Quick update guys. The adjuster estimated just under $11k from just the exterior. We're towing to the body shop now so they can check under the hood for engine damage, etc.

 

LOL, very true. I wasn't a big fan of it either, now theres a nice E63 Grill there.

 

My exterior only quote was 3800.00. They found another 2100.00 after they pulled the bumper. You will probably need some things I didn't need....

 

Sorry to hear about your car! That sucks! As others have stated, it's more important that no one got hurt, after all, sheet metal can always be repaired or replaced! Bones & organs are a little more complicated!

 

Time for the E63 upgrade! I had a minor front bumper incident earlier this week which was just the kick in the *** I needed to upgrade. Gary shipped new parts today.

 

Last year the wife thought she had her Vette in D but it was in 'R in the freaking driveway. My E63 was behind the Vette as I just pulled into the driveway. She gunned the Vette and it slammed back into the beast.
$11k in damage to pretty much replace everything you need as well.
Hate to see those pics. Brought back memories.
Good Luck. I had Magnum Collision here in Atlanta do the work and it came out perfect.

 

That's the worst when it takes out two of your own cars.

 

I rear ended my wife once while leaving our neighborhood about 12 years ago. I was so pissed at myself.

 

I'm willing to bet the other damage under the hood etc. is just as much.

I'm calling it a write off.

 

Yep, divorce lawyers can be expensive

 

Not surprised at all and sure another $4-5k under the hood easily.

 

So the body shop gave an update for around $12k total (an increase of $1k from the insurance adjuster's estimate). This is replacing the hood, bumper, fender, etc. But that's with aftermarket parts. I'm not sure how to request OEM parts. Surprisingly I didn't see any engine repair/parts needed except for the AC Compressor. I'm skeptical about this as I though the radiator was toast, but maybe I was wrong.

 

I would rather get used OEM parts esp for a low volume car like the E55 amg which a front end collision already hurts its resale value. Let alone remanufactured parts.

 

Around 15K would be my best guess. Keep us updated. Glad you're OK.

 

Is there anyone local to Norcal that is interested in the car as is? It's pretty much fully loaded, 2006 E55 88k miles, pano roof, parktronic, nav, dynamic seats, auto trunk closer, heated and cooled seats, keyless go, excellent service records, new PSS tires, etc.

I was thinking of having it inspected by a different repair shop thats mercedes certified as they may have a higher estimate which will trigger it to be simply written off. I honestly just don't want the unnecessary stress of the potential of the supercharger pulley/belt not being 100% or the air suspension having dormant issues caused by this accident.

What what I'm heard, let's say the estimated repair is $15k and I decide to not repair the car and just take the check, then they don't necessarily have to pay me $15k, but it could be more like $10k or less?

 

Do you owe money on the car or did you pay cash for it? This is paramount.

 

Paid cash

 

Then you can take the check from the insurance and do whatever the hell you want with it.

 

To play games with people that try and go this route however, adjusters will intentionally leave off items that they know will be on the final bill, so that the first check will be less money. "oh don't worry about it, you can do a supplement later" they'll tell you. They make it more work to do the whole BS dance with them and bring the goofball adjuster back out, show hi mwhats damaged, convince him it needs to be replaced, get another check, and so on.

If you can get the list as comprehensive as possible and be aware of the BS they'll try and pull with you,you can get much more for your claim.

 

I'm going to have the adjuster email me an itemized report tomorrow.

 

Go get another estimate, are you mistaken about the AC comp, any cost for recharge? evaporator replacement, plastic rad tank cracks, frame misalignment, was the car speced out for frame straightening or at least check.

A lot of body shop adjusters put in a low bid to get the job and do shoddy work to boot.
Will the aftermarket parts fit first time or will they incurr further time and money outlay for your insurance to meet your satisfaction which is exactly what the shop must do to get you to except the car when they are finished.

Take the car now to a certified MB repair shop for the OEM parts estimate and chances are the insurance co will write the car off. Going out on a limb but in Canada you have the choice as to where the car is repaired and also you must be satisfied with the repair in the end.

There is not a chance in hell the insurance co will give you a cheque unless it is a write off, also do not ask for other than E55 parts, no improvements or mods either.

Don't yell but be firm in all communication, if you are a good customer and have limited issues with insurance then you are on the high ground.

Good Luck

 

No offense at all intended, but perhaps things are done differently in Canada because you can 100% get the repair check made out to yourself as long as there are no liens on the car. Then the repair check will be made out to you/repair shop AND the lienholder. The lienholder representative will then need to see the repaired car in order to sign off on the check.

 

Make sure you ask for a high quality paint and the scratch/scuff resistant clear coat. This is what the factory put on it and its notably more expensive. When I was hit I worked with a body shop that does high end restorations and we got Allstate to pay extra for Glasurit 55 line paint and the scratch resistant clear coat. I would demand the same. If they argue tell them that's the equivalent to what is on it from the factory and you don't want part of the car having a softer paint that will get all swirly and make the car a nightmare to buff evenly later. My adjuster asked how I even knew about it and the shop had to explain I'm a car nut and know what I have. It'll add a few hundred to the repairs but with as much work as you need it's a small blip on the cost radar.

Glasurit 55 line is what you want, plus the anti-scratch clear from Glasurit as well. This is what I had applied ans it was a PERFECT match for me and its the Mercedes of paints.

http://www.glasurit.com/uk/glasurit-55-line