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I was involved in an accident with my S450 (not at fault). It was severe enough to blow all the airbags, but likely not enough for a total loss.
I’m thinking that I really don’t want the car back. Has anyone had experience cashing-out on a car (repair cost plus salvage value)? Has anyone ever claimed diminished value as part of what they are owed?
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
Diminished value is something you have to go after. They will not offer it. My friend made claim with them over a brand new M2 with 500 miles on it rear ended. Their offer was very low. There are private adjusters who handle these types of claims for a fee. His adjuster showed how it effected the value after the repair and overall my friend received much more that was offered. Once it hits that carfax it a different car.
I was involved in an accident with my S450 (not at fault). It was severe enough to blow all the airbags, but likely not enough for a total loss.
I’m thinking that I really don’t want the car back. Has anyone had experience cashing-out on a car (repair cost plus salvage value)? Has anyone ever claimed diminished value as part of what they are owed?
That really stinks as I unfortunately have experience since my ‘14 S550 4matic was totaled. You would be surprise how much it costs to fix a car and is pretty easy to get to $50k to repair. You said it blew all airbags. Which airbags-knee airbag, front, rear, driver, passenger, rear seat belt airbags, etc? Each one is expensive. I was told once my insurance company got to $50k to repair they decided to total the car and paid me about $95k after the car was about 1.5 years old. I think they got about $45k salvage value for the car at auction so the insurance companies were out $50k.
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Ugh, that's unfortunate news! I ran into the same issue with my last X5. I do know that if the repairs are completed and they are not up to your expectations that you can refuse the vehicle. That's why at times it's helpful to use a repair facility that the insurance company suggests. Then again, this varies dramatically from state to state.
I mean think about it. What's the number one thing an educated buyer takes into consideration when purchasing a vehicle? What is the car's history and was it involved in an accident. I found an S63 $12,000 under blue book and almost pulled the trigger until I found out about the collision it was in (and it did have a clear, non-salvage title).
If it was bad enough to deploy airbags than I would never want that car back. Structural parts of the car could have been compromised and metal fatigued that they would could simply pound back into shape and call it good enough. Carfax also shows if airbags were deployed in an accident and that is a pretty big deal as well. Demand a new car.
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Originally Posted by superpop
If it was bad enough to deploy airbags than I would never want that car back. Structural parts of the car could have been compromised and metal fatigued that they would could simply pound back into shape and call it good enough. Carfax also shows if airbags were deployed in an accident and that is a pretty big deal as well. Demand a new car.
Well said. The damage on my X5 was $27,000 and it NEVER drove the same after the accident (no airbags deployed). I brought it back to the shop multiple times and they were just like "it's up to industry standards, there is nothing else we can do". I wish I had someone standing over my shoulder coaching me during the process to simply not take no for an answer. With that being said... don't take no for an answer!!!!
Go with your insurance moving forward with any diminished value claims. Their insurance and probably even yours will blatantly say no to any claims even after they tell you to give them evidence of loss. They want to pressure you and make you work for it and by the end of it exhaust you out that you will give up. Loss value is a very long process and hiring a lawyer is a must if they are adamant about saying NO. If you can push them to buy your car. If they want to repair it, make them repair it and buy it from you at market value, see if they want a discount because of deployed air bags, etc. Most likely not.
I was involved in an accident with my S450 (not at fault). It was severe enough to blow all the airbags, but likely not enough for a total loss.
I’m thinking that I really don’t want the car back. Has anyone had experience cashing-out on a car (repair cost plus salvage value)? Has anyone ever claimed diminished value as part of what they are owed?
Joeyb1000 I feel your pain! My story is my 2015 S550 was sideswiped by a box truck while I was at a light, the week before Christmas. His fault and he got the ticket. The right rear quarter panel is mangled, both right side doors have holes in them, the right side mirror is gone and there is right front fender damage. No air-bag deployment. I still don't have the car back and probably won't for another month. My situation is somewhat different. The car is on a 4 year lease and is due to be turned in June 1 of this year. I had planned to buy it at lease end. Question to the group: Would you even consider keeping the car? I assume the carfax will follow it and that resale will be seriously diminished. The flip side is the car was PERFECT before the wreck. Anyone have any thoughts?
Joeyb1000 I feel your pain! My story is my 2015 S550 was sideswiped by a box truck while I was at a light, the week before Christmas. His fault and he got the ticket. The right rear quarter panel is mangled, both right side doors have holes in them, the right side mirror is gone and there is right front fender damage. No air-bag deployment. I still don't have the car back and probably won't for another month. My situation is somewhat different. The car is on a 4 year lease and is due to be turned in June 1 of this year. I had planned to buy it at lease end. Question to the group: Would you even consider keeping the car? I assume the carfax will follow it and that resale will be seriously diminished. The flip side is the car was PERFECT before the wreck. Anyone have any thoughts?
Its not perfect anymore, so I would not keep it. Unless you plan on keeping it for 10+ years and the insurance pay you enough to cover some amount of loss. And if you like the refresh s-class, you now have the opportunity to move on that.
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Originally Posted by garymac
Joeyb1000 I feel your pain! My story is my 2015 S550 was sideswiped by a box truck while I was at a light, the week before Christmas. His fault and he got the ticket. The right rear quarter panel is mangled, both right side doors have holes in them, the right side mirror is gone and there is right front fender damage. No air-bag deployment. I still don't have the car back and probably won't for another month. My situation is somewhat different. The car is on a 4 year lease and is due to be turned in June 1 of this year. I had planned to buy it at lease end. Question to the group: Would you even consider keeping the car? I assume the carfax will follow it and that resale will be seriously diminished. The flip side is the car was PERFECT before the wreck. Anyone have any thoughts?
i wouldnt do it. There are plenty of mint CPO s classes on the market for an affordable price. Or upgrade to the refresh body. Plus, a chance to shop for options you may have wanted the first time around!
Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how things work out.
Garymac, 1bad540 gave the correct answer. These are usually sold at dealer-only auctions; so, you may need your Mercedes dealer, or a used car dealer, to act as an intermediary.
Well, most of my problem is solved. They called today to say it was totaled. (5 airbags and right side wheels also were damaged).
What you can't see from this angle is that the wheel is about 4" back from where it should be.
Last edited by joeyb1000; Jan 31, 2019 at 02:14 AM.
Joeyb1000 I feel your pain! My story is my 2015 S550 was sideswiped by a box truck while I was at a light, the week before Christmas. His fault and he got the ticket. The right rear quarter panel is mangled, both right side doors have holes in them, the right side mirror is gone and there is right front fender damage. No air-bag deployment. I still don't have the car back and probably won't for another month. My situation is somewhat different. The car is on a 4 year lease and is due to be turned in June 1 of this year. I had planned to buy it at lease end. Question to the group: Would you even consider keeping the car? I assume the carfax will follow it and that resale will be seriously diminished. The flip side is the car was PERFECT before the wreck. Anyone have any thoughts?
I think you answered your own question "car was PERFECT before the wreck"
It stinks to see a damaged car but you walked away unscathed that's the most important thing
I wish you never get involved in nasty things in your life
Happy Driving
I bought a 2019 with the same options, except Anthracite Blue. I like the Anthracite with the beige, but it doesn’t “pop” like the Ruby Black.
I had the dealer put on Bridgestone Serenity tires prior to delivery (the 18” runflats are on the Marketplace if anyone is interested)
My insurer was Hartford. They were pretty good to deal with. It took about three weeks from the date of the accident to get a check.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions.
I lease a 2017 S550. The lease ends in November. In the two plus years I've had it I was "gently" rear ended 4 times. While parked at a supermarket parking lot (that was practically empty) a lady with a temporary driver's license ran into my car and basically tore off the entire front end. Even the frame bent a little. (nothing like coming out of a store only to find another car wrapped around your front end) On all occasions, I took it to a gold or platinum Mercedes certified body shop (The key is that the MUST be certified to do structural repairs by Mercedes, which very few body shops are approved for). The car drives flawlessly despite all the accidents and repairs. (it cost $26,000 to repair the front end, which included the removal of the engine and transmission). While I wouldn't buy my car at the end of the lease for obvious reasons, I must say that I am impressed with the level and quality of repairs. (I've driven it at least 5000 since the repairs and haven't had a single problem, nor heard any squeaks or funny noises) On a side note, all 5 people who hit me were woman. So my wife declared the car a "Chick Magnet"! (and made me promise I turn it in at the end of the lease)
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by joeyb1000
Final follow-up:
I bought a 2019 with the same options, except Anthracite Blue. I like the Anthracite with the beige, but it doesn’t “pop” like the Ruby Black.
I had the dealer put on Bridgestone Serenity tires prior to delivery (the 18” runflats are on the Marketplace if anyone is interested)
Joeyb1000: Congratulations on the new S class. My 2015 S550 is anthracite blue and it's a great color. Glad your ordeal is over. Mine is still continuing. The S550 has been at the certified Mercedes body shop for two months now. I should have it back next week. We're up to $25,000 in damages so far. Glad the other guy's insurance is paying! I'll have about three months to drive it before lease turn in. Sure am glad I leased it and can walk away!
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Fortunately, I have never been faced with such an issue, but is that how MBUSA new car leases are written? That if the car suffers a very severe accident, but is repaired before you return it at the end of the lease, that the lessor just takes it back, with no repercussions? Just curious.
If the car is deemed repairable, and is fixed to as per MB turn in standards, there is no penalty to the lessor. While the car will go to auction, this is standard practice. MB would rather make it simple to have you in another lease. Side note: Stream, is the '19 SL450 a replacement for the E350 or in addition to?
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