C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

Chassis damage

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 20, 2019 | 08:09 AM
  #1  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Chassis damage

I'm furious

Monday when popping by the supermarket, I decided to park my Queen in a parking slot away from other vehicles, so as to avoid possible damage to the bodywork with shopping carts, vehicle doors, etc. Never did I think that when turning into the space, a pavement tile would pop up, hit and bend in the chassis behind the front left wheel That's also what can happen when you run a lowered vehicle

Going to the body shop tomorrow to show the damage and learn how much my wallet will be emptied. I'll also write to the supermarket chain who are the owners of the parking to see if I can claim something for a damage which was not my direct fault.

For those who are wondering what happened to the tile, no damage to the tile which hit the underside of the chassis






Last edited by DRBC43AMG; Mar 20, 2019 at 08:14 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2019 | 03:35 PM
  #2  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
WOW!!!!

I'm sorry to hear this The extent of damage is truly unbelievable. They will have to cut that section out and box in a new piece. This would total your vehicle in the US if you tried to use insurance.

Just so you don't feel alone, my E63 is down and out right now. Something has happened with the engine internals and I cringe to think what it is going to cost me to repair it. I know I am looking at $5k+ to remove and disassemble the motor alone. Then comes the repair cost and reinstallation. The best part is this has happened about 3 weeks before I move back home 1/2 way across the country. I would venture to rebuild it in my garage but I have child being born in 40 days and I start a new job in a couple weeks. I guess the saying is true: you have to pay to play.

Timing is poor to say the least...
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2019 | 05:01 PM
  #3  
PJmak's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 421
05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Man hammer that out from the inside if you can access it. or even drill it and pull it out.
Reply
Old Mar 20, 2019 | 07:07 PM
  #4  
importfan21's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 498
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
Originally Posted by 503C43 ////AMG
WOW!!!!

I'm sorry to hear this The extent of damage is truly unbelievable. They will have to cut that section out and box in a new piece. This would total your vehicle in the US if you tried to use insurance.

Just so you don't feel alone, my E63 is down and out right now. Something has happened with the engine internals and I cringe to think what it is going to cost me to repair it. I know I am looking at $5k+ to remove and disassemble the motor alone. Then comes the repair cost and reinstallation. The best part is this has happened about 3 weeks before I move back home 1/2 way across the country. I would venture to rebuild it in my garage but I have child being born in 40 days and I start a new job in a couple weeks. I guess the saying is true: you have to pay to play.

Timing is poor to say the least...
Agreed. Going to be a costly repair.

Regarding your E63, probably the head bolt issue (known major problem for M156s before 2011).
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2019 | 10:41 AM
  #5  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Update following my visit this afternoon to my trusty bodyshop. The damage can be repaired, even if the steel down there is certainly thicker than the rest of the bodywork. The damaged part will be cut out, straightened and welded back in. The work needs some prior preparation, by removing all the interior trim, insulation and carpeting to avoid a fire hazard. She'll be going in next week for the "medical treatment".
Now I just need to get the commercial center to get moving with his insurance as this incident and damage was certainly not my fault. I just can't imagine if a biker tipped, fell and injured himself. That wouldn't be his fault and certainly can be seen as the owners negligence for not getting the pavement repaired before and when needed.
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2019 | 11:33 AM
  #6  
PJmak's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 421
05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
That material is not that hard. You can bend it up by putting a floor jack on it.

It would look closer to factory if hammered out carefully. Welding will show.

Just my $.02
Reply
Old Mar 21, 2019 | 11:49 AM
  #7  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Originally Posted by PJmak
That material is not that hard. You can bend it up by putting a floor jack on it.

It would look closer to factory if hammered out carefully. Welding will show.

Just my $.02
Well I feel the same, but I'll let the pro sheet metal worker figure out what is the best way to go forward. I'm not so worried of having a 100% original c43 with matching numbers, as having one which has been properly repaired.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2019 | 08:09 AM
  #8  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Originally Posted by DRBC43AMG
Update following my visit this afternoon to my trusty bodyshop. The damage can be repaired, even if the steel down there is certainly thicker than the rest of the bodywork. The damaged part will be cut out, straightened and welded back in. The work needs some prior preparation, by removing all the interior trim, insulation and carpeting to avoid a fire hazard. She'll be going in next week for the "medical treatment".
Now I just need to get the commercial center to get moving with his insurance as this incident and damage was certainly not my fault. I just can't imagine if a biker tipped, fell and injured himself. That wouldn't be his fault and certainly can be seen as the owners negligence for not getting the pavement repaired before and when needed.
Good to hear! She'll be good as new in no time
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 22, 2019 | 08:18 AM
  #9  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Originally Posted by 503C43 ////AMG
WOW!!!!

I'm sorry to hear this The extent of damage is truly unbelievable. They will have to cut that section out and box in a new piece. This would total your vehicle in the US if you tried to use insurance.

Just so you don't feel alone, my E63 is down and out right now. Something has happened with the engine internals and I cringe to think what it is going to cost me to repair it. I know I am looking at $5k+ to remove and disassemble the motor alone. Then comes the repair cost and reinstallation. The best part is this has happened about 3 weeks before I move back home 1/2 way across the country. I would venture to rebuild it in my garage but I have child being born in 40 days and I start a new job in a couple weeks. I guess the saying is true: you have to pay to play.

Timing is poor to say the least...
Didn't react to your reply. Yikes, but I hope the damage is not the cause for a new engine or a full rebuild. Is it those dreaded head bolts or something else? Looks like the M113 are way stronger than the more modern V8s. Any way you could tag the bill back to MB?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2019 | 10:46 AM
  #10  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Originally Posted by DRBC43AMG
Didn't react to your reply. Yikes, but I hope the damage is not the cause for a new engine or a full rebuild. Is it those dreaded head bolts or something else? Looks like the M113 are way stronger than the more modern V8s. Any way you could tag the bill back to MB?
I'm doubting its the head bolts as I had them replaced when I bought the car, there was no low coolant warning, and the tech said it was only oil in the cylinder and no coolant. I'm wondering if I have an issue with a cracked head or possibly the PCV valve which I had MB replace about 5000 miles ago. The car is on the road back home to be worked on by real MB professionals. I'll post when I know more.

The M113 is one of the most reliable V8's ever made, it's a shame the M156 isn't.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2019 | 11:10 AM
  #11  
PJmak's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 421
05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
Reliable is not good for business
Reply
Old May 1, 2019 | 10:29 AM
  #12  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
My Queen has been fully repaired and the expenses covered by the commercial center's third party insurance. I'm happy! Can't see any visible trace of the repairs, but I haven't looked in close detail. The damaged part was cut out on certain chassis weld points, bent back in shape and re welded back in. Rust prevention and painting applied. I guess that this problem is now solved.

The mandatory emissions test (every 2 years) was done Monday and she passed with flying colors. Just waiting now for the official technical inspection notice, but I guess they are not in a hurry as the due date has been passed by 12 months now Just wait and see
Reply
Old May 3, 2019 | 05:42 PM
  #13  
Sulaco's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 194
From: America
1999 C43 AMG, 2005 E55 Wagon
man, that is a happy ending!

now if I can get someone else to pay for the damage done to my E55 wagon when it fell off the jack in the home depot parking lot 2 weeks ago...
Reply
Old May 4, 2019 | 04:27 AM
  #14  
DRBC43AMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Originally Posted by Sulaco
man, that is a happy ending!

now if I can get someone else to pay for the damage done to my E55 wagon when it fell off the jack in the home depot parking lot 2 weeks ago...

Wooowwww man, what happened?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:47 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE