[LongRuf]

Hi friends!

After 7 weeks without my amazing wagon I will be getting her back today or tomorrow.

She was in an accident that left her needing some front suspension work, a new hood, new fender, and front bumper.

Question - This being the first time I've done this, when I pick her up from the body shop, what should I be looking for?

- Panel gaps
- Paint blemishes (any tricks or lighting to use to see?)
- Any other paint-related things to look for? The wagon is glacier silver.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
ADAM

[redEYEjedi]

If I was in your position, I would check actual paint work, installation with even lines, and most importantly the suspension. From personal experience, a car with suspension repair never drives the same after.

[LongRuf]

Yes, definitely going to drive it for a bit. From my understanding the entire suspension was replaced, so hopefully that'll help ease that issue.

Thankfully it was all done by BMW Seattle, so it's covered.

Thank you for the suggestion!

[ndx6spd]

If there's an independent euro mechanics/shops around, pay them for an inspection? Shouldn't be too much money; it'll be a learning experience and a peace of mind.

Make sure you get a detailed copy of what was done (they usually provide a copy).

[kingmonkey8]

Originally Posted by LongRuf

Hi friends!

After 7 weeks without my amazing wagon I will be getting her back today or tomorrow.

She was in an accident that left her needing some front suspension work, a new hood, new fender, and front bumper.

Question - This being the first time I've done this, when I pick her up from the body shop, what should I be looking for?

- Panel gaps
- Paint blemishes (any tricks or lighting to use to see?)
- Any other paint-related things to look for? The wagon is glacier silver.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
ADAM

Check the panels look flush with even gaps. i.e. around the hood, wings and headlights.
Check the painted panels colour matches with the existing paint with no blemishes. Look under the lacquer and check the paint texture is smooth and matches the existing paint.
Check for any paint runs or specks of dust in the paint. Best viewed in direct sunlight, view the panels from different angles i.e. head on directly, longways from the side.
Check where panels join to other panels or trim there is no paint over spray.
Drive the car and check that the tracking is straight and the steering wheel is centred. Let go of the steering wheel and see if the car veers to one side.
Check that there are no noises coming from the suspension when going over bumps.
Get up to speed and check if there are any noises or vibrations.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Also, keep in mind that reputable work done through reputable insurance are almost always warrantied. There's no rush to find everything wrong with the car. You should definitely go over it with a fine tooth comb, but any defect found with the work will be repaired. Any other problems due to the accident not found initially will be paid for by insurance.

[kingmonkey8]

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

Also, keep in mind that reputable work done through reputable insurance are almost always warrantied. There's no rush to find everything wrong with the car. You should definitely go over it with a fine tooth comb, but any defect found with the work will be repaired. Any other problems due to the accident not found initially will be paid for by insurance.

I would still check it over properly. Work is usually done by approved garages and they don't always do a good job.
Once it's done it's not easy to dispute and rectify.

[Beek]

This is not what you want to hear but ... dump that car like a hot rock. It's a problem waiting to happen. Sorry but that's my two cents worth. Good luck!

[LongRuf]

Thank you all for the advice and comments. Looking forward to getting my long roof back and also scheduling with an independent Euro dealer in the area.

Get it back tomorrow!

Thanks again!

[RuskiE39]

The shop should guarantee it's work for the life of the car. Someone backed into the fender of our car, we found the best repair shop locally and took it there since they guarantee the repairs.

[jd_perspective]

BMW should guarantee the work. I know when my last car was repaired they did.
Check the gaps, check the paint (ALL OVER, because they probably blended panels to match even if they weren't damaged) check fit and finish - ex loose parts.
Suspension you just have to drive it. I don't think other shops are going to notice problems if they are slightly out of wack.

Do you OWN this car? Lease? If lease, just make sure it's good and drive it until it's over. If OWN, I hope you are going after DIMINISHED VALUE if it was not your fault. Sounds like a SHIT TON based on how you describe it.

People will say dump it, but it could be repaired properly. Either way you'll still have significant diminished value.