[adilakif]

UPDATE as of 10/11/2021:
GREAT NEWS! Geico approved the repair for $7k.

---------

Comments by the BMW mechanic; Suspension damage present from impact. Steering Rack, both outer tie rods, both knuckles and right side lower control arm will need to be replaced.

I crashed yesterday during rain. I didn't see the flooded road ahead, I lost the car instantly and I hit the curbs on the side of the road. I took it to BMW this morning. Repair estimate is $10,800, tax included. I have full coverage, $2,000 deductible. I submitted the claim this morning, still waiting for news from the insurance.

Car is 2013 328i xDrive (Luxury package), 41k miles. There is no visible damage outside but insides are gone. Car doesn't go straight, goes towards right making circles. I love my car. I am not sure if insurance will get it fixed. They will probably look at it next week. Car is at the dealership. What should I do? My first ever accident. Any input is appreciated.


EDIT: added video:

[Psi5]

At this point, gotta wait for your insurance company. That amount is dangerously approaching a range where they might total the car. A quick estimate is that the repair bill is about 60-65% of the car's value. A few more discovered problems and you'll be past 75%. Not to scare you but realistically, it is certainly possible. Good luck.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Psi5

At this point, gotta wait for your insurance company. That amount is dangerously approaching a range where they might total the car. A quick estimate is that the repair bill is about 60-65% of the car's value. A few more discovered problems and you'll be past 75%. Not to scare you but realistically, it is certainly possible. Good luck.

I agree.

[Desertnate]

Agree with the other comments on waiting for the decision by the insurance company.

I wouldn't be surprised if they don't discover additional damage based on what is listed already; like damage to the sub-frame or even front drive shafts.

[sspade]

If the repair cost is $11k, your 2013 will be totaled. Car is only worth $15k maximum.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by sspade

If the repair cost is $11k, your 2013 will be totaled. Car is only worth $15k maximum.

Kelley Blue Book values it as high as $18,850, private party. Insurance would pay retail value plus sales tax.

[sspade]

?

[sspade]

I think its going to be totaled. Could be wrong obviously. Definitely not trying to be a dick.

11k / 16k = 69%

[tturedraider]

AutoTrader has six regular 2013 328i xDrives around 40k miles listed between $16,000 - $19,000. Adding the Luxury line would probably add at least $1,000. I’m guessing the car is going to be right on the line of being totaled. If you like having the Luxury line model I think I’d recommend pushing to fix it, unless there’s frame damage. On the other hand if they want to total it I’d push for at least $20,000 as a fair retail price.

[bavarianride]

If the damage is suspension only without frame issue, then I think adjustor will writeup an estimate of $6k(e.g.) and then authorize a teardown to confirm any further damage.

[Wires]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

AutoTrader has six regular 2013 328i xDrives around 40k miles listed between $16,000 - $19,000. Adding the Luxury line would probably add at least $1,000. I’m guessing the car is going to be right on the line of being totaled. If you like having the Luxury line model I think I’d recommend pushing to fix it, unless there’s frame damage. On the other hand if they want to total it I’d push for at least $20,000 as a fair retail price.

Keep in mind the value depends on location. Where I live, it's "truck country". My pickup held it's value very well, my 2008 335 did not.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by adilakif

Comments by the BMW mechanic; Suspension damage present from impact. Steering Rack, both outer tie rods, both knuckles and right side lower control arm will need to be replaced.

I crashed yesterday during rain. I didn't see the flooded road ahead, I lost the car instantly and I hit the curbs on the side of the road. I took it to BMW this morning. Repair estimate is $10,800, tax included. I have full coverage, $2,000 deductible. I submitted the claim this morning, still waiting for news from the insurance.

Car is 2013 328i xDrive (Luxury package), 41k miles. There is no visible damage outside but insides are gone. Car doesn't go straight, goes towards right making circles. I love my car. I am not sure if insurance will get it fixed. They will probably look at it next week. Car is at the dealership. What should I do? My first ever accident. Any input is appreciated.

Do you have any photo you can post?

[adilakif]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

If the damage is suspension only without frame issue, then I think adjustor will writeup an estimate of $6k(e.g.) and then authorize a teardown to confirm any further damage.

What would that estimate mean? They would only pay that much and I would pay the rest?

[adilakif]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Do you have any photo you can post?

I didn't take any pictures because I didn't see any damage. You can see the real damage in this video sent by BMW:

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by adilakif

What would that estimate mean? They would only pay that much and I would pay the rest?

There’s usually an initial estimate and then once things are taken apart a final estimate. From that video I’d be surprised if they total the car.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by adilakif

What would that estimate mean? They would only pay that much and I would pay the rest?

Adjustor can only inspect and assess visible damage, e.g. bent control arm. Once those components are removed, any underlying damage can be further assessed. E.g. it is unclear if steering rack is damaged or not.

Do pick a trusted shop to do the teardown, as it is tricky(although possible) to switch shop once the car is taken apart.

From your updated video, this looks like a moderate curb hit. For one the impacted tire does not even have damage.

If the hit is high impact, the wheel will be bent and get pushed into the passenger cabin, and more suspension pieces will be damaged.

[sspade]

BMW recommends replacement of the steering rack for any impact to the front wheels, let alone one hard enough to destroy suspension components.

After seeing the video and confirming zero body damage… this doesn't look as bad as I expected and not 11k worth of damage. Would like to see the parts breakdown since a new rack is about $3k. Control arms and labor surely dont make up the other 8k, do they?

[adilakif]

Originally Posted by sspade

BMW recommends replacement of the steering rack for any impact to the front wheels, let alone one hard enough to destroy suspension components.

After seeing the video and confirming zero body damage… this doesn't look as bad as I expected and not 11k worth of damage. Would like to see the parts breakdown since a new rack is about $3k. Control arms and labor surely dont make up the other 8k, do they?

Total repair estimate:$10863.48
Parts:$7682.49
Labor:$2506.00
Taxes:$674.99

Mechhanic told me exactly what you said about the steering rack. And that alone costs $4k he said.

[adilakif]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Adjustor can only inspect and assess visible damage, e.g. bent control arm. Once those components are removed, any underlying damage can be further assessed. E.g. it is unclear if steering rack is damaged or not.

Do pick a trusted shop to do the teardown, as it is tricky(although possible) to switch shop once the car is taken apart.

From your updated video, this looks like a moderate curb hit. For one the impacted tire does not even have damage.

If the hit is high impact, the wheel will be bent and get pushed into the passenger cabin, and more suspension pieces will be damaged.

When the technician in the video says I will be recommending this rim, what does he mean?

[BimR]

Ok take a step back and assess. Car will either be totalled if repair costs are too high or fixed if it stays around 11k. You have a little bit of a borderline case. So you have a choice to make. Do you want to buy a new car with the $16k check they give you (assume this value) or do you prefer repairs?

Bottom line - the insurance company will decide *something* but you should also have your preference and try to push for that outcome, whatever you decide.

None of this means you will succeed but you should be doing some math in your head right now to figure out what you ideally want out of this mess.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by adilakif

When the technician in the video says I will be recommending this rim, what does he mean?

@0:48 of the clip shows that the inner lip of the front right rim appears to be scratched, and the tech implied that the rim is bent.

Did u hit curbs with both front wheels? The clip shows front left control arm, and right tie rod are bent.

BMW says this about steering box replacement, the track rod((another name of tie rod) damage does require replacement of steering rack.

"Steering gear procedure:

The steering box must be replaced if one or more of the following points apply:

1. Visible or noticeable damage to the steering box
   • Version with electric steering box (EPS): Examine in particular the control unit with all plug connections for damage and hairline cracks.
2. Unacceptable torque increase and jamming when the steering box is turned from lock to lock (without hydraulic/electrical assistance)
3. Fire damage
4. Damage, permanent deformation or fractures to:
   
   • Wheel rims in the event of a negative result from the wheel alignment check
   • Spring struts, steering stubs, wheel carriers
   • Wishbones
   • Struts or trailing links or anti-roll bar with this function
   • Body-side screwing/attachment points for wheel guide/control components
   • Front axle support
   • Pitman arms
   • Track rods
   • Steering box fixtures
   • Steering column
5. A lopsided steering wheel, significant deviations of camber/track values and noises when cranking the steering can be additional indications for the damage/deformations listed here.

Note:
If the steering box replacement work which is required for safety reasons is refused by the customer or an insurance company for cost reasons, a memorandum to that effect must be drawn up and countersigned by the party bearing the costs of the accident repair"

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by BimR

Ok take a step back and assess. Car will either be totalled if repair costs are too high or fixed if it stays around 11k. You have a little bit of a borderline case. So you have a choice to make. Do you want to buy a new car with the $16k check they give you (assume this value) or do you prefer repairs?

Bottom line - the insurance company will decide *something* but you should also have your preference and try to push for that outcome, whatever you decide.

None of this means you will succeed but you should be doing some math in your head right now to figure out what you ideally want out of this mess.

NJ is a TLF state(same as CA).

Salvage value of F30 with N20/N6 + ZF 8AT around here easily goes above $6k.

If OP's car is worth $16k FMV, a repair cost of $10k+ will total the car.

Also, insurance usually goes with trade(e.g. picks comparable trade sales from dealers), so that can drop appraised value to $13k(e.g.) dependent on mileage and conditions.

That can further drop cutoff of repair cost down to $7k+.