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So some may have read the updates in my "Panda Build Thread" but since many may not have here is my current dilemma. Our GL was involved in an accident on 4-20 when a car pulled out in front and has been in the shop since. What appeared to be a minor accident at 30mph and breaking has become involved to say the least. Outside of the basic first glance of fender, headlight, bumper and fixing some wheels and the estimate of $12k, we have dealt with a list of other issues found caused by the accident.
Those include:
Broken transfer case mounts
Replaced engine cradle
Steering rack
Suspension items on driver side
Broken Driver side motor mount
Each issue has resulted in parts delays, insurance delays, and redoing work over to gain access. We are now in the area of $26k and counting and they have discovered a small hole in the oil pan, which was found when they were getting ready to replace the broken motor mount. So now waiting on a new oil pan. The shops guess is the force of impact and broken mounts allowed the motor to flex and impact the AC compressor nearby.
However of course my concern is that piece of metal getting into the engine itself. The shop will be looking for the piece when they pull the pan of course, but what else should I ensure the shop does or insurance? I feel that if the piece isn't found they could decide at that point to total as it should have been totaled by now had they known all the issues. Even if found any possible concerns? Feel like I should work out a 1 year unlimited mileage coverage for any motor damage.
The shop is the only Mercedes certified repair location in the area and the dealership uses them. They have been great in finding issues that most would have missed I feel and glad they find issues before giving it back. Last thing I want is to get the car back drive 1-2 days and have an issue pop up and then have to fight to prove it was accident related.
Last edited by black06c230; 08-28-2018 at 08:33 PM.
I'm sure they'll find the piece at the bottom of the pan, I wouldn't worry too much. What might bother me is that the truck won't have the same resale value after all this.
But it is what it is. As long as she runs/tracks well after all this, just enjoy her.
Is this work being done at MB body shop or a third party. My concern would be that they are finding things as they go along vs disassembling the whole front end and discovering all the damage during that process
Is this work being done at MB body shop or a third party. My concern would be that they are finding things as they go along vs disassembling the whole front end and discovering all the damage during that process
They are the only Mercedes approved repair facility in the state of Alabama. I don’t think you expect to find a broken motor mount and some of the items found in a relative minor accident, esp a hole in the side of the oil pan.
It was 5k pounds of force to stop at 30mph, I'm surprised the frame wasn't bent. My wife had a similar accident on a much smaller\lighter car at 35 mph and the frame bend.
Your repair bills did not exceed the total value of the truck, I would ask for a new motor if you had to replace engine mounts. Who knows what other damage was caused internally to the motor.
sorry to hear about the accident and aftermath.. I'd try to get it totaled by getting a new engine. We had an SUV we bought not even a year old and 6k miles.. Kid texting swideswiped us and we did get fixed.. Just knowing a new vehicle got violated (in an accident), traded it in for the GL550 and didnt look back.. I'm at the point now where all previous vehicles i had, i modded them, but this time, i dont think i will dump $$$ into it. Hate to be in an accident and even fixed, still could have future problems or knowing that its been in an accident.
08-28-2018, 08:26 PM
