M.

Sorry to hear about this - couldn't believe it when I saw it. I'm glad that your wife is OK - can't help with the estimates but it's going to be expensive. . .pay attention to your wife, never know how the after effects are going to manifest. Once again - glad everybodies safe. .. .(don't lie - the really reason you're asking about it being totaled is because you know Pewter is the slowest color

 

Don't tell us you're one of those fools that generalizes based on car type?

Slippery slope you're going down considering how many people think cars that do 18mpg should be banned not to mention those with 470 horsepower. Please wake up.

Novae....hope your clean 55 turns out okay, looks like it will and I agree settle for OEM only. Diminished value is probably not worth pursuing at this point but your call.

 

Used parts are still OEM... Just sayin...

 

Thanks BT
She has a bit sore stiff neck but more upset that the 55 is damaged and another thing to deal with ESP w holidays. I will be present when adjuster comes out to se the damages and request oem parts. If he says oh it's an e so e bumper . That when I'll show him my e and totally different bumper

 

So sorry to hear about what happened. The other party is at fault right? That‘s a really good thing because you won’t need to file a claim with your own automobile insurance - doing that would mean that you would have to pay your deductible and your rates would probably rise. I doubt it’s totaled, but that’s up to your provider’s discretion.

 

Yes i know. I'm talking about aftermarket parts that can be purchased. I just want the car to be back to the condition it was before the accident with the parts the car came with (German MB parts). Appraiser coming out to take a look today.

I voiced my concern about forecasted rain and getting a rental. Rain getting inside the trunk ( causing mildew, possible damage the electrica stuff) .Insurance adjuster handling the claim told me to drive with a blue tarp covering the trunk, or plastic wrap to prevent water damage. I was like WTF i'm not driving around in a MB with blue tarp covering the trunk rear end. Maybe on a toy tercel/corolla or my 99 civic. Great customer service already starting!

Wife still hurt, saw dr on monday for stiffness, tightness and given meds. Not getting any better either.

 

just my .02 from doing insurance and knowing some claims adjusters...when they tell you used parts it is because you have an 05 E55 and they are not going to buy a brand new bumper when your bumper is 5 years old...more than likely they will find an E55 rear bumper in perfect condition coming off one that was hit from the front and had no damage in the rear.

Also, regarding the comment of your rates going up if you claim it on your own policy, your rates will not increase because clearly the accident was not your fault. You may have to pay your deductible initially but once the other insurance company accepts fault (if they have not already), you will be reimbursed your deductible because your insurance company will subrogate against the other party.

Hope this helps and hopefully this gets resolved quickly. Sucks when this happens and just becomes more of a hassle.

 

Not really. My insurance was doing same thing but my body shop went ahead and ordered everything NEW from the dealer so insurance had to pony up and pay for it all. I will tell your body shop to order everything new before adjuster shows up!

 

This is great advice and true based on a few recent experiences I have had. There is nothing wrong with used body panels as the body shop will ensure everything is right in the end and you will never know the difference.

It doesn't quite work that way. They may use new panels if the used panels are not readily available or the cost of refurbishing the used panels meets or exceeds the cost of a new panel. There is a code that body shops and wrecking yards use for part condition. The body shops work together with the adjuster to end up with the most economical way to fix the car right (assuming you have an A+ shop). Used does not equal bad. But, if a $50 dollar used fender needs another $65 to prepare it for paint, then they may opt for a new fender at $100 instead (hypothetical numbers).

 

I am not saying it works every time. Like my mirror was completely thrown off, Insurance wanted to give me a used mirror but my body shop said no because they have a motor in them and it can go bad or something. With body parts, I agree with you. Everyone needs to make money somewhere

 

If you do not have rental car coverage you can claim it against the other drivers insurance. Leave you car in a nice dry place. Regarding you wife, in addition to all the medical records have her keep her own "pain journal".

 

I got rear ended several years ago when I was living up in Princeton, NJ.
Person that hit me was in a commercial vehicle. My attorney informed me that in settling an accident case, there are advantages when you are dealing with a commercial vehicle insurance account versus a personal insurance claim.
This could possibly be the same for you. If you determine you need counsel, you might want to look into the differences in your State with regards to a commercial vs. personal insurance claim.
Good Luck on your outcome.

 

Estimate from appraiser is $3000.
Used rear bumper $900,
new rear PS tail lamp $275
rear body trim panel $50
rear bumper support $100
rear ctr bumper impact strip $220
rear tow hook cover $37
rear bumper trim r/l $16
flex additive $3
restore corrosion protection $15
paint materials $196
approx $1800 PARTS
Labor $1300
This is with what was seen, not accounting anything after bumper is removed to see what other damage exists.

Wife still sore neck/back shoulder blades. Seeing doctor again to see a PT for some treatment. Meds not treating the problem, just covering the symptoms of pain. Looks like we will be retaining an attorney as well.

 

Wow! That is cheap for a metallic color they will have to blend. I would be leary of that estimate.

 

3k is a lowball.

My 91 M5 had less damage and it ended up being $5800 - and that was a shiitty old bimmer

 

The shop will be calling back for another check. As soon as the bumper cover comes off and they find more damage they will have to anyway.

I agree that that estimate is low though.

 

Yeah thats fine with the low estimate. Not surprised at all that its that low. Appraiser is always writing the lowest for the insurance company!!! More damage is going to be found for sure once the bumper is off. If the color isn't right and not matching the rest of the car. I will not accept the car and let the attorney take over and deal with the insurance of the lady that hit us.
copied the estimate over below

Line Entry Labor Line Item Part Type/ Dollar Labor
Item Number Type Operation Description Part Number Amount Units
Luggage Lid
1 002777 REF REFINISH License Plate Housing C 1.0
2 002032 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL Luggage Lid Housing Existing 0.5 #r
3 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL Luggage Trim Panel 0.3
Rear Body
4 001519 BDY REPAIR Rear Body Panel Existing 7.0* #
5 REF REFINISH Rear Body Panel C 2.0
6 001682 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE Rear Body Trim Panel 211 690 06 41 9B51 50.00 INC
7 001674 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL R Rear Body Side Trim Panel Existing INC r
8 001662 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL L Rear Body Side Trim Panel Existing INC r
9 001684 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL R Rear Body Trim Panel Cover Existing 0.1*
10 001685 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL L Rear Body Trim Panel Cover Existing 0.1*
ESTIMATE RECALL NUMBER: 12/14/2011 16:31:58 21158543A
Mitchell Data Version: OEM: NOV_11_V
Software Version: 7.0.436 All Rights Reserved
Date: 12/14/2011 04:31 PM

11 001727 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL Rear Body Spare Wheel Well Cover Existing 0.2*
MANUAL ENTRIES
12 900500 BDY * REMOVE/REPLACE Copy of Estimate provided to owner New 0.00 * 0.0*
Rear Lamps
13 002796 BDY REMOVE/INSTALL L Rear Combination Lamp 0.4 #
14 001501 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE R Rear Combination Lamp Assembly 211 820 04 64 274.00 0.4 #
Rear Bumper
15 BDY OVERHAUL Rear Bumper Cover Assy 3.7 #
16 001223 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE Rear Bumper Cover Remanufactured 900.00 INC #
17 REF REFINISH Rear Bumper Cover C 2.4
18 001227 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE Rear Bumper Support 211 880 01 52 100.00 INC
19 001307 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE Rear Ctr Bumper Impact Strip 211 880 00 12 9744 220.00 INC
20 001464 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE Rear Bumper Tow Hook Cover 211 885 03 26 37.50 INC
21 001465 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE R Rear Bumper Trim 211 885 02 23 8.25 INC
22 001466 BDY REMOVE/REPLACE L Rear Bumper Trim 211 885 01 23 8.25 INC
ADDITIONAL COSTS & MATERIALS
23 936014 ADD'L COST FLEX ADDITIVE 3.00 *
FRAME
24 933035 FRM ADD'L OPR UNIBODY PULL 0.00 * 2.0*
ADDITIONAL OPERATIONS
25 REF ADD'L OPR Clear Coat 1.5
ADDITIONAL REFINISH OPERATIONS
26 933005 BDY ADD'L OPR RESTORE CORROSION PROTECTION 10.00 * 0.2*
27 933018 REF ADD'L OPR MASK FOR OVERSPRAY 5.00 * 0.2*
MANUAL ENTRIES
28 900500 BDY * ADD'L LABOR OP Frame/Rack Set up Gauge and Measure Existing 1.5*
Additional Costs & Materials
29 ADD'L COST Paint/Materials 193.20 *
30 ADD'L COST Hazardous Waste Disposal 3.00 *

Estimate Totals
__________________________________________________ _______________________________________

Add'l
Labor Sublet
I. Labor Subtotals Units Rate Amount Amount Totals
Body 14.4 42.00 10.00 0.00 614.80
Refinish 7.1 42.00 5.00 0.00 303.20
Frame 2.0 50.00 0.00 0.00 100.00
Non-Taxable Labor 1,018.00
Labor Summary 23.5 1,018.00
II. Part Replacement Summary Amount
Taxable Parts 1,598.00
Sales Tax @ 5.000% 79.90
Total Replacement Parts Amount 1,677.90
III. Additional Costs Amount
Taxable Costs 196.20
Sales Tax @ 5.000% 9.81
Non-Taxable Costs 3.00
Total Additional Costs 209.01
Paint Material Method: Rates
Init Rate = 28.00 , Init Max Hours = 99.9, Addl Rate = 0.00
IV. Adjustments Amount
Insurance Deductible 0.00
Customer Responsibility 0.00
I. Total Labor: 1,018.00
II. Total Replacement Parts: 1,677.90
III. Total Additional Costs: 209.01
Gross Total: 2,904.91
IV. Total Adjustments: 0.00
Net Total: 2,904.91

 

Jeeze, what's with all the misinformation posted here about insurance companies?

Contrary to popular belief, the insurance company is not out to screw you.

By law the insurance company has to return your vehicle to pre-accident condition. How that happens is somewhat determined if your an insured or a claimant. Insured's have a policy with their insurer, an agreement and in that agreement list how, what parts are used, exclusions etc. I'd recommend everyone to read your policy!

Claimant's have a bit more leeway with what parts are used as there is no binding agreement specifying otherwise. That's not to say as a claimant an insurance company won't put used parts on your vehicle. It's considered industry standard. Personally, I'd much rather have a rear bumper off a pristine E55 the same year or newer than an aftermarket part, especially if using used parts keeps it from totaling.

As far as a low estimate, the adjuster is only going to write for visible damage. Even though he/she can speculate that there probably is more damage, that damage has to be justified, it's just good business sense- not shenanigans.

As soon as that vehicle goes to the shop for repairs and they tear down the rear of the car and expose additional damage will you see a complete estimate. It'll be a supplement to the original estimate. Just about every repair will have a supplement because of hidden damage, part price increases etc.

If you're not happy with the other carriers estimate, go through your own carrier and let them subrogate your deductible. Some insurance companies (the better ones) will waive your deductible if your found not-at-fault.

Also, you may even consider taking the vehicle to an insurance company Direct Repair Facility. Those repairs are guaranteed and the shops are held to a bit higher standard as they represent the insurance company. On the flip side, there is an advantage going to a shop a Mercedes dealer works with. The technician's there will probably be a bit more familiar with Mercedes and how they work. You would have potentially less chance of collateral damage from not knowing how the vehicle is put together. Removing a Honda civic bumper is a bit different than a Mercedes E55. That's not to say a generic body shop would not do a quality job... just my experience. Best bet is to look at the finished product with whatever shop you choose. Scope out the repairs, finish quality etc. on your chosen shops vehicles waiting for delivery.

As far as your estimate, I see they are using a reconditioned bumper. From my experience, these bumpers are usually trash. I would request a used bumper or OEM. I also don't see any blend time for the quarter panels. With metallic paint, blending the quarters from the deck lid would give a more uniform appearance, less likely to see color match issues that way.

Just my 2 cents... Good luck.

 

If the cars that close to being totaled I'd surely press it to try and get it totaled. Who wants a car that was inches away from death? A car can never be brought 100% back. Pay me out and I'll go buy one that has never been hit. That's me though.

Used parts are ok if they are actually as clean as what you had. Usually they require some work to make em pristine again. Minor blemishes or not its a bumper that's likely had work on it. That would bother me. I'd take a new OEM part freshly sprayed. Obviously this isn't reasonable for the insurance company to pay this on a car this old. I accept that, and that's what makes this whole thing a bad situation to be in. Also why I'd persue depreciated value.

This part I will have to disagree outright with you on. I know the owners of a few body shops and some have contracts with insurers, and some refuse to. They all agree that they are in agreement with the insurance companies as to what level repairs will be done. Their done in a manner to save the insurance company money more than provide the customer the best possible repair. They must agree to these practices to become one of the recommended shops. This was with some of the top names in the automotive insurance business. The insurance company wants to make you just happy enough that you don't come around bothering them too much. Again, its a business and I can understand their views on this. Its a balancing act of keeping people happy with your company and its reputation and saving money. Insurance company recommended shops are not the way to go in my honest opinion of owning a half dozen cars at a time over a dozen years and being involved with a number of aspects of the automotive community.


Also worth noting a shop I was just speaking with last week recently did major work to the side of an E55 and the owner commented on how easily everything went together and came apart. Very simple and well thought out. He actually said working on these was easier than many cars he has done due to the high build quality. He's the owner of a reputable high end restoration shop in the chicagoland area. Just something I thought was interesting and not what I was expecting.

All of this I whole heatedly agree with. Especially the part about inspecting cars waiting to be picked up.

 

Actually, there are many times insured's and claimant's would rather have borderline vehicle's repaired than totaled. Once scenario is they may be upside down on their loan with no gap insurance. That would be a good opportunity to cut down repair cost with Like Kind and Quality parts. As good as new OEM, probably not...better than A/M, you bet.

Sounds like you may have some insurance background, so your probably familiar that almost all insurance companies use fair market value for total loss pay-out's unless your policy explicitly say's otherwise (car replacement options cost a premium).

In my experience, Mercedes vehicles (especially AMG models) total much quicker than comparable damage to say a Lexus. The parts for Mercedes vehicle's are much more expensive. Moderate damage that is easily repairable on a Lexus may very well send the Benz over total loss threshold. Same damage, both vehicle's just as repairable however the cost to repair is significantly different.



From a shop perspective, if given the opportunity the shop would rather use new OEM parts all the time. They make more money on those parts but the big benefit is time it takes to repair. Shop's don't like cars sitting, they want to get them in and out the door as soon as possible, the more cars go through the door, the more money that shop (and technician make). Considering that, it's beneficial for the shop to get the cleanest used parts possible. Less time doing minor repairs, less chance of part rejection means a quicker repair- faster for them to get the next vehicle in the door.

The point is, I wouldn't stress too much over used parts. Most reputable shops will only use clean parts, if the used part comes in damaged, most insurance companies will allow new as long as that shop documents why they went new.

Diminished value: I agree with you here...definitely pursue a diminished value claim. With an AMG, that amount may be significant since it's a specialty vehicle.


Your making my point here. Shops will not use certain insurance companies if they feel the guidelines the insurance companies set forth jeopardize the quality of repairs. The better insurance companies also want you to be satisfied with repairs to retain you as a customer. Just as shop's want your customer referrals, that's a huge part of their business model. If they turn out junk repairs, chances are they will loose out on referral business. It's in both parties best interest to make the best quality repairs possible (we are talking quality insurance carriers here...not fly by night companies).

There is no agreement as to what levels repairs will be done but there are recommended guidelines. If you think a walk-in customer will get a better repair than an insurance job, your mistaken. Insurance companies save money on repairs with Direct Repair Facilities by negotiating labor discounts, in exchange the shop receives a huge volume of work. Again, the shop wants your referral, the insurance wants to keep you as a customer. The best possible repair is always a top priority. That's why not just any shop can be a Direct Repair Facility.

Like I said earlier, there are guidelines insurance companies set forth for Direct Repair Facilities. One of them is that the shop performing the repairs guarantee their work for as long as you own the vehicle. That's motivation enough right there for quality repairs. No money is to be made on rework and a lot of times the insurance company will make the shop pay for the rental while the vehicle is reworked. Plus you have the weight of the insurance company backing that up that repair guarantee, to me that's a win situation. No shop wants to lose $200k a month in repairs for bad work.

The insurance company wants to make you so satisfied with your claims experience that you recommend them to your friends and family... I can tell you that much for sure. I would have no qualms going to a Direct Repair Facility. Having said that...again, one still must perform due diligence and check out the quality of repairs, regardless of insurance involvement or not.


I have direct experience with the workings of AMG's and other vehicles. While the AMG obviously is a quality piece of engineering, it can be more complex in the way it's put together. Furthermore, they have different clip and retainer systems than most American and Japanese vehicles. Having someone that has taken 150 door panels off an E series vs. someone who has never or rarely, to me makes a difference. Just say'in.


Agreed, and by far the biggest piece of the puzzle. INSPECT THEIR WORK!

Just wanted to dispel some of the negative stigma around Direct Repair Facilities and insurance companies in general.

 

Too many E's getting rear ended lately!! I also got rear ended yesterday but the lady's license plate barely scratched the bumper. Until yesterday, I'd never heard of Diminished Value, but my insurance agent suggested I ask for it. They stressed the obvious...ask for itafter the adjuster gives the damage estimate. Good Luck!!

 

Pewter is the slowest color[/QUOTE]

Hey be nice to the pewter cars its not our fault its the hottest colour.

 

Well dropped it off at the bodyshop that i picked and did research on where to go. Local kleemann distributor suggested it as well as a few others that i spoke with. Talked w/ MB certified body guy there and said he will go over and make sure the color matches and probably will need to blend the rears/lid/with bumper. Ferrari/Lambo of Wash take their cars here for body work as well as the benzes from this kleemann distributor shop.

Claims adjuster called and mentioned the estimate was low for an AMG and he is sure it will go up once tear down/inspection is down. Didnt have a problem with that. Adjuster used to be a master mechanic and worked in Germany for a while. Even got training at Mercedes and said your car isnt just a Mercedes, its an AMG.

I asked about the reman bumper. He said the reman bumper/aftermarket probably will not work and doesnt have a problem with a getting a new OEM bumper cover. But the shop needs to make an attempt to see if it fits,which he believes it wont. Joked and said you need to sell me your 55 and get the new E twin turbo. So he knows the car/history. Rental was a buick lacrosse or cadillac. I said CTS-V?? He said i wish i could get you in one. That car hauls!(#&*.... So hopefully it will turn out the way before the accident.

Find out the lady that hit my wife, never called it in. Insurance since Friday has been tracking her down and finally got a hold of her yesterday due to my wife calling in for a claim. Lady said i rolled into the car. Adjuster, based on the pics, you didnt roll into this car to cause that much damage. You stepped on the gas!

 

Sorry to hear about the accident. Just sent you an email to answer some of your questions regarding the insurance estimate, body shop, and repairs.

 

Sounds like you def found a great shop and you've made the right moves up till now. Hopefully everything gets taken care of and your wife is gonna be ok.

I always try to be proactive and prevent problems when it comes to this than later going back and trying to have stuff corrected.


CAK - You did mention the being upside down on the loan part. Never really been in that position so didn't consider that. I guess I would rather have a car put together with used parts than no car at all in a situation like that. I typically buy vehicles outright or keep a very small loan on them so never considered that aspect.

I just try to make sure people know their options and what to expect as I've heard about plenty of people that have ended up on the losing end of a situation involving a car accident. hanging around a bunch of car enthusiasts all the time I see and hear of many stories both good and bad. I wish there were more insurance guys that try to be as open and honest as you have been on here.