E90 + pothole = $4,000!!!

[jonhoffm]

This morning, I unfortunately hit a pothole on the expressway outside of Chicago. It was obvious that the pothole caused damage to the tire and/or wheel, however the dealership (West Lake BMW) is claiming that not only do the tire and wheel need replacing, but also tie rods AND, due to a TSB, they strongly recommend replacing the steering rack. All this for the bargain price of $4,000!

They claim that a sharp jolt which would damage the tie rods may have damaged the steering rack as well. They cannot tell of the rack is damaged, but say it should be replaced just in case.

Having felt the impact, I seriously doubt that the damage extended beyond suspension components and I think that they are trying to rip me off.

Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Beer Goggles]

Get a second opinion, and you can claim that with your insurance.

[ryankokesh]

I don't know anything about what could have been damaged, but if I remember correctly I know someone in Indiana who was reimbursed by the state for damage done to their car by a pothole. Not sure if this applies to Illinois too though...

Good luck!

[Beer Goggles]

It does apply to most states, they have insurance for damages like that. Better track that hole down and take some pictures.

[Slupie]

BS unless they can prove that the mentioned parts are damaged. Don't get screwed out of $4k and get a second opinion at another dealer or a shop that works on BMWs.

[deepseasniper]

aren't u under warranty?

[slow323Ci]

aren't u under warranty?

Why would your warranty cover damage from hitting something?

[mryakan]

I don't know anything about what could have been damaged, but if I remember correctly I know someone in Indiana who was reimbursed by the state for damage done to their car by a pothole. Not sure if this applies to Illinois too though...

Good luck!
Yeah good luck with that. I got the shaft from my city for damage sustained from a pothole. Their excuse was that no one had reported the pothole and if they didn't know about it, they can't be held accountable. They referenced court cases where the judge sided with them given this explanation, but since my damages were minor (just an alignment job), I didn't want to call their bluff if it were a bluff. For 4K I would go after the municipality/state but chances are you will be stuck in so much paperwork and may or may not get anything out, and with the economic and budget crunch, I wouldn't be surprised if they play every angle to deny your claim. As I said, good luck, but Holy cow what kind of pothole was that :eek:.

[theanswriz42]

Why would your warranty cover damage from hitting something?
This is EXACTLY why I opted for the extended warranties.

[Likwid335xi]

I don't know anything about what could have been damaged, but if I remember correctly I know someone in Indiana who was reimbursed by the state for damage done to their car by a pothole. Not sure if this applies to Illinois too though...

Good luck!

In NJ if you don't pull over and report it right then and there then they claim negligence on your behalf. My friend cracked a rim on a pothole and tried to claim it 2 weeks after it happened and they told him that nothing can be done unless you pull over and call a cop to come out.

[twastheglow]

In NJ if you don't pull over and report it right then and there then they claim negligence on your behalf. My friend cracked a rim on a pothole and tried to claim it 2 weeks after it happened and they told him that nothing can be done unless you pull over and call a cop to come out.

I think that's an excellent rule of thumb for all states. And I think a $4k bill is a great example as to why you should report it "just in case". :rolleyes

[Beer Goggles]

This is EXACTLY why I opted for the extended warranties.


Do people think a warranty covers an accident? Come'on really?

INSURANCE COVERS DAMAGE BY AN ACCIDENT.

[theanswriz42]

Do people think a warranty covers an accident? Come'on really?

INSURANCE COVERS DAMAGE BY AN ACCIDENT.
No, but the tire and wheel warranty absolutely covers events like this, in fact, it was explicitly stated by my dealer that it's best to get it for this very event. Figure, a grand a rim and a couple hundred bucks a tire adds up.

[mryakan]

No, but the tire and wheel warranty absolutely covers events like this, in fact, it was explicitly stated by my dealer that it's best to get it for this very event. Figure, a grand a rim and a couple hundred bucks a tire adds up.
Yes most road hazard tire/wheel warranties would cover the tire and/or wheel in such cases, but check the fine print. In any case, only the tire and rim at max would be covered but any other damage is not, so the OP would still have been out over $2K. Better than nothing though. Also I am not sure if claiming it against your insurance may impact your rates since technically they may consider this to be an accident.

[theanswriz42]

Yes most road hazard tire/wheel warranties would cover the tire and/or wheel in such cases, but check the fine print. In any case, only the tire and rim at max would be covered but any other damage is not, so the OP would still have been out over $2K. Better than nothing though. Also I am not sure if claiming it against your insurance may impact your rates since technically they may consider this to be an accident.
Right, but I still would rather pay 2 grand than 4. To each his own but in this case, the warranty would pay for itself and then some.

[mryakan]

Right, but I still would rather pay 2 grand than 4. To each his own but in this case, the warranty would pay for itself and then some.
Same here, I have the road hazard warranty and it already almost paid back for itself. Still if the OP shops around, the wheel+tire will probably cost no more than 1500$ or even less depending on what type/brand/size he has.

[Beer Goggles]

It will not affect your rate. It's a comp claim. When I got hit in a parking lot it didn't affect my rate...it's why you pay insurance. I'd rather have a slight insurance adjustment that handing over 4K.

[slow323Ci]

It will not affect your rate. It's a comp claim. When I got hit in a parking lot it didn't affect my rate...it's why you pay insurance. I'd rather have a slight insurance adjustment that handing over 4K.

If someone elses moving car hits your parked car, that is a comp claim. And *probably* will not affect your rate. If you have already had several (or maybe only one) earlier comp claims you can bet you'll see an increase.

If your moving car hits an obstacle in the street, that is a collision claim. And it will adversely affect your rate.

I ran over a chunk of concrete curb and ripped the bottom out of my transmission. $3500 repair bill, paid by collision coverage and considered a chargeable claim. Cost me an extra 5% for 3 years on the non-liability portions of my premium. That's at State Farm.

[mryakan]

It will not affect your rate. It's a comp claim. When I got hit in a parking lot it didn't affect my rate...it's why you pay insurance. I'd rather have a slight insurance adjustment that handing over 4K.
You got hit while parked, you did not "drive into" a pothole. Insurance companies can be very anal when it comes to paying out, I wonder why :rolleyes.

[jonhoffm]

Thanks for the feedback so far - does anyone have any insight on their claim related to the steering rack?

They maintain that BMW is advising that to maintain the car's exceptional handling, the rack should be replaced. Incidentally, the rack is $1,400 plus at least $600 in labor - half the total estimate.

Personally, if they cannot prove to me (or an insurance adjuster) that it is actually damaged, why would I replace it? If it fails (which is catastrophic I know) under warranty and they cannot prove that it was damaged by this incident, how could a warranty claim be denied?

After all, if this were true, couldn't they issue a TSB stating that the whole power train and suspension should be replaced, thereby absolving themselves of any potential future warranty service?

This is why I think that I am being hosed.

Thoughts?

[mryakan]

Thanks for the feedback so far - does anyone have any insight on their claim related to the steering rack?

They maintain that BMW is advising that to maintain the car's exceptional handling, the rack should be replaced. Incidentally, the rack is $1,400 plus at least $600 in labor - half the total estimate.

Personally, if they cannot prove to me (or an insurance adjuster) that it is actually damaged, why would I replace it? If it fails (which is catastrophic I know) under warranty and they cannot prove that it was damaged by this incident, how could a warranty claim be denied?

After all, if this were true, couldn't they issue a TSB stating that the whole power train and suspension should be replaced, thereby absolving themselves of any potential future warranty service?

This is why I think that I am being hosed.

Thoughts?
You can always tell them not to replace it running the risk it will need replacing in the future, cheaper done now, but if you are not comfortable ask them not to do it. They can't force you to fix something even if there is a TSB.

[Jhunter]

No, but the tire and wheel warranty absolutely covers events like this, in fact, it was explicitly stated by my dealer that it's best to get it for this very event. Figure, a grand a rim and a couple hundred bucks a tire adds up.

It was explicitly stated by your dealer because they earn a commission when they sell it to you. Rims are more like $500. At least that is the cost for the stock sport package 18" wheel on an 335 coupe.

[LWRNCE]

As me being a service advisor...

The damage to the vehicle along with the tsb should be done all at once. You have the option of not getting the TSB performed. If it were my car I would do it since I am down there as a peace of mind. I don't know how the TSB service works for BMW but for Toyota we cover the TSB work.

Your best bet is to go with your insurance first and let them know what happened.

[Jhunter]

Personally, if they cannot prove to me (or an insurance adjuster) that it is actually damaged, why would I replace it? If it fails (which is catastrophic I know) under warranty and they cannot prove that it was damaged by this incident, how could a warranty claim be denied?

I love all this talk about BMW having to prove something under a warranty. If they deny a warranty claim you are stuck. They deny a claim you either live with it or take legal action. The onus is on you, even if you eventually prevail you still have to go to considerable trouble and expense.

If they say something is damaged. You decide not to fix it. It breaks. There is no way they would cover it under warranty

[mihalis]

I hit a pothole once in my 330ci and had to replace my control arm b/c my left ball joint was damaged. I went to my independent mechanic to do this, he did a crappy job but installed a BMW part. Took it back to the dealer, they replaced the one he replaced under warranty, then I took it back again and said the car was pulling, they replaced the other one under warranty as well :)

Another time I hit a pothole I cracked the right 2 rims and damaged the tires. I filled an insurance claim, got 2 reconditioned rims and used the rest of the money to buy new tires. When it was all set and done, I only ended up paying $500 from my pocket (deductible) ;)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that sometime potholes can cause more damage than you think, so just have someone else check it out for you.

[Bandit335]

First, I can tell you thatyou will be successful getting the money from the state if it happened on a state highway otherwise you call the city or both. Everyone near Chicago knows about the streets and potholes. Replace the wheel and tire first and see how the car drives. I would not have the dealer do this repair unless someone else is paying for it. Also, you can get parts for the repairs at places that sell oem parts for up to half off. Search the threads. Otherwise don't complain if you go to the dealer and end up getting screwed.