not to change the exhaust in this car like I did in our other 2 cars.
pics coming soon...
damage quote: $4334.10 to replace bumper and exhaust muffler
about 2K of the quote is for the exhaust replacement. Hopefully, the downpipe and cat portion doesn't need to be replaced because this is only for the muffler section.
Besides the rear bumper that needs to be replaced, it looks like my exhaust is tweeked since they are no longer aligned properly. The imprint of all 4 pips were on her bumper...
So, I may go with an aftermarket exhaust? Any suggestions? Really need one that isn't any louder during cruise... My wife would kill me since I promised not to change the exhaust in this car like I did in our other 2 cars.
pics coming soon...
damage quote: $4334.10 to replace bumper and exhaust muffler
about 2K of the quote is for the exhaust replacement. Hopefully, the downpipe and cat portion doesn't need to be replaced because this is only for the muffler section.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: NYC
BLACK 05 C230SS
Originally Posted by jywang
got rear ended by an uninsured motorist today.
Besides the rear bumper that needs to be replaced, it looks like my exhaust is tweeked since they are no longer aligned properly. The imprint of all 4 pips were on her bumper...
So, I may go with an aftermarket exhaust? Any suggestions? Really need one that isn't any louder during cruise... My wife would kill me since I promised not to change the exhaust in this car like I did in our other 2 cars.
pics coming soon...
damage quote: $4334.10 to replace bumper and exhaust muffler
about 2K of the quote is for the exhaust replacement. Hopefully, the downpipe and cat portion doesn't need to be replaced because this is only for the muffler section.
Besides the rear bumper that needs to be replaced, it looks like my exhaust is tweeked since they are no longer aligned properly. The imprint of all 4 pips were on her bumper...
So, I may go with an aftermarket exhaust? Any suggestions? Really need one that isn't any louder during cruise... My wife would kill me since I promised not to change the exhaust in this car like I did in our other 2 cars.
pics coming soon...
damage quote: $4334.10 to replace bumper and exhaust muffler
about 2K of the quote is for the exhaust replacement. Hopefully, the downpipe and cat portion doesn't need to be replaced because this is only for the muffler section.
I'm surprised the trunk didn't get messed up from the impact. I'm not a C55 owner but my opinion is to get a new OEM exhaust because the other ones don't sound that good. Maybe Brabus exhaust but its expensive.
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From: San Diego, CA
I don't think the other person can afford at $4K+ bill so more than likely I'm going to be out $1K for my deductible which I'll have to sue in small claims. The insurance may go after the uninsured motorist to recover for me but I can't be sure of that.
The estimate was provided by Amatos an authorized MB repair shop. Unfortunately, the best they can do is to order the exhaust and if it doesn't line up, then to keep ordering parts up the exhaust chain.
There was no damage to the trunk and only major abrasions to the rear bumper. They are going to replace the reinforcement bar behind the bumper cover just in case.
Thanks for the advice in the exhaust. I couldn't get a price for Kleemann or Eisenmann so I probably will end up going with just an OEM replacement.
The estimate was provided by Amatos an authorized MB repair shop. Unfortunately, the best they can do is to order the exhaust and if it doesn't line up, then to keep ordering parts up the exhaust chain.
There was no damage to the trunk and only major abrasions to the rear bumper. They are going to replace the reinforcement bar behind the bumper cover just in case.
Thanks for the advice in the exhaust. I couldn't get a price for Kleemann or Eisenmann so I probably will end up going with just an OEM replacement.
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From: chicagoland
08 E63
sorry to hear about your accident. i got rear-ended in my X5 about 2 months ago and the driver didn't have insurance or even driver's license. 
luckily, i had insurance and they paid to repair my car, almost $9000. my deductible was only $250 so i didn't even bother going to small claims court to get my money back.
luckily, i had insurance and they paid to repair my car, almost $9000. my deductible was only $250 so i didn't even bother going to small claims court to get my money back.
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From: CA
Mercedes
Originally Posted by jywang
I don't think the other person can afford at $4K+ bill so more than likely I'm going to be out $1K for my deductible which I'll have to sue in small claims. The insurance may go after the uninsured motorist to recover for me but I can't be sure of that.
The estimate was provided by Amatos an authorized MB repair shop. Unfortunately, the best they can do is to order the exhaust and if it doesn't line up, then to keep ordering parts up the exhaust chain.
There was no damage to the trunk and only major abrasions to the rear bumper. They are going to replace the reinforcement bar behind the bumper cover just in case.
Thanks for the advice in the exhaust. I couldn't get a price for Kleemann or Eisenmann so I probably will end up going with just an OEM replacement.
The estimate was provided by Amatos an authorized MB repair shop. Unfortunately, the best they can do is to order the exhaust and if it doesn't line up, then to keep ordering parts up the exhaust chain.
There was no damage to the trunk and only major abrasions to the rear bumper. They are going to replace the reinforcement bar behind the bumper cover just in case.
Thanks for the advice in the exhaust. I couldn't get a price for Kleemann or Eisenmann so I probably will end up going with just an OEM replacement.
Btw, where is Amatos? Is it a place in SD?
If you can or have some pics, could u pls post them?
Thanks and good luck. Hope everything turns out
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From: San Diego, CA
She's avoiding me. Her cell phone is off. The person who answered the home phone said I had the wrong number and then promptly stopped answering 5 minutes later.
I have her driver's license number, date of birth, and work location. What should I do. Is it beating a dead horse to try to contact her?
I'm going to file a police report on Monday and get Geico's quote.
I have her driver's license number, date of birth, and work location. What should I do. Is it beating a dead horse to try to contact her?
I'm going to file a police report on Monday and get Geico's quote.
Originally Posted by Vomit
Hopefully he at least bought you dinner.
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by jywang
about 2K of the quote is for the exhaust replacement. Hopefully, the downpipe and cat portion doesn't need to be replaced because this is only for the muffler section.
I once rolled over my front end on a pavement and slightly bended the portion of exhaust near the engine connecting to the cat. The cat is part of this portion and is $2500 each! ( My dealer advised I do not need to replace it as the bend is insignificant to performnancec). As based on you sounded, I would not think you need to change the portion up to the CAT but may be everything else is needed to be changed.
We have the worst insurance policy here locally(HK) and once we claimed, the premium discount is reduced to zero (and our premium without discount is a huge bill because high cost of our cars and our absolutely rubbish inurance policy by law) So we will always go to the small court claims as it will be supported by the police sueing the responsible party. In our case, it takes 18 months to get the money back.
I would use the OEM original AMG exhaust as AMG tuning is perfect already. Any other brands , I am not sure if other tuners kits will be permitted by the insurance company.
Good luck.
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Man that really sucks, that's always my biggest fear, that some jackass who's not paying attention to road (probably on the cell) is going to run into to me.
However, the main thing is that your not hurt, a car can always be replaced. Anyways, hope that there able to repair it well.
However, the main thing is that your not hurt, a car can always be replaced. Anyways, hope that there able to repair it well.
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From: San Diego, CA
$4400 estimate to replace bumper and rear section of left and right exhaust. I'm going to examine the rest of the exhaust system tomorrow to determine if the damage extends beyond the rear section. As you can see the exhaust tips are practically resting on the bottom of the bumper now.
Shows the bumped damage:
Shows the exhaust damage due to impact:
One more view of the bumper.
Shows the bumped damage:
Shows the exhaust damage due to impact:
One more view of the bumper.
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From: San Diego, CA
Yeah. Too bad I have a 1,000 deductible even with uninsured motorist. At least the damage isn't structural or mechanicam. I hope "cntlaw" is right about the exhaust damage being limited to the rear section. It probably is since the right side is pushed in more than the left. This leads me to believe that the bend is in the rear section otherwise both would be pushed in equally.
The autobody offered to substitute an aftermarket exhaust if I wanted. I'll look into it but I think everyone is right about sticking with the OEM. No reason to change since the C55 already has a nice tone and volume.
sdsilverm3: we should get together and try to do the qualcomm racelegal together sometime. I should be getting Falken Azenis tires soon which is probably decent for a drag launch. I'll probably still go to Qualcomm this sunday for autox to try to continue dominating F Stock!!!
I do believe the driver was on the cell phone. Her excuse was that she was trying to change lanes and the other driver didn't let her in. I don't think she hit her brakes until the last second so she really just wasn't paying attention...
The autobody offered to substitute an aftermarket exhaust if I wanted. I'll look into it but I think everyone is right about sticking with the OEM. No reason to change since the C55 already has a nice tone and volume.
sdsilverm3: we should get together and try to do the qualcomm racelegal together sometime. I should be getting Falken Azenis tires soon which is probably decent for a drag launch. I'll probably still go to Qualcomm this sunday for autox to try to continue dominating F Stock!!!
I do believe the driver was on the cell phone. Her excuse was that she was trying to change lanes and the other driver didn't let her in. I don't think she hit her brakes until the last second so she really just wasn't paying attention...
Originally Posted by sdsilverm3
Just let your insurance take care of everything. They'll pay to fix your car then they'll probably try and recoup the money from the other party involved.
Last edited by jywang; Apr 1, 2006 at 03:15 AM.
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..
I'm glad that the damage looks to be cosmetic and nothing structural. I don't know if it's worth it to you but you could explore suing them in small claims for the deductible.
Does anyone know if Eisenmann makes a quad tip exhaust for the C55?
I'm down to go again. I'll see if I can get a hold of some drag radials or something with better traction.
Does anyone know if Eisenmann makes a quad tip exhaust for the C55?
I'm down to go again. I'll see if I can get a hold of some drag radials or something with better traction.
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From: San Diego, CA
I may file small claims but I don't think she can afford it so I may just drop it. I rear ended someone once in my Audi S4 so this may be just karma...
I've basically got 2K+ to go for any exhaust as long as it isn't loud why cruising on highway. I'll get the stock exhaust back from bodyshop and maybe try to straighten it out and keep as backup...
John
I've basically got 2K+ to go for any exhaust as long as it isn't loud why cruising on highway. I'll get the stock exhaust back from bodyshop and maybe try to straighten it out and keep as backup...
John
Originally Posted by sdsilverm3
I'm glad that the damage looks to be cosmetic and nothing structural. I don't know if it's worth it to you but you could explore suing them in small claims for the deductible.
Does anyone know if Eisenmann makes a quad tip exhaust for the C55?
I'm down to go again. I'll see if I can get a hold of some drag radials or something with better traction.
Does anyone know if Eisenmann makes a quad tip exhaust for the C55?
I'm down to go again. I'll see if I can get a hold of some drag radials or something with better traction.
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Sorry to hear about the accident, glad everyone was unhurt. Personally, I'd stick with the OEM quad tips. I think they look better than the rectangular Kleeman's. Like sdsilverm3 said, I'm not sure what Eisenmann has to offer, though.....
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
Originally Posted by jywang
I may file small claims but I don't think she can afford it so I may just drop it. I rear ended someone once in my Audi S4 so this may be just karma...
I've basically got 2K+ to go for any exhaust as long as it isn't loud why cruising on highway. I'll get the stock exhaust back from bodyshop and maybe try to straighten it out and keep as backup...
John
I've basically got 2K+ to go for any exhaust as long as it isn't loud why cruising on highway. I'll get the stock exhaust back from bodyshop and maybe try to straighten it out and keep as backup...
John
You don't have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy?? FYI (for anyone who is reading this), UM coverage is absolutely required, especially in So. Cal. where we have many people driving around with no insurance, usually because they can't afford it, or because they come from a society (Mexico, usually) where car insurance is considered to be an afterthought. Not only should you have UM, but you should have the highest policy limit that your carrier will give you.
I can't tell you how many times injured people have come into my office wanting to sue the drunk who ran into them and caused them to incur $100K, $200K, even $500K in medical bills, only to have me investigate and find out that the borracho (1) did not have car insurance, (2) lives in a shiiithole apt. in Logan Heights, (3) is driving an '82 Camaro worth a grand, and (4) has no bank accounts or even an apparent source of income. The net result of such a scenario is that my client loses his house or files bankruptcy to get rid of the medical bills and my client receives zero compensation for his/her (often permanent) injuries.
I'm tired of telling people who will never walk again that, even though the other guy was clearly at fault, they will receive nothing, and will instead need to either mortgage the house to pay the medical bill or file bankruptcy. Please get UM on your policy!!!
I know that the damage to the car "hurts," but be glad that the situation was not uglier.
BTW, if you file in small claims, maybe I'll be your judge
(I'm one of the small claims judges in Chula Vista and Kearney Mesa).
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From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
Sorry to hear this! Got a buddy that's a lawyer? He can get her mailing address from the DL # and can send letter stating that is she does not come forth, he will have to file suit. Maybe it will scare her in to doing something.
I got hit head on by a 19 yr old in Dec. and he was only carrying liabilty on his POS Toyoto. His carrier claimed it was not his fault even though the police report clearly showed that it was. They only offerd to pay half of the $10k bill, so I went through my carrier and hopefully they will fight and get my deductable back. Part that sucks is that it's now on my poilcy record and could affect future rates!
I got hit head on by a 19 yr old in Dec. and he was only carrying liabilty on his POS Toyoto. His carrier claimed it was not his fault even though the police report clearly showed that it was. They only offerd to pay half of the $10k bill, so I went through my carrier and hopefully they will fight and get my deductable back. Part that sucks is that it's now on my poilcy record and could affect future rates!
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From: San Diego, CA
Actually, I have 300K/500K coverage with Geico on uninsured motorist but it is for bodily injury only. It was explained to me by Geico that I have underinsured/uninsured coverage only on bodily injury and that my regular deductible applies to uninsured property. There is an option from Geico for $3500 uninsured motorist property damage but then you can't get collision coverage. So, my collision coverage with 1K deductible is the higher coverage.
I completely agree with insurance coverage. I have it maxed out with Geico and they simply don't have no-deductible coverage for uninsured property damage. No big deal, 1K is still cheaper in the long run for me than reducing my deductible. In my 18 years of driving, this is only me 2nd claim.
John
I completely agree with insurance coverage. I have it maxed out with Geico and they simply don't have no-deductible coverage for uninsured property damage. No big deal, 1K is still cheaper in the long run for me than reducing my deductible. In my 18 years of driving, this is only me 2nd claim.
John
Originally Posted by Vomit
You don't have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy?? FYI (for anyone who is reading this), UM coverage is absolutely required, especially in So. Cal. where we have many people driving around with no insurance, usually because they can't afford it, or because they come from a society (Mexico, usually) where car insurance is considered to be an afterthought. Not only should you have UM, but you should have the highest policy limit that your carrier will give you.
I can't tell you how many times injured people have come into my office wanting to sue the drunk who ran into them and caused them to incur $100K, $200K, even $500K in medical bills, only to have me investigate and find out that the borracho (1) did not have car insurance, (2) lives in a shiiithole apt. in Logan Heights, (3) is driving an '82 Camaro worth a grand, and (4) has no bank accounts or even an apparent source of income. The net result of such a scenario is that my client loses his house or files bankruptcy to get rid of the medical bills and my client receives zero compensation for his/her (often permanent) injuries.
I'm tired of telling people who will never walk again that, even though the other guy was clearly at fault, they will receive nothing, and will instead need to either mortgage the house to pay the medical bill or file bankruptcy. Please get UM on your policy!!!
I know that the damage to the car "hurts," but be glad that the situation was not uglier.
BTW, if you file in small claims, maybe I'll be your judge (I'm one of the small claims judges in Chula Vista and Kearney Mesa).
I can't tell you how many times injured people have come into my office wanting to sue the drunk who ran into them and caused them to incur $100K, $200K, even $500K in medical bills, only to have me investigate and find out that the borracho (1) did not have car insurance, (2) lives in a shiiithole apt. in Logan Heights, (3) is driving an '82 Camaro worth a grand, and (4) has no bank accounts or even an apparent source of income. The net result of such a scenario is that my client loses his house or files bankruptcy to get rid of the medical bills and my client receives zero compensation for his/her (often permanent) injuries.
I'm tired of telling people who will never walk again that, even though the other guy was clearly at fault, they will receive nothing, and will instead need to either mortgage the house to pay the medical bill or file bankruptcy. Please get UM on your policy!!!
I know that the damage to the car "hurts," but be glad that the situation was not uglier.
BTW, if you file in small claims, maybe I'll be your judge
(I'm one of the small claims judges in Chula Vista and Kearney Mesa).
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 137
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From: San Diego, CA
sdsilverm3 or any other San Diego C55 owner, is there any chance I can look under your car tomorrow to compare the positioning of the hanger for the resonator portion of your exhaust. I need to determine if I need to request the adjuster (appt on Monday morning) replace the mid-section or further up on the exhaust system.
In looking under the car this morning, I noticed that the exhaust is not sitting on any of the hangers properly and the hanger at the mid-section is definitely not vertical. A quick look under your car can help me verify this. thx.
Here are some pictures I took by positioning the digital camera behind the rear left wheel. It is difficult to see without sticking your head under the car but if you look through the spokes of the rear left wheel, you can see the hanger and be able to tell if it is vertical or at an angle like mine.
In looking under the car this morning, I noticed that the exhaust is not sitting on any of the hangers properly and the hanger at the mid-section is definitely not vertical. A quick look under your car can help me verify this. thx.
Here are some pictures I took by positioning the digital camera behind the rear left wheel. It is difficult to see without sticking your head under the car but if you look through the spokes of the rear left wheel, you can see the hanger and be able to tell if it is vertical or at an angle like mine.
Last edited by jywang; Apr 2, 2006 at 01:05 AM.
