'05 E320--WRECKED--Total? Pics!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Sacramento, CA
2005 SL500, Black on Stone
'05 E320--WRECKED--Total? Pics!
Hi all,
Was in an accident on Saturday night. Long story short, I was hit by a 17 year old girl who ran a red light. I was going about 25 thru a green light and she ran a very red light at approximately 45 mph. I saw my life flash before my eyes and thought I was about to die, no time to react, them BOOM!
I spun around 180 degrees and came to a stop...luckily, nobody else hit me or was moving. I had a witness who gave his report to the police corroborating my story. Girl and I were okay.....went to hospital and I checked out okay. Car was AMAZING in how it protected me. ****pit went undamaged....right side airbags deployed based on spin/contact. Front airbags did not deploy.
Car was calling CHP, 911, etc. I was too stunned to figure out what it was doing.....but was happy to be able to get out of the car without a mark other than my knees hitting the dash and my neck hurting. Amazing, I say, again. I am very lucky to be okay and could have been in much worse shape than I am had I been driving many other cars or my truck.
Car proved its mettle and safety to me. I had no time to slow down and she didn't either....she simply ran a red.....her speed limit was 25 and she was WAY over the limit.
Here are some pics....I've been told by the body shop that it's likely to be totaled.
It's an '05 E320 with 9K miles...premium and appearance packages. I wished I had gotten an E350 or E500....I am guessing I'll now have that opportunity.
Regards,
Dan K.
Was in an accident on Saturday night. Long story short, I was hit by a 17 year old girl who ran a red light. I was going about 25 thru a green light and she ran a very red light at approximately 45 mph. I saw my life flash before my eyes and thought I was about to die, no time to react, them BOOM!
I spun around 180 degrees and came to a stop...luckily, nobody else hit me or was moving. I had a witness who gave his report to the police corroborating my story. Girl and I were okay.....went to hospital and I checked out okay. Car was AMAZING in how it protected me. ****pit went undamaged....right side airbags deployed based on spin/contact. Front airbags did not deploy.
Car was calling CHP, 911, etc. I was too stunned to figure out what it was doing.....but was happy to be able to get out of the car without a mark other than my knees hitting the dash and my neck hurting. Amazing, I say, again. I am very lucky to be okay and could have been in much worse shape than I am had I been driving many other cars or my truck.
Car proved its mettle and safety to me. I had no time to slow down and she didn't either....she simply ran a red.....her speed limit was 25 and she was WAY over the limit.
Here are some pics....I've been told by the body shop that it's likely to be totaled.
It's an '05 E320 with 9K miles...premium and appearance packages. I wished I had gotten an E350 or E500....I am guessing I'll now have that opportunity.
Regards,
Dan K.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 242
Likes: 5
From: Canada
Mercedes 2019 AMG S63, 2015 E250 Bluetec. Previous: '18 E63S, '07 E63, '10 S550, '15 S550, '10 GL350
Thankful
Thank God that you and the girl are okay. The car can be replaced. Be greatful that you can afford a car like this. It probably helped save you from injury and death. Despite what issues these cars have, Mercedes cars are still vaults. Your investment paid for itself. Glad to hear you are ok. 
D
D
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,434
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From: So Cal
2010 RRS ; BMW K1200R; 14 E350 ; 14 RRS on order
Wow that looks nasty, glad you're okay. I hope I never have to test the safety of my car.
It looks pretty totalled to me but then thats up to the repair shop and your insurance company to decide. I would take it to a very expensive dealer if I were you. As much as they won't want to lose your business, if you hint at buying a higher model from them I am sure they'll lean towards the totalled.
It looks pretty totalled to me but then thats up to the repair shop and your insurance company to decide. I would take it to a very expensive dealer if I were you. As much as they won't want to lose your business, if you hint at buying a higher model from them I am sure they'll lean towards the totalled.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,574
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
Sorry to hear about what happen and glad that you are alright. For me I would be very angry because working so hard to get what you want and then someone comes along and mess it up. Accidents do happen and it can happen to me. Like they say it can be replace. Its good that you are alright.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Sacramento, CA
2005 SL500, Black on Stone
Thank you all for the kind wishes. I do not yet know how replacement will be figured, or if it will be totaled. I'm assuming a total at this point. It happened on a holiday weekend so I have yet to speak to my adjuster.
I plan to work through the other party's insurance, which is AAA, once fault is established.
And yes, I'm angry, but what can you do?
I can tell you all that the car is amazing in what it can do to protect it's occupants. You can all feel comfortable in that.
DK
I plan to work through the other party's insurance, which is AAA, once fault is established.
And yes, I'm angry, but what can you do?
I can tell you all that the car is amazing in what it can do to protect it's occupants. You can all feel comfortable in that.
DK
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
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From: San Diego
2015 S212
Depending on who your own insurance is, you may want to go through them and have them recoup their loses from her's. That is pretty standard practice. I concur.... we may ***** and moan about gremlins in our rides, but man they really do their #1 job when the crashes come. Glad you and the teen are OK. Take it to a DADDY body shop for the estimates, or the insurance company will attempt to avoid the total loss aspect to save $1.50!!
I say get a used E55!!! My dad had an E320 and now E350 (very nice ride), and I have had an E500 and now an E55. You can't go wrong with any, but the E55 is sooo civil considering the beast beneath!!
Keep us posted and count your blessings!!
I say get a used E55!!! My dad had an E320 and now E350 (very nice ride), and I have had an E500 and now an E55. You can't go wrong with any, but the E55 is sooo civil considering the beast beneath!!
Keep us posted and count your blessings!!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Sacramento, CA
2005 SL500, Black on Stone
The body shop I have taken it to is Cooks Collision in Sacramento, which was the only body shop recommended in Sacramento by both MBUSA and the two local dealers.
They are certified by MBUSA and work closely with the local dealer when frame work is necessary. No shortcuts with this group.
They are certified by MBUSA and work closely with the local dealer when frame work is necessary. No shortcuts with this group.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Looks a lot like the accident in 8/03 that put us in a Mercedes. My wife was driving through the intersection of Marconi and Bell in Sacramento in our E39 BMW when the other driver ran her red light. My wife hit the side of the other car. The E39 did what it was supposed to do and folded up the first two feet of body structure ahead of the front wheels. My wife wasn't injured, except for some seatbelt bruises, but our insurance company totalled our car. Our car looked worse in front than your car, but the side wasn't damaged like yours. One big reason we replaced our BMW with a Mercedes, after that experience, was Mercedes' well-deserved reputation for safety.
The usual insurance drill is for your insurance company to pay you right away, and then subrogate the other party's insurance where, as here, the other party is at fault. Your insurance is likely to be more generous in its settlement with you knowing that they can subrogate. Our insurance company offered us $23K for our car, which wasn't bad at all for a seven-year-old BMW 528i. Insurance companies will usually total a car if the estimated cost of repairs exceeds about 75% of the pre-crash value of the car.
The usual insurance drill is for your insurance company to pay you right away, and then subrogate the other party's insurance where, as here, the other party is at fault. Your insurance is likely to be more generous in its settlement with you knowing that they can subrogate. Our insurance company offered us $23K for our car, which wasn't bad at all for a seven-year-old BMW 528i. Insurance companies will usually total a car if the estimated cost of repairs exceeds about 75% of the pre-crash value of the car.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by jazzphile
I had a witness who gave his report to the police corroborating my story. I was too stunned to figure out what it was doing.....but was happy to be able to get out of the car without a mark other than my knees hitting the dash and my neck hurting. I had no time to slow down and she didn't either....she simply ran a red.....her speed limit was 25 and she was WAY over the limit.
Dan,
Nice to hear everyone walked away fine. It always breaks my heart to see these fine vehicles mangled.
Your car is now worth less because of the accident therefore and if it were me I would pursue collecting a diminished value (DV) settlement from the other company if it’s not totaled.
When someone else hits your car and does substantial damage, you are legally entitled to a diminished value settlement. It’s something you need to ask for because few insurance companies will volunteer it. Insurers have adopted the 17c Formula (10% of the NADA sale value) to settle DV claims however, 17c provides no explanation substantiating why 10% of the NADA value is an appropriate base figure for the decrease in value. You do not have to accept the dollar value resulting from 17c and have the right to contest with a second opinion.
I had a similar type accident where the guy pulled out of a corporate driveway and failed to look. Had my own insurance company foot the repair bill to be subrogated later and collected generous coin for DV within thirty days from the other insurance company.
Lastly, I would recommend seeing your doctor as soon as possible for your knees and neck.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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People like to say "see, the Mercedes is safe." I agree somewhat but I don't like the fact that the E class doesn't do too well in rear crashes. They can do better.
If they let you visit the car in the junkyard to retrieve personal items, consider taking a few parts off the car. The insurance company won't let you take off too many things but I took off the hood emblem and side mirror which someone on ebay bought.
If they let you visit the car in the junkyard to retrieve personal items, consider taking a few parts off the car. The insurance company won't let you take off too many things but I took off the hood emblem and side mirror which someone on ebay bought.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by S93
People like to say "see, the Mercedes is safe." I agree somewhat but I don't like the fact that the E class doesn't do too well in rear crashes. They can do better.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 114
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From: Montana the Big Sky Country
09 E63 ///AMG
First things first, Glad You Are OKAY.
Secondly, DON'T DO IT. Rest assured the insurance adjuster has already looked at or spoke with the folks who have your car in storage. They know what's salvageable on the car right down to the three pointed star on the hood.
Again glad you and the girl are OK. Don’t get bummed about your wheels, sheet metal can be replaced, lives can’t.
Originally Posted by S93
If they let you visit the car in the junkyard to retrieve personal items, consider taking a few parts off the car. The insurance company won't let you take off too many things but I took off the hood emblem and side mirror which someone on ebay bought.
Again glad you and the girl are OK. Don’t get bummed about your wheels, sheet metal can be replaced, lives can’t.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Sacramento, CA
2005 SL500, Black on Stone
I just want to thank everyone for their good wishes and sharing of experiences. I have been told much of the same. Best to go through my own insurance, Safeco, for a settlement and let them pursue AAA. Bodily injury might be another story....considering that option as well.
I have already gone out looking....drove an E350 tonight. More power and more responsiveness when compared to my E320....engine sounded a different note and was definitely quicker off of the line.
I really want to get both the Appearance and Premium packages again....my car was loaded that way. Only problem is the '06 models don't have the active seats! I LOVED that option. Might have to get a lightly used '05 just for that reason.
Let's hope I can afford it!!!
Regards,
Dan K.
I have already gone out looking....drove an E350 tonight. More power and more responsiveness when compared to my E320....engine sounded a different note and was definitely quicker off of the line.
I really want to get both the Appearance and Premium packages again....my car was loaded that way. Only problem is the '06 models don't have the active seats! I LOVED that option. Might have to get a lightly used '05 just for that reason.
Let's hope I can afford it!!!
Regards,
Dan K.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by SI67
Pardon my ingnorance, but what are the "active seats" that are not available on the '06 models?
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Active ventilated front seats are still available as part of the Premium Package(s). What's gone missing in the E-Class are the Drive Dynamic front seats, that would inflate the seat bolsters to counter cornering forces and also massage. They live on in the S-Class.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 183
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From: Portland, OR
S550 , S430
Which one is safer?
Sorry about what happened and really glad 
to hear everyone walked away without major injury.
Also good thing that the impact/collision point was not on any of the doors otherwise the result might have been worse.
MB definitely provides one of the best safety features compare to others.
But between E & M class, which one do you guys think provide better safety?
Particularly since there are more & more SUV on the roads and side impacted by SUV is very dangerous.
My first thought is bigger cars (SUV) are safer than smaller cars. Also, bigger cars tend to be heavier as well. Which means M, G or most big SUV is very likely to be safer than E?
Can you guys share your opinion on this?
to hear everyone walked away without major injury.Also good thing that the impact/collision point was not on any of the doors otherwise the result might have been worse.
MB definitely provides one of the best safety features compare to others.
But between E & M class, which one do you guys think provide better safety?
Particularly since there are more & more SUV on the roads and side impacted by SUV is very dangerous.
My first thought is bigger cars (SUV) are safer than smaller cars. Also, bigger cars tend to be heavier as well. Which means M, G or most big SUV is very likely to be safer than E?
Can you guys share your opinion on this?
Last edited by MBS430; Feb 22, 2006 at 04:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The new M-Class weighs about 800-900 pounds more than the E-Class with the same engine (350 or 500). Beyond that, you're not likely to find any agreement on the SUV vs. car, or heavier-vehicle vs. lighter-vehicle safety debate. Somebody is sure to solemnly intone that the immutable laws of physics dictate that the heavier always has an advantage over the lighter in a collision. Somebody else will point out that a multitude of other variables (e.g., relative speed, body structure, restraint systems, evasive ability) have more bearing upon occupant safety than relative weight. I've heard that a lot of buyers of large SUVs do so expecting that in an accident with a smaller car, the sheer mass of their vehicle will shift the force of the impact (and thus, the risk of injury or death) to the occupants of the smaller car. A "better you than me" attitude like that would be fairly despicable, but then, what do I know? I'm a liberal. Personally, I don't think that the weight difference between an E and an M is significant in terms of occupant safety, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Last edited by DWP; Feb 22, 2006 at 01:23 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,394
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From: San Diego
2015 S212
I am no liberal, and do not see the "idea" as "despicable", but I have a new ML500 and an E55. I agree that mass, materials, and equipment are factors; but I would give some added weight to the center of mass and all around evasive ability of the vehicle with respect to the SUV vs sedan debate. SUVs are notorious for their tendency to roll over or lose control on swerves, and the E has MUCH stronger brakes!!
Either way, I feel that both models are extremely safe in an accident. Yes the body takes a beating as compared to other makes, but I'd rather it be the car than my kids.
As for the Ebay idea, don't do it. As somebody already said, you will pay in the long run. It isn't ok to rip anyone off, not even an insurance company. You cheapen yourself, not the car.
I still say get a used E55!! Come on, you can swing it!
Either way, I feel that both models are extremely safe in an accident. Yes the body takes a beating as compared to other makes, but I'd rather it be the car than my kids.
As for the Ebay idea, don't do it. As somebody already said, you will pay in the long run. It isn't ok to rip anyone off, not even an insurance company. You cheapen yourself, not the car.
I still say get a used E55!! Come on, you can swing it!
