Well we have had our first incident on my son's 2012 Coupe. He was driving in the country and came upon some unsuspected railroad tracks at around 60 mph. A bit of air and a hard landinging later, the back wheels are tucked up tight like he is on blown airbags.

We don't have a report yet but it looks like we may be needing you guys to educate us on what our options are for rear suspension components when the damage is revealed. Not afraid to replace parts with better parts or make upgrades during times like this so we will see...hope you guys can help with only the appropriate amounts of judgement and righteous indignation.

 

Thank Goodness your son is OK... it could have been much worse-

 

Probably blown struts and maybe damaged coils. The spring perch on the rear of these cars are up high, double check for cracks / damage.

If its as simple as new suspension, maybe look into a quality aftermarket coil over setup. KW / H&R etc.

 

 

Thanks. Safety is always the first concern. He was a bit scared afterwards but it sounds like he handled it fairly well.
I hope the damage is "basic". Some new K&W's would be a welcome outcome if that is all there is. Let's see what the shop says and go from there. If there are any other common upgrades that we might consider at the same time I would be interested.

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LOL - That is very similar to how I have it pictured in my mind.


BTW, THIS FORUM IS GREAT!

 

glad everyone is ok. no signage to indicate a RR crossing?

 

sort of...heading into the crossing was downhill with large trees growing over top that somewhat obstructed visibility. At night on an unfamiliar road, my son thought it was just an uphill swing. He couldn't/didn't see the RR signage until far, far too late.

I was his mistake...no excuses. Based on the conditions he was going too fast. We have spoken and I think he understands what he did wrong.

 

Glad he’s ok and that it could be a valuable lesson without any long term repercussions for him or your family

 

Reminds me of a time my Dad was driving our old 300SD. I was probably about 8 years old at the time. We went through an intersection where they started construction and he speed up to make the light. Same situation, our butts came off the seats and we almost hit our heads. It was actually really fun until we realized the car landed on the oil pan and it was leaking jet black diesel oil all over the road. The first thing he said when we got out of the car was, "Don't tell mom about this."

 

This is the WRONG FORUM for the C250.
Glad your son is OK though... it could have been a lot worse.

 

Oops...I had failed to update my profile. We swapped out the c250 for his C63 last year. 2012 C63 Coupe is the car we are dealing with at the moment.

Just got some initial pictures...still waiting on detailed report. We will be replacing some stuff!

 

Initial pictures and free form tech notes. They are going to take some time and do a proper estimate/write-up soon. Looks fairly extensive but we are all on the same page with replacing with best combination of OE or Aftermarket. Tech notes are below if interested:








"2/2/2021 -Quickly assessed front suspension - found components of front suspension appear to be in proper order, no visibly damaged suspension, no play is present in suspension. Found RF wheel is bent.
2/2/2021 -After assessing damage, can conclude vehicle will NEED the following components replaced: -Both Rear Lower Spring Arms -Both Rear Shocks -Both Rear Suspension Springs (due to over-compression)
-LRWheel Bearing (recommend RR as well)
-Both Rear Wheels & Tires
-LR Fender Liner (either permanently removed or replaced)
-Alignment
The following components are not visibly damaged, but given the surrounding damage, highly recommend these components to be replaced as well:
-Both Rear Toe Links and Alignment Adjustment Hardware (due to shifting)
-Both Rear Spring Arm Plastic Covers (mounting tab broken on each cover)
-LR Knuckle (was contacted by broken spring arm - potentially bent - impossible to visually see - can confirm/deny once other components are repaired and alignment is being performed)
-Rear Sway Bar End Links
-Rear Sway Bar (Potentially bent - will know once other components are repaired and vehicle is sitting at appropriate ride height. Will be able to see if links line up with sway bar attachment points.)
2/2/2021 -Initially found LH rear of vehicle appears to be sitting lower than the rest of the vehicle. Raised vehicle on lift and found both rear shocks have bottomed out (limit of compression stroke) with suspension still traveling. This force caused the lower shock mounts to punch through LR lower control arm (and clearly bent control arm, pushing arm into knuckle), and begin deforming RR lower control arm (lower control arms = spring arms) (pictures). Further inspection shows the toe links have shifted within their chassis mounts (alignment adjustment points). Also found sway bar end links (sway bar side) have contacted brake caliper body on both sides (picture of LR, RR is similar). LR appears to have hit harder than RR - LR fender liner is torn due to contact with rotating tire (pictures). Rotating the rear wheels shows wheel bearing noise on LR; RR wheel bearing doesn't exhibit noise, but was subject to similar shock. While rotating wheels to check wheel bearings, found both rear wheels are bent,"

 

Was this you?

 

I can only assume...HaHa!

 

We used to launch off those tracks in high school all the time in a buddies 76 valiant with the 318 that probably only put out 100 tired ponies.

Here's the launch pad --> https://www.google.ca/maps/@44.36519...7i13312!8i6656

 

Can I change the thread title? I want to update it to ask for rear suspension recommendations. Is that something the mods can do or should I start a new thread?

Edit* - HOLY SMOKES! Those pictures are tiny. Are they that tiny for everyone or just me? Any way to make them bigger?

Edit 2 * - Just realized that might just be the size the shop sent...forgive my stupidity and hopefully I can get some better pics.

 

PM @Rock

 

Ha ha 60 how old is your kid? Multiply what ever he told you by 2 at least.

 

LOL. I am sure I got the best possible version of the story.

 

So the verdict is in...$10,000+ in damage using all OEM parts and labor book costs.

Here are the "large" suspension parts:We are definitely going with KW or Bilstein coilovers all the way around for the absorption but for you experts....

Should we just stay with OE parts above or are they aftermarket options that we should investigate for the rear?

Here are some pics

 

double post delete

 

$10k estimate means $20k when you’re done. And it will never drive right again. Sell it for scrap or push it off a cliff and get your son a beater he can go jump railroad tracks with until he’s responsible enough for a nice car. What a waste, sorry.

 

Thanks boss. You've been quite helpful.

 

That’s the best advice you’re gonna get boss

 

And all sarcasm aside, I would REALLY love your input and your expertise. Honestly you seem like the perfect person to be able to answer the questions we have. Your research, knowledge, and experience seems to be 2nd to none on this forum.

I am sorry that my son has disappointed you with his accident. I am sorry that you think my son is a waste. I can assure you that he is not.