Grant_J

Hey guys,

I need your advice and, I dunno, hugs? This afternoon I was driving home minding my own when a work van rear-ended me at a stoplight. The insurance company is having their appraiser look before they will authorize even a repair estimate. Not a good sign. It doesn't look that bad but the number of error messages in the dash were more than I'd like, including one for the front-left sensor. Replacement cost on this car looks like more than I paid three years ago, and I'm worried insurance will leave me short. Advice or thoughts?

Side note, this car destroyed the front of that van. MB made something good here! The headrests did an awesome job protecting my head too. We'll see what tomorrow is like but so far I feel like the MB was a good choice.

CincyMBGuy

If I were a betting man, you're totaled. I would immediately start looking at comparable vehicles listed for sale as close to yours. Get a list of at least 10 and have it ready when the insurance company calls.

ibbij

Rest In Peace to your beautiful E400. A moment of silence….there is likely frame damage

C2 Turbo

Need to look at the aide view to see where exactly the damage is. It looks like your and the van's bumpers seems ok and it's the top part like Van's hood and your trunk, that's whacked out. Might not be totaled if the damage is towards the top of the car
Might be an excuse to upgrade to a different car now... Get the money and try the E63 this time around

Grant_J

You may be right about time to upgrade, but it's a horrible car market and I'm not loaded. The bumper, trunk, and both rear quarter panels need replaced. I think my car actually went inside his engine bay based on the damage underneath on the E400. What I'm worried about is its clear the car compressed, as there are points where the rear quarters banged into the doors then popped back into place. Not sure if they'd try to repair the doors or replace them. Car shopping has started...

ap41563

Well with the prices of current used cars the insurance company may not consider it a total loss. I have a friend who had a Volvo XC90 that was sitting at a stop light an accident happened in the intersection and one of the cars was pushed into hers at about 10 mph messed up the bumper headlights, etc. $22,000 in damage to the car and it was worth $55,000 and the company didn't total it.

Glad you are ok, from my experience searching for an E-series cabriolet isn't as nail-biting as looking for a Suburban or Expedition though.

Mr. Toad

I really feel for you, as this sort of thing is always awful. If I were you, I would push the insurance company to total it because the car will never be the same again. I had a similar experience with my BMW and I basically begged the insurance company to total it because the estimate came in just shy of the total value (fortunately, they agreed).

BigMike62

Glad you're okay. Start pulling ads online for replacement value. Get a lawyer if needed because I think your neck might be hurt. Hope they total it so you can buy another one.

Grant_J

Thank you all for the support! I heard back yesterday afternoon that the car is totalled. Lots of new decisions to make, but first to deal with insurance and possibly attorneys. There's a chance I'll have to leave this forum for a new one. To be continued...

pandaman6199

I'm sorry to hear about this. How much would you have to pay to keep the car. I would buy some parts.

Grant_J

Interesting idea. They're considering salvage value at $13,310. If someone wants to offer me more and come get it, I'd be happy to consider that. I don't have time to part it out but glad to help someone out if we can make it mutually beneficial. PM me if interested. I have a feeling I'll make a decision on that tomorrow or Friday at latest.