[550iF10]

Hi Everyone,

Not the best first post, but I need some reassurance from the experts. I got into an accident with some (what appears to be) significant front end damage, and one part of the estimate doesn't make sense to me.

It is the initial Geico estimate, and for the frame rail damage they have listed "Pull Right Frame Rail - 1 hour." I am no expert, but that doesn't seem right to me. If they decide to fix it, is the aluminum frame even "fixable" or would it need to be replaced? It's not just bent, but also kinked. It's hard to imagine that fixing this part only takes one hour, and by pulling on top of it! Could it be that the adjustor is just waiting for the actual bodyshop (took it to the dealership) to do an extensive write up of what's needed and didn't want to get invovled as it requires disassembling a lot of the front end? Again, I'm no expert, but isn't this a major job?

Just need some reassurance that I will get the car back in the same condition it was before. Thanks!!

[Stück]

From what I can see in that picture all that is damaged is the front bumper carrier with the frame horn extension, which has done what it is designed to and crumpled. It inserts into a steel frame opening which I cannot see under all the broken plastic. Now the upper inner structure on your car, the part that wraps around is definitely bent. Maybe that is what they are saying needs pulling? I would replace that proper though, not pull it.

My 535i was wrecked about as bad when I got it, and I fixed it myself in my garage.

[550iF10]

Thanks for your input. I am working with pictures that Geico took. Can I expect any mechanical issues? This is a 550i with DHP. Here's another picture? Right now the estimate only has body damage, but I guess it's hard to tell since it's crumpled. I could not turn the wheel after the impact and had drivetrain, transmission and a few other faults...

[Stück]

I work with collision cars all the time, the initial estimate you get from the adjuster is just that.. an initial estimate. Absolutely expect a supplemental estimate from the shop conducting the repairs as they get the car blown apart and find concealed damage.

This is 100% normal for collision repairs, the insurance company doesn't want to estimate stuff they cant see or aren't sure about. The initial estimate just provides a starting point.

[SilverRevlis]

It's impossible for anyone to say if you will have mechanical issues or not. Same with getting reassurance it will be returned to OEM condition. I would suggest once its fixed to sell it ASAP.

[550iF10]

Well, that angst was short lived. Just got a call and they said it will be a total loss. The original estimate more than doubled.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by 550iF10

Well, that angst was short lived. Just got a call and they said it will be a total loss. The original estimate more than doubled.

Sorry to hear that, but sometimes it's for the best. Might be better to have it totaled than have issues after it's been repaired.

What matters is that everyone's OK, cars come and go. Look at the bright side, time to start car shopping again.

[spielnicht]

Sorry to hear that, but the initial estimate is almost always wrong and more damage is there to be discovered. I've had estimates triple in the process and that didn't even shock me.

They'll know more about what it'll take to straighten the frame when they hook it up to a Celette bench. The set up on that alone is 1+ hours.

[AlteBMW]

Originally Posted by 550iF10

Well, that angst was short lived. Just got a call and they said it will be a total loss. The original estimate more than doubled.

Not surprised after seeing the photos. You're probably beter off in a new car. I hope your insurance will not leave you with a big hole.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by 550iF10

Well, that angst was short lived. Just got a call and they said it will be a total loss. The original estimate more than doubled.

sorry to hear that!