I'm glad that your only bang up a little. Sorry, to hear about your AMG. Everyone knows that these insurance companies are the the enemy, when it comes to this sort of thing. The car might not be totalled, I'm just saying. It won't be cheap to fix, if it can be repaired at all. I hate how these companies will total out a car, before repairing it, then they cut you some measley check, and think its okay. I agree with MBH Motorsports idea, of negotiating with your insurance company. Please get market information on other E55 prices. You might be able to purchase another E55, if this car can't be fixed.

 

Thanks for the support and comments. I don't think anything I say here is going to change the amount I get from insurance. I didn't do anything illegal and the other driver was at fault and was ticketed.

I will have to do some research as to the value and I would like to try to make the insurance reimburse me for my mods. As far as getting parts from the car if it is totalled, I don't know that this will be possible.

$38K doesn't sound bad for the C55. I know I wouldn't have sold mine for $38K but getting that from the insurance company is another issue.

I could buy another E55 but I would never know the history. I had mine for 3 years under MB warranty. I have a very good service adviser at my dealer and I also knew my mechanic. They fixed every issue including the upgraded supercharger clutch and the gas tank issue. They loved my car. The car just had that perfect tune and with the Renntech headers it sounded great through the stock exhaust. My dealer mechanic installed the RT headers and Throttlebody.

As far as the older guy, I'm old too(61), he seemed to be fine when I left the scene and we were standing in the cold for about an hour and a half. He was in good shape for his age and I would have guessed him to be about 80. He didn't need to be driving. One of his lenses was knocked out of his glasses and he didn't even know it until we told him. We stopped my father from driving about 3or 4 years ago and he is now 96. He still wants to drive.

There really should be some sort of retesting for drivers past a certain age. Everyone ages differently and I'm sure there are some relatively safe 90 year olds driving in familiar areas.

The E55 was a very comfortable car for me and I loved the seats. I'm thinking of maybe a year or two old E63 with at least a couple of years of factory warranty. Are these as comfortable as the E55s. I know I'm going to miss the massage feature on the E55 seat.

 

Most aftermarket warranties can be cancelled for a pro-rated refund. So you should be able to recover some monies from Chrysler, assuming the car is totaled.

An E63 is mostly the same car, so if you liked the E55 you will be fine with the 63. It can be had with those annoying seat too.

 

Where are you located? Def interested in some parts if your insurance allows you to buy it back... i'll buy the whole thing possibly. Let me know.

 

I think that you'll like an E63, I have one and love it. Although I have never driven an E55, you might miss the torque some, but the HP gains in the E63 more then compensate. My grandfather is 94 yrs old, and we took away his driving privildges years ago, for this very same reason. Now my uncle is 100, and he still drives very short distances, maybe 12 miles from the house. But he's spritely And would literally kill you if you took his driving license away. I beleive that PA has a testing for older folks to retain their license. If your E55 can't be repaired shoot for a 08-09 E63, you won't be dissappointed trust me.

 

Look....the vultures are circling already You have yet to get an appraissal for your insurance, and their asking for parts already. Is their no shame.

 

I want the whole car. Not a vulture. I just want myself a parts car.

 

The body shop is going to pick it up from the wrecker service today and see if they think it is repairable. I have my doubts, but if they could do a really good job I wouldn't mind having it back.

I have no idea about what the insurance company will let me do if it is totalled but I will find out. I don't expect the E63 to feel anything like my E55 power/torque wise but I know they are quick and have a better(smoother not stronger) tranny. If it is a similar newer car I would be happy with it but I know I will miss the power of the 55. My modded car is way faster than a stock 55.

 

I hope you and the other person are ok. The car can be replace.

Also, being old is a priviledge. I wish one day I'll get to be ninty. And yes, I'll still drive my car if I can afford it.

 

We're one of the only countries in the world that throw away our old. I agree about the retesting procedures for older drivers, but I disagree with the notion that at a certain age you should lose your license regardless of health.

The E63 is a hell of a car, but it just doesn't have the magic of the E55. I think you'll be satisfied with it as a replacement, though. I love the E63 but the E55 is/was the king of the W211s and all sport sedans during its time.

 

I've been saying this for the longest time. There is a MINIMUM age to drive, why isn't there a MAXIMUM ?? It would be very easy to have all drivers at say, age 65, have to take a mandatory driving test. The instructor would then clear them for another 5 or 10 years before they have to retake the drivers test...or, if their driving skills have deteriorated they would then be required to take a test every year. This would not only create additional revenues for the state, it would save lives and lessen traffic problems. Can't tell you how many times I see idiots on the road creating huge traffic jams...and it's usually and old person or some woman on the phone. It's just amazing how many idiotic laws we have that accomplish NOTHING, yet old people who can barely see can get behind the wheel of a 4000+ lb weapon and skitzos in AZ can buy 33rd clips. Hell, when I go bird hunting I can't even load more than 3 rounds in my shotgun - I guess quail are more important that people!!!!!!!!


Sorry for the rant and I'm glad your OK - that's all that matters.

 

I do not think it is totaled. The car crumpled exactly as it was designed to lessen the impact on the occupants. I see her up and running in 2 months with a good body shop. I would visit them daily and let them know you want it done perfect.

 

I certainly hope that it isn't totalled Looking at the photos, shows allot of crumpling, but we can't see the structural members.

 

The front wheel and suspension looks un touched. The fended, hood and core support are finished but I think its gonna pull through this.

 

Glad to hear you're alright. Cars can always be replaced...

 

Yes, I think you are the only one that doesn't feel any sympathy.

We all get old and getting to the age where you are told to give up driving reallly must suck.

Car looks totalled. But cars are just cars. Get another one.

Good thing the both of you were in good cars and did not suffer any real injuries.

 

I agree. I think it is going to live to see another day. The bent metal makes it look worse than it really is. From the pics it looks like the suspension survived. Also, if one has seen our cars with the bumper off the parts that took the hit are easily replaceable.

Hope the car survives, if so treat her to a E63 facelift.

 

Ohhhh...nice point! E63 front bumper here you come! I dont even think the air bag deployed. It is mostly cosmetic and on a 38000 mile 06, it will take a crap load to total it out.

 

From the first post. I think the airbag did deploy, but I do not think that would be a deal breaker. Also the door looks like it opens fine.

 

Actually, if you guys think a 35 MPH front impact crash totals an AMG, we better look to buy a better built car.

 

Car Accidents by Age in The United States 2006
Age of Driver Number Killed in Car Crashes 2006
Under 5 Years Old 578
5 - 9 516
10 - 15 1,079
16 - 20 5,658
21 - 24 4,701
25 - 34 7,169
35 - 44 6,361
45 - 54 6,232
55 - 64 4,178
65 - 74 2,611
Over Age 74 3,406
Unknown 153
Total Killed 42,642

check age between 25-54.... I choice drive by 65-74 years old...

 

A 35mph front impact will do an enormous amount of damage to ANY car. Have you seen IIHS crash tests? Deformable barriers, 40mph = destroyed. This car is a goner. No telling how much damage is hidden under the crushed body panels. What is all the fluid on the ground? Oil?

 

I agree with some of the others in here. I don't think that the car is a write off, however can't be sure until you look at the structure underneath the shell. I think one of the keys will be how badly the core structure was damaged. They can pull out some bends but if it has been compromised too the point where even after pulling out the frame it will not meet safety standards for rigidity, they won't touch it and just write it off. By the picture it looks like it was just the front end that was damaged. I don't see much warping of the external frame beyond the hood so it appears that all the damage is up front, but again, they'll have to look underneath....you cant really judge by the shell whats really going on. I think it will come down to a repair cost analysis for the insurance company...these are pricey cars to fix. But that's just my opinion. Good luck and glad that you are ok, which others pointed out is the main thing =).

As an aside, its great to hear your compassion for the other driver. Don't let others slag you for that; it gives me hope that my daughter will grow up in world with some decent people in it as opposed to those characters on Jersey Shore!

Cheers

 

This may be the dumbest comment on this board! Can't wait till you are old and in the nursing home, we will all make sure to come and kick you in the nuts.

 

Well said LZH.....

And I am standing my ground firm, with Levi (EliteKOV)
Does no one agree that driving is a PRIVILEGE not a RIGHT?
Just because you are old does not give you the right to drive. It is a privilege - assuming you can pass driving tests. Sure the car is replaceable - however, for everyone involved, this was something that was entirely PREVENTABLE and AVOIDABLE. This includes witnesses that were headed to work or get kids from school, etc.
Now, since driving is a "RIGHT" in most here's eyes - if I get my license revoked for 5 DUI's and Flight to Avoid Arrest - then next month I'm out on the road drunk and plow into the passenger side of Emoving's (sorry for targeting you Marcus) car with his child in right rear seat, making them unable to exit car, and he watches them die in front of him - then OH WELL, I had every right to be on the road, correct??
And for that matter, why even bother to make a 15 year old take a driving test? Just tell em to wear a seatbelt and get out there, it would be anarchy! There will be a bunch of maniacs on the road (not that there isn't already.)
Putting the flame suit on, say what you want!! This accident will cost waxking1 TIME (phone calls, trips to body shop), MONEY, FRUSTRATION & GRIEF... And for what purpose - so that an elderly gentleman can feel young, responsible, and "free" behind the wheel of an automobile?? Because after all, driving is by far the most dangerous thing most of us do on a daily basis.