Hi Everyone,
I was recently rear-ended and all the damage was limited to the rear bumper only. According to the body shop, this requires the removal/replacement of the bumper cross member from the frame. It seems this is a $6000+ fix and the insurance company wants to claim it as a total loss, which is fine(I guess).
The body shop told me this is a poor design on early ML's.
Has anyone had this type of damage, and if so, did any of you get it repaired?
Have any of you had a similar experience?

 

I had my entire front cross member re-welded with a new genuine MB part from the most expensive and best body shop in MN, and it ran me $900 I find it incredibly difficult to think it would cost much more than that.

- I paid my damages out of pocket, but I would get a second opinion at very least

do you have reference pics by chance?

 

This rear cross member is made to be crushed in an accident. The replacement of it is no big deal. There is a part number for it and it just needs to be welded in after removal of the damaged one. You do not even have to put the car in a jig. Perhaps you are dealing with the wrong shop. When I had my 02 ML500 I was rear ended pretty good. The entire repair including the frame member, bumper cover, metal work and paint was about 3 grand and it was done at an MB dealer.

 

Thank you for the replies so far. The shop I'm dealing with is an MB certified collision center, which probably explains the cost. They claim the body needs to be removed from the frame to repair the damage. The damage is isolated to the bumper only (spare tire carrier was damaged as well), the deck lid and quarter panels were untouched. I may just take the settlement, maybe keep the vehicle and take it to a few different shops and see what my out of pocket costs might be. I'm just not sure if I want to go through the hassle of re-registering a "salvage" vehicle.

 

Get at least three estimates before having any work done. My 2 cents.

 

If the body must come off of the frame there is much more damage to the structure than the rear cross member. If they will total it out and give you what you think is a fair payment then do it. Keep in mind that you can negotiate the payment and don't forget the sales tax.

 

Well, I just got an offer for $11,139.95, ($9039.95 if I keep it) which doesn't sound too bad for a 97,000+mi ML.
Am I getting taken?
Being paid $11k to get rid of future headaches/frustration seems o.k. too.
Any thoughts?
Thank You for the tips so far...

 

Find out what it will cost you to buy a similar ML. Also make sure they included the sales tax in their calculations. Off the top of my head it seems as if its a fair settlement but confirm it. And, yes I would let them have it.

 

Take the money and run....................................

 

I agree with all of you! I'm gonna run with the cash and start looking at a W220!!! Thanks!!!