[MSBimmer]

So, this past weekend some a hole got distracted and rear ended me while stopped at a red light. Below is a picture with the damage.



Its not severe. From my own inspection, it seems one of the park assist sensors got damaged, as well as, the bumper (given) - rear reflector, and maybe some internal stuff I can't really see...

So I NEED EVERYONES ADVICE HERE... The insurance is going to cover the cost of the repair. I have two options:

1. Take it to the insurance approved shops for repair, or

2. Get it appraised by an insurance adjuster and get a check.

I live in Miami and I've gotten into accidents in the past and I cannot trust any of these shops. I really want OEM stuff replaced. I was thinking directly going to the dealer and getting it fixed there? Is it even worth the over priced labor?

Any suggestions????

Thanks!

[Boulder Bill]

Ouch. What a drag.

With such a new car and the M-Sport option, you are likely to end up with OEM no matter where you go.

But if you are concerned, go ahead and get estimates from both and see how much higher the dealer is and whether you can push your/his insurer to pay the premium.

Good luck. Great looking car!

[45ACP]

Don't forget to demand for "diminished value" compensation from his insurance company. This is to help offset the lost value of your no-longer-perfect car when you go to sell in the future.

[Teemo Panda]

who is at fault? you?

Usually if they rear end you, its their fault thus use their insurance to pay for the dmg ~

[The X Men]

Since it is only a bumper replacement, I would try to find out who the dealer use for body work or look for a shop that deals with European cars and get an estimate. Ask your insurance company to honor the estimate, ask for an OEM bumper since the car is still new. Good Luck

[Keyinhand]

Always sucks when you get hit…I got tagged going to work on the passenger side rear bumper a few days ago, just behind the rear tire.

Same kind of damage to my car, only it pushed the entire rear bumper out on the impacted side and the gas tank filler neck door won't close flush. Hoping it didn't tweak the rear end badly since I just paid this car off. Parking sensor also knocked out on the impacted side.

I took mine directly to the dealer - I want OEM replacements as the car is only 2 yrs old, but I also want the certified BMW folks to do the repairs - higher cost to my insurance company but I want it back to as close as new as possible.

I'd recommend you do the same - you already mentioned you don't trust any of the other shops anyway…

[Gilgorm]

Does the dealer actually have a body shop?
Whether yes or no, I would insist on a BMW approved shop, not an insurance approved shop (unless the shop is both). Also check them out. Are they busy and what type of cars are they working on? When my E60 needed major help the BMW approved shop was VERY busy, large and packed with BMW and MBs. Guess what?--- they did an incredible job.
You should not have to accept anything other than OEM parts.

[Bmrmeup]

2013...I would get an estimate from a dealer with a body shop. I think they will do a great job. There are also many body shops out there that are really great also. Get recommendations from friends and get estimates from them also. You decide where you want to take it.....it is a 2013!

[Luigi524TD]

I would ONLY use a BMW Certified Body Shop ... they are no more expensive than an indy and they must complete the work to BMW's requirements.

Don't be pressured by any insurance company to have Harry's Paint and Shoe Repair do the work because they are cheap!

[positiveions]

That sucks.

[MSBimmer]

Thanks for everyones advice. I was able to stop by a dealer close to my house (different dealer than the one I got the car) and they have an excellent body shop. This dealer sells all kinds of high end vehicles (Bugatti, Rolls, Bentley, BMW...) and saw some of the work done to the cars. Great thing is that they deal directly with the insurance company (Something the insurance company didnt mention - which makes sense due to the higher costs, etc)

I know its just a minor repair but it sucks when the car only has 2K miles...

[GLiNTCH]

They cannot by law force you to use their shop. In Florida too, do not fall for that scam. A good German body ship will fight to get authentic parts for you and has done this many times with those insurance companies and knows how to work with them.

I use Gene Perez in Tampa.

I just got re-ended earlier this week, taking it there to deal with insurance.
They have previously done my Audi (blow off an entire front end) very recommended.

[RAB_535]

I had the same thing happen here in Miami, twice! Looks like your talkin' the Braman Body Shop. They did an excellent job and forced the use of BMW parts. One thing... check the paint color match before you leave.

In my prior rearending incident the insurance company forced me to one of their shops, disaster. The dealer shop left her much better.

[alvinabed]

Originally Posted by Boulder Bill

Ouch. What a drag.

With such a new car and the M-Sport option, you are likely to end up with OEM no matter where you go.

But if you are concerned, go ahead and get estimates from both and see how much higher the dealer is and whether you can push your/his insurer to pay the premium.

Good luck. Great looking car!

+1

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by GLiNTCH

They cannot by law force you to use their shop. In Florida too, do not fall for that scam.

But they can set a max labor rate and the use of aftermarket parts if it is in the contract.

[Hagfish2]

Definitely insist on a new original BMW bumper cover and not a rebuilt OEM. I even paid the difference since it was minimal.

[begrezal]

You should tell them it's going to the Dealership you got it from. It's still under warranty with BMW so should be replaced to the standard that it was. I've taken my BMWs to the dealer when needed and not the approved shop by my insurance company.

I live in the UK so I don't know if your insurance across the pond is any different!

[MSBimmer]

Originally Posted by RAB_535

I had the same thing happen here in Miami, twice! Looks like your talkin' the Braman Body Shop. They did an excellent job and forced the use of BMW parts. One thing... check the paint color match before you leave.

In my prior rearending incident the insurance company forced me to one of their shops, disaster. The dealer shop left her much better.

That's correct. They seem to do excellent work. I will sure check that!

Thanks for the heads up