e90 is almost totaled, what to do?

[type4]

I was rear ended by a drunk driver in my e90 328xi. 54k on it in excellent condition. Got the estimate back from the dealership. $10k worth of damage. Cars worth about $17k I owe $14k on it yet. I dont know what to do with the car. I have insurance and so does the guy who hit me. Its drivable. Do I fix it myself and use the extra money I saved on labor for upgrades? Have the dealership bring it back to spec? Somehow figure out how I can total it out and buy a new bmw? and if i can total it out, what would the buy back cost be? Im concerned about diminished value and the resale of the car in a few years. And I also worry about me working on it and not getting it back to factory specs with paint and matching lines from any metal repair. I have a race shop and know bmws inside and out. What is everybodys thoughts?


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[BimmerBreaker]

Like 90% of those questions only your insurance can accurately answer...

If the damage doesnt pervade to the rear 1/4s or etc then I'd buy it back and repair it, should only need a new trunk, bumper unit and lights...

[type4]

The trunk frame and rear quarter is messed up.

[Critter7r]

Why not just let the insurance company get it fixed and keep driving it?

Rear enders like that rarely cause any future driveability issues.

[LSxDreamer]

It's not like insurance is going to cut *you* a check to do the repairs. Run the claim by them, let them handle the process with the drunk's insurance company (sure hope you took the time for a full police report) and see where it takes you.

[SpeedsterBek]

It's not like insurance is going to cut *you* a check to do the repairs. Run the claim by them, let them handle the process with the drunk's insurance company (sure hope you took the time for a full police report) and see where it takes you.

What do you mean insurance won't cut you a check? Not sure about the other state laws, but here in Maryland, insurance will pay you directly if you want. I always prefer that instead of them paying the shop. OP should check if he can be reimbursed for diminished resale value- which should make it enough to total the car. Even if they don't total it, you can take the check, sell the car as is and buy another new car you planned. In any case, the other party is liable, and I hope you hired a lawyer too.

[LSxDreamer]

Sorry, had a brain fart...

[BimmerBreaker]

Insurance always cuts the owner the check directly, at least every time I've had to use it - in both Virginia and Arizona. Never personally heard of a situation where insurance pays the shop directly or at the very least the owner doesn't have the option to have a check cut for them.

[type4]

Insurance cut me a check for $11k. So I figure ill fix it myself. Now I just need a donor car.

[BimmerBreaker]

Thats a fat check for a relatively easy repair! Buy the parts used, you can easily get that fixed to excellent condition for ~$4k imo

The bumper can be repaired, you'll probably only have to buy a trunk, tail lights, and maybe the bumper shocks underneath the bumper.

[type4]

I found parts for about $1000. Minor "b" frame body work, and touch up paint. The rest of the check will be for upgrades. Or find a donor car and build another track car?

[navvid]

My ex girlfriend 's car got hit in a big multi car freeway accident. The estimate was more than half the bluebook, so her insurance totaled it out, cut her a check and she kept the car. the hood and headlights were toast, but the radiator survived and there was only minor front end frame damage. I got a dent puller, a copper striking hammer, a claw hammer (made her buy me the tools) and her biggest, fattest room mate to help me pull and bang on the frame until it was straight enough, replaced the hood and headlights, and the car ran good as new for her until I helped her trade it in on a Civic Hybrid. She loved me for that... actually bought me the R6 not long after. I miss her...

Sorry,... anyhow, I'd get them to cut you a check (which they will), fix it as cheep as you can, and drive it till the wheels fall off.

[Stück]

Good lord take the check and go buy a decent car and forget you ever had a E90.

[type4]

Lol. I still owe $9k on it. And its my winter car.

[BimmerBreaker]

Lol. I still owe $9k on it. And its my winter car.

Thanks for reminding me why I buy used...!

[navvid]

Thanks for reminding me why I buy used...!

+1

I refuse to buy a new car or computer. Too much depreciation...

[pimpstaty5y]

what. A computer is something I would never buy used...

[navvid]

what. A computer is something I would never buy used...

I frankenstein all my computers from parts other people get rid of.