Another valet horror story. - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

ARSAIR · 03-23-2009, 01:11 AM

So I was in Downtown Los Angeles last night. Went to a lounge that had mandatory valet since there was no self parking. At the end of the night this is the result. The worse part is they did not tell me I noticed it this morning. They were slick and did not pull my car completely out of the structure the guy got out with the car half out of the structure. I thought it was weird but didn't question it, only this morning did I notice the following. So after going back this afternoon and going nuclear they gave me a claim form and told to wait for a call.

The best I can tell the valet mistook Reverse for First Gear and floored it.

So I have a couple questions, and yes I have

.

First, even though I am an attorney, I do not do criminal law. So my first question is whether or not if I go there right now and run over all the valets I would be in trouble?

Second, what is a new bumper with installation in the LA area costing me?

Third, will the valet company cover the cost? Please only people who this has happened answer this question.

Four, has anyone sued a valet company? Because if they do not pay I am suing, even if I do not win I will make them spend thousands of dollars just to defend themselves.

Five, sorry for the venting but I am so pissed!

blue2fire · 03-23-2009, 01:19 AM

Sucks, you should talk to the Lounge first. Common sense dictates that they will deny everything and say you should have inspected it before leaving. This will not be easy or pleasant.

MrToad · 03-23-2009, 01:23 AM

File insurance claim, get Mtech rear now

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 03-23-2009, 01:26 AM

Damn!
Sorry to hear man.
Valet FTL.
Good luck with this situation.
Try for M-tech rear

blue2fire · 03-23-2009, 01:27 AM

You should see if there was any internal damage. The cover itself(Part 1) costs $420 on Tischer, you can easily think about $1100-1200 for the whole paint and install from the local dealer.

preciseeye · 03-23-2009, 01:36 AM

This has happened to me in another car. It was much worse that that, the whole rear was smashed in. They immediately told me when i went to pick up my car, but in my case, since they admit fault, they paid for the repairs as well as the loaner car.

Since you didn't notice it right away nor did they informed you, it's tough to say what they will do. No one may know of it except the valet guy who actually caused it. Perhaps you can go find him and question him. Good luck, I know the feeling.

bsamoul · 03-23-2009, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARSAIR

So my first question is whether or not if I go there right now and run over all the valets I would be in trouble?

Probably.

If at the least you can have insurance take care of it and just pay your deductible. I'm sorry to see what happened, that's completely unacceptable.

Saigon · 03-23-2009, 01:50 AM

looks like a new bumper for sure, one of the tabs holding it in is broken. they will not recondition it.

freshwhite335 · 03-23-2009, 01:56 AM

I doubt they will do anything for you since you drove away in the car. But, since you're an attorney you can throw that around to see if it gets you anywhere.

methodtim · 03-23-2009, 02:28 AM

As far as I can tell, this isn't a criminal case (unless you do go run over the valets).

3lusive · 03-23-2009, 05:43 AM

As others have said, it would be a lot harder now to try and claim that they did it since you left the lounge already and its been quite a while. All they'd say is that you did it after you left. Without parking structure cameras or witnesses, its just another your word vs their word case.

pony_trekker · 03-23-2009, 06:15 AM

You can give it to your insurance or if they dick around, I would just file a small claims case.

I would have fucked that valet up.

I don't think it would be a big deal about not not noticing the dent until after -- the guy DID try to deliberately hide it. Just a question of fact instead of a directed verdict for your.

E90330iS · 03-23-2009, 06:30 AM

sucks... try if they will admit it first

Cab5er · 03-23-2009, 07:20 AM

Lame

Valet FTL

BimmerRat · 03-23-2009, 07:45 AM

freaking awful. sorry man.

what lounge was this in LA? i'll make sure to avoid having to valet there at all costs!

shift330 · 03-23-2009, 09:01 AM

Wow! That's pretty nasty looking. Good luck!

cn555ic · 03-23-2009, 09:11 AM

That really sucks...I always tell the person that parks the car there is not one scratch on the car, then when I pick up the car from valet I always do a 360 visual inspection of the car...Hard to claim something after the fact since you left the premise, they can say it was done after you left the parking garage...Check to see if they have cameras coming into the garage to show that the bumper was not damaged when you entered there. good luck

finleyg · 03-23-2009, 09:14 AM

If at all possible, go back to the spot where you think he might have hit the wall and take pictures. There could well be a mark consistent with the damage on your vehicle or some plastic from the bumper ground into the wall. If you get that Pic it is going to be very hard for them to explain. Also, measure the height to the impact mark and photograph the spot which is the most likely culprit... I do civil work in Missouri and those are the things I would do right away, it will help your claim if you can find anything.

Fin

E90Graphite07 · 03-23-2009, 09:21 AM

Ouch! They sure did quite a number on that bumper. Sorry to hear that. I've always been annoyed of businesses who run mandatory valet services. Have heard of too many horror stories, that i typically ride along w/ a friend who doesn't drive such a luxurious vehicle like ours. They're usually the ones that have their cars intact and untouched. Good luck on the claim...

Seminole · 03-23-2009, 09:21 AM

Do what finleyg said for sure.

I also noticed the tow hitch cover is missing. Go back and ask to speak with the manager. Find out where the car was parked, and walk back with him to the spot. You should be able to see damage on the wall/pole for one (assuming they actually hit a wall/pole and not another car!), but the cover may be on the floor as well. Take lots of pictures. If there is paint transfer on the wall and the cover on the ground it will be hard for them to deny it.

I can't speak for the costs of getting/painting a new bumper in LA, but here in Tallahassee it cost me $1150 to get my rear bumper replaced.

ragingclue · 03-23-2009, 09:39 AM

I know it might be a pain, but be sure to do as much of your communication with the valet and their management in person. It's a lot harder for them to dodge you when you're in their face with the car that they know they screwed up. Address that particular valet personally when others aren't around. Make sure he knows he won't get into trouble (this may be a lie), and get him to admit guilt. That's as much as you need.

But I also say go back and look for that cover and any marks. That would be your best angle.

v12 · 03-23-2009, 09:41 AM

Have you tried to contact the Valet parking and the venue managers?

File a police report. It'll be needed for everything you do from now on.

Insurance claim is the best bet.

03-23-2009, 01:11 AM	#1
ARSAIR The Choosen One! Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 41 iTrader: (0)	Another valet horror story. So I was in Downtown Los Angeles last night. Went to a lounge that had mandatory valet since there was no self parking. At the end of the night this is the result. The worse part is they did not tell me I noticed it this morning. They were slick and did not pull my car completely out of the structure the guy got out with the car half out of the structure. I thought it was weird but didn't question it, only this morning did I notice the following. So after going back this afternoon and going nuclear they gave me a claim form and told to wait for a call. The best I can tell the valet mistook Reverse for First Gear and floored it. So I have a couple questions, and yes I have . First, even though I am an attorney, I do not do criminal law. So my first question is whether or not if I go there right now and run over all the valets I would be in trouble? Second, what is a new bumper with installation in the LA area costing me? Third, will the valet company cover the cost? Please only people who this has happened answer this question. Four, has anyone sued a valet company? Because if they do not pay I am suing, even if I do not win I will make them spend thousands of dollars just to defend themselves. Five, sorry for the venting but I am so pissed! Attached Images __________________ E92 335i \| 6MT \| Space Gray \| Black \| Grey Poplar \| Sport \| Premium \| iPod \| HD \| Rear Window Sunshade \| Comfort
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03-23-2009, 01:36 AM	#6
preciseeye Captain Drives: bmw Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 647 iTrader: (6)	This has happened to me in another car. It was much worse that that, the whole rear was smashed in. They immediately told me when i went to pick up my car, but in my case, since they admit fault, they paid for the repairs as well as the loaner car. Since you didn't notice it right away nor did they informed you, it's tough to say what they will do. No one may know of it except the valet guy who actually caused it. Perhaps you can go find him and question him. Good luck, I know the feeling. __________________ 09 E92 Montego Blue

03-23-2009, 01:50 AM	#8
Saigon Brigadier General Drives: BSM E92 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,517 iTrader: (46)	looks like a new bumper for sure, one of the tabs holding it in is broken. they will not recondition it. __________________ 07' Alpine White E93 335i M-Sport \| BMW Performance \| Beige l Piano Black l Sport l Premium l Heated l Navi \| Steptronic l Comfort Access l Logic7 l iPod & USB \|

03-23-2009, 01:56 AM	#9
freshwhite335 Colonel Drives: 2011 135i DCT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: 904 FL Posts: 2,825 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [0.00]	I doubt they will do anything for you since you drove away in the car. But, since you're an attorney you can throw that around to see if it gets you anywhere. __________________ 2011 135i DCT Jet Black/Black/Grey Poplar ZMP, ZPP, ZCV, ZVP, ZCW, 609, Sirius LCI Blacklines, BMWP Grilles, Ziza Interior Lights

03-23-2009, 02:28 AM	#10
methodtim Brigadier General Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Darkness there, and nothing more Posts: 3,636 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i Sedan [0.00] 2008 Mini Cooper [0.00] 2006 Honda Ridgelin ... [0.00]	As far as I can tell, this isn't a criminal case (unless you do go run over the valets). __________________ 09 E90 335i \|Monaco Blue \|Step\|ZPP\|ZSP\|ZCW \| L7 \| iPod \| CA

03-23-2009, 01:23 AM	#3
MrToad I rike bee em dub u Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: City of Angels/Sunny SoCal Posts: 753 iTrader: (4)	File insurance claim, get Mtech rear now

03-23-2009, 01:26 AM	#4
PaulBailey@ltbmw BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 26,652 iTrader: (33) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [3.50] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [3.98]	Damn! Sorry to hear man. Valet FTL. Good luck with this situation. Try for M-tech rear

03-23-2009, 05:43 AM	#11
3lusive Captain Drives: Nothing Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 948 iTrader: (7) Garage List 2012 Chevrolet Volt [0.00] 2010 Audi A4 2.0T [0.00] 2010 BMW 135i Conve ... [0.00]	As others have said, it would be a lot harder now to try and claim that they did it since you left the lounge already and its been quite a while. All they'd say is that you did it after you left. Without parking structure cameras or witnesses, its just another your word vs their word case.

03-23-2009, 06:15 AM	#12
pony_trekker Second Lieutenant Drives: 328 xdrive coupe Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NY Posts: 271 iTrader: (0)	You can give it to your insurance or if they dick around, I would just file a small claims case. I would have fucked that valet up. I don't think it would be a big deal about not not noticing the dent until after -- the guy DID try to deliberately hide it. Just a question of fact instead of a directed verdict for your.

03-23-2009, 06:30 AM	#13
E90330iS Major General Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Redwood City, California Posts: 6,303 iTrader: (55) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	sucks... try if they will admit it first

03-23-2009, 07:20 AM	#14
Cab5er Colonel Drives: 09 E90 M3 & 07 TL Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fremont, Hainan Posts: 2,321 iTrader: (22)	Lame Valet FTL __________________ E90 ///M3/ AW/ Fox Red

03-23-2009, 07:45 AM	#15
BimmerRat Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Posts: 208 iTrader: (0)	freaking awful. sorry man. what lounge was this in LA? i'll make sure to avoid having to valet there at all costs! __________________ 2007 335i Coupe Jet Black / Black Leather / Aluminum / Steptronic w. Paddles / Premium / Sport / CA / Navigation / Satellite

03-23-2009, 09:01 AM	#16
shift330 Blue Force Tracker Drives: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sierra Vista, AZ Posts: 1,378 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Wow! That's pretty nasty looking. Good luck! __________________ Stay safe 855th MP Company! Hosmer/Espinoza you're my boys!!

03-23-2009, 09:11 AM	#17
cn555ic The Coding Guy Drives: FBO 335i Vert meth/nitrous Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 17,872 iTrader: (5)	That really sucks...I always tell the person that parks the car there is not one scratch on the car, then when I pick up the car from valet I always do a 360 visual inspection of the car...Hard to claim something after the fact since you left the premise, they can say it was done after you left the parking garage...Check to see if they have cameras coming into the garage to show that the bumper was not damaged when you entered there. good luck

03-23-2009, 09:14 AM	#18
finleyg New Member Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 9 iTrader: (0)	Pictures If at all possible, go back to the spot where you think he might have hit the wall and take pictures. There could well be a mark consistent with the damage on your vehicle or some plastic from the bumper ground into the wall. If you get that Pic it is going to be very hard for them to explain. Also, measure the height to the impact mark and photograph the spot which is the most likely culprit... I do civil work in Missouri and those are the things I would do right away, it will help your claim if you can find anything. Fin

03-23-2009, 09:21 AM	#19
E90Graphite07 First Lieutenant Drives: 07 E90 335i & 00 Honda Prelude Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 349 iTrader: (0)	Ouch! They sure did quite a number on that bumper. Sorry to hear that. I've always been annoyed of businesses who run mandatory valet services. Have heard of too many horror stories, that i typically ride along w/ a friend who doesn't drive such a luxurious vehicle like ours. They're usually the ones that have their cars intact and untouched. Good luck on the claim... __________________ 2007 BMW 335i - E90 2006 Jeep Commander Limited HEMI - XK

03-23-2009, 09:21 AM	#20
Seminole Lieutenant Colonel Drives: Red Flyer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: 38.8977° N, 77.0366° W Posts: 1,986 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 E90 328i [3.50]	Do what finleyg said for sure. I also noticed the tow hitch cover is missing. Go back and ask to speak with the manager. Find out where the car was parked, and walk back with him to the spot. You should be able to see damage on the wall/pole for one (assuming they actually hit a wall/pole and not another car!), but the cover may be on the floor as well. Take lots of pictures. If there is paint transfer on the wall and the cover on the ground it will be hard for them to deny it. I can't speak for the costs of getting/painting a new bumper in LA, but here in Tallahassee it cost me $1150 to get my rear bumper replaced. __________________

03-23-2009, 09:39 AM	#21
ragingclue My interior is turrible Drives: stickferanaxle Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville Posts: 6,667 iTrader: (1)	I know it might be a pain, but be sure to do as much of your communication with the valet and their management in person. It's a lot harder for them to dodge you when you're in their face with the car that they know they screwed up. Address that particular valet personally when others aren't around. Make sure he knows he won't get into trouble (this may be a lie), and get him to admit guilt. That's as much as you need. But I also say go back and look for that cover and any marks. That would be your best angle.

03-23-2009, 09:41 AM	#22
v12 Private First Class Drives: F10 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Manhattan Posts: 159 iTrader: (0)	Have you tried to contact the Valet parking and the venue managers? File a police report. It'll be needed for everything you do from now on. Insurance claim is the best bet.

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