[bavarian19]

As many of you know, my car was hit by another driver about 3 weeks ago (as of August 19th... my bday ).

My car sat at a collision shop that BMW of Sterling has used for some of their repairs. It is an independent shop, but has worked on many luxury vehicles before. My car sat at this shop (to be unnamed) for a week. After hearing this news, I asked that the car be towed to BMW of Fairfax Collision Center to get the work done. This decision was made to move the car as of Wednesday after work, but the car was not moved until Friday after business hours .

I call BMW of Fairfax on Monday morning to ensure that everything was delivered to them so that they could work on my car. The car was not delivered to them, and at this time do not know where it is... I get the call in the afternoon that the car was delivered to the dealership (about a 1/4 mile away), but could not tow it without a key. The body shop (still to be unnamed) did not give the key to the tow truck that brought it to Farfax.

So I drive my second key in after work on Monday (loss of yet another day where they could have been looking at my car). On the drive in, I give the repair shop an earfull for not delivering the key with the car.


I give the shop at BMW of Farifax plenty of room for the first week and a half, and do not call in every day to see what they have done. I did call yesterday just to check its progress, and they have the bodywork repaired, and are currently installing the components they needed to replace. These components being:

- 2 style 162 wheels (1 front, 1 rear)
- rear lower control arm
- rear shock

I was a little hesitant that this was all they needed, but was told that if nothing else was needed, then I could have my car back today. They were going to do a full diagnostic check of the suspension and engine mounting brackets. If anything new came up, they would order it, and continue with the install.



So I call during my lunch break...

'Oh, you are the 3 series owner, right?' (and long pause)

I about crap my pants...


Well, my car needed a few more items... The parts have already been ordered, but here goes the new list...

- 2 upper control arms
- suspension bushings
- a new rear axle


I am told the parts should be in this Friday, and should expect to be back in my car about Wednesday or Thursday of next week.



For being in an accident that was not my fault, I feel like this has taken over my life... If its not one thing, its another. I apologize for this rediculously long post, but I just needed to vent... Im so ready to be back in my E90

[oneshare325]

That suck man! Atleast you know they are checking everything!
They are replacing your 162's? is your insurance paying for you aftermarket wheels...(i know they really arn't aftermarket but still)

[bavarian19]

oh... the accident itself...


Im traveling about 55-60 on a 6 lane divided road with the sunroof down and enjoying life (route 7 for those of you that know it). Guy was driving in the lane next to me. This moron stops paying attention to driving, and leans down to pick something up off of the floor. In the meantime he clips the rear end of my car sending me into a spin.

I am just about backwards by the time I can really react. I engage the clutch and am on the brakes (going backwards at that speed was an interesting feeling). Wheel is cut as I was trying to countersteer the slide, and I catch traction and go ass first (for the most part) over the curb. It was moreso passenger side first, and hence why most of the suspension damage is located on the passenger side.

Being as the grass is so dry, it kicks up a ton of dust as I am sliding to a stop. Of course, with the sunroof down, a good amount of it is kicked into the car.


Thats the accident...

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by oneshare325

That suck man! Atleast you know they are checking everything!
They are replacing your 162's? is your insurance paying for you aftermarket wheels...(i know they really arn't aftermarket but still)

Being as they are OEM, they are replacing them without question.


I am lucky that they are taking care of everything. I talked to the body work guy and mechanic in the shop when I dropped off my keys... I told them I would rather them hold on to the car longer and get it right than to have a speedy return of my car...

[oneshare325]

You can look on the brightside about that atleast!

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by oneshare325

You can look on the brightside about that atleast!

Also on the bright side, they did have to remove my engine to check the engine mounting points (due to the jolt the car recieved from jumping the curb). Luckily there was no damage there...

[cycler2]

Bavarian,

Looks like you're getting to the end of your saga. I feel for you. That's a terrible thing to endure especially when you're not at fault. Hope you are back on the road soon.

BTW, did the other guy's insurance company at least furnish you an intereting rental car?

Rich

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by cycler2

BTW, did the other guy's insurance company at least furnish you an interesting rental car?

Rich...


Its interesting alright!!! Its a Red Pontiac Vibe


We both have State Farm insurance, and it was a real easy transaction insurance wise (unfortunately, I have been hit in other vehicles a few times, and have had some not so pleasant dealings with other insurance companies).

Its just dealing with the one shop that drove me up the wall...

[YuBimmer]

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope everything turns out well and that your car comes back in perfect condition. Pittsburgh's gonna lose by the way!

[KL2DC]

AJ,

I knew the first diagnosis/assesment wasn't sufficient...the additional parts sounds about right in light of the accident description. The main thing is that the car did not sustain frame damage. So that sounds pretty much like all the major pieces in the rear suspension. Only the front has a subframe, right? What about the bodywork/touchup, how's that going? What about the key-in-ignition issue?

Looks like Shim has his work cut out for him...

In any event, I mirror cycler2's comments, looks like you're nearing the end of the saga. Wish you all the best, again I know how difficult all this is for you.

Greetings from Sunny Tampa

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

AJ,

I knew the first diagnosis/assesment wasn't sufficient...the additional parts sounds about right in light of the accident description. The main thing is that the car did not sustain frame damage. So that sounds pretty much like all the major pieces in the rear suspension. Only the front has a subframe, right? What about the bodywork/touchup, how's that going? What about the key-in-ignition issue?

Looks like Shim has his work cut out for him...

In any event, I mirror cycler2's comments, looks like you're nearing the end of the saga. Wish you all the best, again I know how difficult all this is for you.

Greetings from Sunny Tampa

Unfortunately, BMW of Fairfax is not right around the corner from me, so I have not been to the shop since I dropped off my keys.

As I said, I did talk to both guys who would be working on my car, and they certainly understood my passion with this car and how meticulous I have been with it (for the most part). They seemed very knowledgeable about the E90 and how the repairs on it were going to be different than most of the vehicles they see in the shop as of now...

I am told the body work has been taken care of. I have not heard anything about the key slot problem I had, so I assume it has been taken care of. It might have been an adjustment in the center console and no new parts needed.

At any rate... I am really looking forward to its return... I think im going to go to a close by parking lot and do donuts in the vibe


Enjoy sunny FL Donny!!!

[KL2DC]

I take it back...

Its more like rainy Tampa, FL

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

I take it back...

Its more like rainy Tampa, FL

I wouldnt expect it to be sunny at 12:30 in the morning

[BK]

AJ - sorry to hear the nightmare still isn't over. Best of luck to you and your E90 and I hope to hear you guys are reunited soon!

[cycler2]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

I think im going to go to a close by parking lot and do donuts in the vibe

A Vibe!!! Donuts in a Vibe?!!! LOL.

[bavarian19]

Ok... so the latest is that I need a new rear brake caliper and some other goodies on one side... this will end up being 5 weeks without the car...


But I will keep this positive!!!



I have been drooling over many recent mods that I have seen, but have not had the ability to work on my car. I have a few items on order and should be arriving in the next week (as should my car).

My mod stockpile for when my baby returns:

- Euro adaptive Xenons
- X5 euro clear bulbs (blink OEM amber, but are silver in color)
- Split/sliding center armrest
- Rear power outlets


Frank and I are probably going to install my euro xenons, but I am waiting to hear back from Frank as to whether we might just make it an all out mod day!!!

[bavarian19]

DC folks... I was hoping someone could do some investigative research for me...

The turn signal bulb in the front headlight housing... does it fit into the socket for the rear turn signal bulb??? I would check it on my car, but cant...


This might be the exact answer I have been looking for in regards to euro tails without the amber look in the upper portion of the housing... I have gone through OEM, Blacklines, and two sets of Euro taillights... I just want the all red look, but an amber blinker in the rear...

Thanks in advance...

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Frank and I are probably going to install my euro xenons, but I am waiting to hear back from Frank as to whether we might just make it an all out mod day!!!

Next saturday, the 23rd, looks good to meet and mod all day long.
I also got the rear power outlets and might get the sun glasses tray.

[KL2DC]

I also ordered the rear power outlets....group install??

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

I also ordered the rear power outlets....group install??

Its up to Frank. I am meeting up with him at his place next Saturday.



I must be back in Ashburn by about 4ish, so can we do an early morning mod session? (maybe starting at 9 or so ) Im heading to the Steeler game next weekend with the lady friend, and Im trying to hit the road in Ashburn about 4... So for me, the earlier the better...

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Its up to Frank. I am meeting up with him at his place next Saturday.



I must be back in Ashburn by about 4ish, so can we do an early morning mod session? (maybe starting at 9 or so ) Im heading to the Steeler game next weekend with the lady friend, and Im trying to hit the road in Ashburn about 4... So for me, the earlier the better...

Group install it is then.
9ish sounds good.

[FrankoQ]

Originally Posted by FrankoQ

Group install it is then.
9ish sounds good.

I just updated my order on the rear outlets.
I had ordered the wrong color but that has been taken care of.
I also ordered the sun glass tray.
We'll be busy on the 23rd.