Rear ended - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jorn · #1 03-30-2009, 08:23 PM

Got rear ended to day, both are fine, just wandering if this is a easy repair. I already found all the parts, what's not easy for this car.

PaulC · #2 03-30-2009, 08:24 PM

Jorn · #3 03-30-2009, 08:30 PM

Thanks!

cmbdiesel · #4 03-30-2009, 09:08 PM

Jorn, are those pictures the car in question? Just from those angles, it isn't a DIY project, unless you are a bodyman.
Did the guy who hit you have insurance? Are you concerned it will be totalled? (it might very well be)
If he does, and you are, bring the car to an idependant bodyshop, and have them write up a sheet. Explain that you are trying to save the car. If it's close, they can typically work it out with the insurance company to write the sheet to just below the total value.
If he does not, still bring it to a shop where they can tell you if it's a lost cause.
For example, is the frame comprmised, and how long to pull it out. How bad is that right qtr? I see it is pulled in from the rear body panel getting squashed. What about the floor in the trunk? How is that rear body panel (which will need replacing) attached? Some are overlapped and welded in a manner that eliminates getting used, and takes quite a bit of time to weld in a new one.
So, if you want it fixed right, you need to get a professional opinion from someone who can physically see the car.

If you don't want it fixed properly. Just beat it out with a hammer until you can bolt on some new taillights, and so the trunk works.

Jorn · #5 03-30-2009, 09:23 PM

Yes this is the car; I want it to been done properly. The only thing I'm worried about it now is it already got a salvage title.
The guy who hit me likes to solve it with out the insurance company but he is insured.

cmbdiesel · #6 03-30-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorn

Yes this is the car; I want it to been done properly. The only thing I'm worried about it now is it already got a salvage title.
The guy who hit me likes to solve it with out the insurance company but he is insured.

Take it to an independent shop with a good reputation. Their software will be able to give you a good idea if the vehicle is totaled. Also, it will give you a pretty good idea what the cost is going to be. 90% of the people who come into the shop looking to do the repair without the insurance company have absolutely no idea what it costs to repair a car. Wild guess is your car will cost ~2500 to repair. I have no idea what the car is worth, but most people would rather use the insurance they've paid for than bite that kind of nut. If you have parts, you may be able to lower the repair cost by providing those parts at a discount.

Hope you got a police report. If not, get some pictures of his car too, or have him sign a form accepting responsibility. I have seen these situations get ugly.

pawoSD · #7 03-30-2009, 09:42 PM

That damage doesn't really look that severe....just a little body work on that crumpled part, and a couple new light lenses from the junk yard.......I doubt the repair would be very expensive....

compress ignite · #8 03-30-2009, 10:01 PM

equation is: Volvo parts = more expensive than Mercedes parts.

cmbdiesel · #9 03-30-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

That damage doesn't really look that severe....just a little body work on that crumpled part, and a couple new light lenses from the junk yard.......I doubt the repair would be very expensive....

That rear body panel is toast. Look at how it pulled the r qtr in. Floor is also suspect. Qtr could very well need a few hours too.
Got any other pictures?

pawoSD · #10 03-30-2009, 10:05 PM

My dad's SD was rear-ended much worst than that (bumper pushed in), quarter panels creased a bit...doors in back hard to open, they pulled it out, repainted it a little, and did an "ok repair" (looks ok from 10 feet).....for about $600....it was a hit and run so he had to pay it out of pocket.

Jorn · #11 03-30-2009, 10:13 PM

Besides the lights and the crumpled metal in the picture there doesn't seem to be much more damage, I can still take out the spare tire in back with out a problem.
His bumper must have skipped over my bumper, there are no marks on the front only at the top. His was a durango pick up.

cmbdiesel · #12 03-30-2009, 10:16 PM

I have no experience with doing an OK job on peoples cars. They either get fixed right or we don't fix them. Obviously your Dad was in a bad spot and did what he had too, but I bet he was pissed.
Take it to a shop and get a sheet. Do it yesterday. Do it before the insurance company comes to see it. You may be pleasantly surprised, or you may have to start plan B.
Does the trunk open and close correctly?

TMAllison · #13 03-30-2009, 10:18 PM

I'd agree with CMB, look at the right rear quarter carefully; either it, the trunk lid or 80's quality control has issues.

Jorn · #14 03-30-2009, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

equation is: Volvo parts = more expensive than Mercedes parts.

Especially for a Volvo 780 Bertone

I already contacted a guy I bought a head light from and he still has two rear lights and the chrome trim. I believe those lights alone go for $600 each at the dealer if still available.

Trunk still opens fine and like I said before the spare tire comes out easily.

I will bring it to a body shop tomorrow.

pawoSD · #15 03-30-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel

Obviously your Dad was in a bad spot and did what he had too, but I bet he was pissed.

That about sums it up.