C55 Accident - Depressed
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
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From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Mike,
I'm so sorry, at first I didn't realize that it was you. You've come out to support an event I hosted at Euromotorcars in Bethesda. Has the insurance company made you an offer yet?. I understand that you might not be able to afford another AMG, but their are still allot of CPO Mercedes out there, that you can afford. The C230 is a nice car, that you might want to consider, it's no C32/36/43.
I'm so sorry, at first I didn't realize that it was you. You've come out to support an event I hosted at Euromotorcars in Bethesda. Has the insurance company made you an offer yet?. I understand that you might not be able to afford another AMG, but their are still allot of CPO Mercedes out there, that you can afford. The C230 is a nice car, that you might want to consider, it's no C32/36/43.
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2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
Thanks a lot for the support guys. I haven't settled yet actually nor have I received the repair estimate break down paperwork at this time (only an oral disclosure). My claims adjuster still has to inspect the damage (now that car is torn down) one more time and then either sign off on the $30K estimate (which would total the car) or negotiate it down. Based on my conversation with him (he was hoping for my sake it was totaled due to the length of time it would take to repair), he most likely will total it.
I test drove a few cars this weekend, including; 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, 2006 Chrysler 300 C SRT8, and oddly enough, a 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport (manual 6-speed).
The SRT-8 is an absolute blast to drive and feels much quicker than the 55 did. The Volkswagen was interesting... nice 6 speed manual gearbox though. The SRT-6 is what I am leaning towards right now - shooting for a lower car payment for a few years to offset my increased insurance premiums (still don't know what will happen with the insurance i.e. whether my premiums will double or whether I will be kicked).
I test drove a few cars this weekend, including; 2005 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6, 2006 Chrysler 300 C SRT8, and oddly enough, a 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport (manual 6-speed).
The SRT-8 is an absolute blast to drive and feels much quicker than the 55 did. The Volkswagen was interesting... nice 6 speed manual gearbox though. The SRT-6 is what I am leaning towards right now - shooting for a lower car payment for a few years to offset my increased insurance premiums (still don't know what will happen with the insurance i.e. whether my premiums will double or whether I will be kicked).
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Joined: Jul 2009
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2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
As a follow up to this, the car was definitively totaled today. Went and picked up all of my belongings, pretty depressing to have to leave her there in the shop gutted out and de-plated. The shop owner was pretty sure she would be picked apart piece by piece and sold by parts. The engine did impact the firewall, although no damage was showing in the passenger cabin. For all C55 owners out there be careful, this just goes to show you that because of the design of our cars, there is little forgiveness from the engine when the engine bay is impacted in an accident.
Fortunately, I received a very favorable valuation for the C55 (now at 50,000 miles), about $1500 more than I paid for the car when I bought (originally had 30,000 miles) - considering myself very lucky. Good news for C55 owners, the vehicles are holding their second-hand value (doesn't apply if you bought new - sorry) very well. It also proves to myself that I did get a good deal on the car when I purchased.
Fortunately, I received a very favorable valuation for the C55 (now at 50,000 miles), about $1500 more than I paid for the car when I bought (originally had 30,000 miles) - considering myself very lucky. Good news for C55 owners, the vehicles are holding their second-hand value (doesn't apply if you bought new - sorry) very well. It also proves to myself that I did get a good deal on the car when I purchased.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,375
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From: Seattle, WA
C55
just a rough estimate, it looks like at least $6000 worth of damage. The airbag is super expensive. that's why most accidents when the air bag goes off, the car is totaled.
new front end or fix front end
hood
bumper, grills
radiator
head lights
airbag
+ possible realign both fenders
+ possible engine damage (unlikely)
+ paint + labor.
I'm not a adjustor but my estimate is from my past experience with repairs. unfortunately It's pretty significant damage. sorry about the accident and good luck dealing with insurance.
new front end or fix front end
hood
bumper, grills
radiator
head lights
airbag
+ possible realign both fenders
+ possible engine damage (unlikely)
+ paint + labor.
I'm not a adjustor but my estimate is from my past experience with repairs. unfortunately It's pretty significant damage. sorry about the accident and good luck dealing with insurance.
MAKE SURE THEY GIVE YOU AN OE RADIATOR INSTEAD OF AN AFTERMARKET!!!!!!
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 86
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From: Cape Coral - FL
'09 SL65 AMG
As a follow up to this, the car was definitively totaled today. Went and picked up all of my belongings, pretty depressing to have to leave her there in the shop gutted out and de-plated. The shop owner was pretty sure she would be picked apart piece by piece and sold by parts. The engine did impact the firewall, although no damage was showing in the passenger cabin. For all C55 owners out there be careful, this just goes to show you that because of the design of our cars, there is little forgiveness from the engine when the engine bay is impacted in an accident.
Fortunately, I received a very favorable valuation for the C55 (now at 50,000 miles), about $1500 more than I paid for the car when I bought (originally had 30,000 miles) - considering myself very lucky. Good news for C55 owners, the vehicles are holding their second-hand value (doesn't apply if you bought new - sorry) very well. It also proves to myself that I did get a good deal on the car when I purchased.
Fortunately, I received a very favorable valuation for the C55 (now at 50,000 miles), about $1500 more than I paid for the car when I bought (originally had 30,000 miles) - considering myself very lucky. Good news for C55 owners, the vehicles are holding their second-hand value (doesn't apply if you bought new - sorry) very well. It also proves to myself that I did get a good deal on the car when I purchased.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
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2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
I am probably going to purchase a used SRT-6 and drive that for a few years. I loved my C55 but I also loved my Limited Crossfire (which has the 3.2L Mercedes engine and SLK320 mechanical components). Unfortunately the ride and engine of the SRT-6 is no where near as refined as the C55, but it will be a fun little car that I can get for cheap now and drive for a couple of years without many problems.
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 86
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From: Cape Coral - FL
'09 SL65 AMG
Unfortunately, that is not how it works. The shop doesn't own the C55, Geico (my auto insurance company) purchases the car from me and hauls it off to wherever Geico takes salvage cars to part it out. I have no idea where that might be and they probably wouldn't tell me if I asked.
I am probably going to purchase a used SRT-6 and drive that for a few years. I loved my C55 but I also loved my Limited Crossfire (which has the 3.2L Mercedes engine and SLK320 mechanical components). Unfortunately the ride and engine of the SRT-6 is no where near as refined as the C55, but it will be a fun little car that I can get for cheap now and drive for a couple of years without many problems.
I am probably going to purchase a used SRT-6 and drive that for a few years. I loved my C55 but I also loved my Limited Crossfire (which has the 3.2L Mercedes engine and SLK320 mechanical components). Unfortunately the ride and engine of the SRT-6 is no where near as refined as the C55, but it will be a fun little car that I can get for cheap now and drive for a couple of years without many problems.
Funny, my friend called me this morning and was talking about buying an SRT-6. Good luck with the new purchase. Sorry that you lost the C55
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Mercedes Benz S-Class
My condolences buddy. It’s unfortunate that you couldn’t enjoy this car for at least a few more years, but on the upside, this means a fresh start and a new ride. Good call on not buying it back, that’s a bad idea for a variety of reasons. Make sure your provider gives you a fair price for it. Good car insurance companies don’t lowball you-The Hartford was very fair to me when my car was totaled- but we’ve all heard about people getting gypped in these situations. All the best.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 692
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From: Murfreesboro, TN
SRT-6
Glad everything worked out for you!
We'll be glad to have you back on the Crossfire team
My wife is looking at a C-class... tried to get her to consider the '32 or the '55, but she wants a '07 C230...
We'll be glad to have you back on the Crossfire team
My wife is looking at a C-class... tried to get her to consider the '32 or the '55, but she wants a '07 C230...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
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2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
Kreuzfeuer - if the car is for your wife I think the 07 C230 is a superior choice to the C55... for her not you of course! My girlfriend is very fond of the C230 - 2007 model only due to the better styled (IMHO) rims Mercedes sent out with that model.
FYI to those interested - I am selling the OEM Bluetooth puck for the 05-09 Mercedes in the classifieds section- $125 shipped: https://mbworld.org/forums/mobile-el...ml#post4842015
Will probably be selling aftermarket black AMG floor mats and potentially rubber OEM winter mats as well soon.
Still pondering over whether or not to sell my winter tires (already have one initial taker from the forum before pricing) that fit both the C55 and C63 - Dunlop Wintersport SDs with only two winter seasons of wear and about 7000 miles on them. Will update if I do decide to sell.
