Need your help in San Diego....Car damage on transport truck - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

drbrandini · #1 02-09-2003, 11:38 AM

Well, not only did I miss the GTG at Alon's house while waiting for my car to be delivered but they damaged it. I am going to need a new front apron as mine was broken in two pieces by the metal rails on the trans. truck but even worse they had it so tucked back in there that when getting it out on of the center braces on the truck put a huge hole in the oil pan. The 10 or so minutes pulling her off the truck was mostly without oil (or much anyway, I guess there was some still up in the engine). I have been assured that all of this will be paid for but I was looking forward to driving around SD on my next couple of days off. I think I may try to find an oil pan and do the repair myself, Where is a good place to get an oil pan in SD? And do any of you know of any good mechanics and body people who can give me estimates for the bumper and the oil pan repair? Should I be overly concerned about the10 or so minutes she went without oil? After he finally got it off the truck I could hear the valves clacking pretty nicely I already had one valve that made some clacking at low oil pressure. Anyhow anything I should do special to protect myself and make sure this is all covered? Thanks for all of your responses and I look forward to motoring about SD soon!

mikemover · #2 02-09-2003, 11:45 AM

That SUCKS man...Don't let them weasel out of fixing everything for you! Take pictures, save the paperwork, keep the broken parts...preserve the evidence!

My parts guy here in Atlanta probably has a used oil pan he can send you. He's hooked me up with tons of great stuff. E-mail him at: torkadork@adelphia.net.

Good luck with it.

Mike

drbrandini · #3 02-09-2003, 01:19 PM

Mike,

Thanks ! I took lots of digi pics last night when it happened and on the bill of lading I noted so much and made it known I wouldn't be liable it looks like a lawyer wrote it. I also had the owner agree to pay for the charges while I had witnesses. I think everything will be OK it just a major pain.
Thanks again,

kerry · #4 02-09-2003, 03:18 PM

If the car was running for 10 minutes without oil, there could be serious internal damage. If all the oil had run out of the pan, there was no oil further up in the engine. I would have a good mechanic examine the engine. I don't know if it is possible to get a borescope in the cylinders to examine the walls, but something like that should be done. If someone kept my vehicle running without oil in it, for ten minutes, I'd be looking for a new engine.

MBDad777 · #5 02-09-2003, 06:05 PM

Brandon:

Was that Dependable Auto Shippers who shipped your car? I had mine sent to me in Washington State from Florida by them. When it was within 150 miles of my house they told me the truck broke down and it spent eleven days there. During that time they kept giving me all kinds of crap and mis-information about the delay.

When I finally got it, it had been damaged and fixed (poorly). I assumed the dealer sold it to me that way (it was an eBay car) but I can't help but wonder if the shipper was the one who damaged it--they had it in Yakima, Washington for eleven days.

Of course, I have no way to prove anything but DAS was not truthful to me and I don't trust them. I even wrote a letter to the President who said he would conduct a full investigation. I never heard back from them.

Bottom line is I've got a car that's worth several thousands less than it should be. Not only did I get the short end of the stick, but there's poop all over it! I'm glad that at least you found out who wrecked your car.

#6 02-09-2003, 08:50 PM

Brandon, that really stinks!! Hope everything turns out okay. Definately have the engine checked over thoroughly.

Ashman · #7 02-09-2003, 10:01 PM

I would make the replace the oil pan, have the head redone, and the front apron.

Running any engine without oil for any period of time is not good. one second without oil, can cause scoring etc or damage.

Alon

drbrandini · #8 02-09-2003, 10:04 PM

Thanks guys,

The car is going to exlusive auto service here tomorrow. They are going to go through everything and make sure it is ok! I am just hoping that the shipping co. doesn't try to give me any grief. Ill keep you updated.

The Godfather · #9 02-09-2003, 10:19 PM

not as bad as what I Saw on my way to the gtg: A hauler w/ maybe a dozen cars on it, w/ the truck's cabin torched fom the fire, and the two cars directly behind in totally burned down!

el presidente · #10 02-10-2003, 07:21 AM

Brandon,

Sorry to hear of your trouble.

Hope everything works out soon!

Steve

placo1 · #11 02-10-2003, 11:01 AM

Brandon,

Autowerks is down in SD and I'm sure they can take care of repainting your new front apron. Make sure nothing underneath the apron is damaged, would hate to have them only cover part of the damage.

Regarding the engine, have it torn down and checked for damage. If none is visible then have a compression check done to insure everything is working properly. There is a really good mechanic in San Diego, I can't remember the name off hand but if you do a search in Shops Forum you'll find it.

Good luck and keep us posted. By the way, demand that they pay for everything.

drbrandini · #12 02-10-2003, 12:08 PM

Thanks fellas,

I am actual waiting now for the tow truck. The car is headed to Exlusive motors. I found them via the Good SHops forum. The cheif Mech. there said there is most likely not any serious damage but said he would check it over well. I spoke with the owner of the transport company this morning and she was very apalogetic. She told me that the bill would be paid in full with her credit card as soon as it is complete.

Thanks again

mikemover · #13 02-10-2003, 12:13 PM

I'm glad it sounds like they are going to be straight-up with you...I hope it ends well.

Mike

#14 02-10-2003, 02:26 PM

i would really press for a new engine, they trashed it. a few minutes without oil is obviously bad news, and it may not manifest itself for a period of time. what good does it do you if in a year the bearings fail. there is no possible way that engine is the same engine before they ran it out of oil. i'm in the aviation business and no one in their right mind would ever use that engine again...without a rebuild. i realize its a car and not an aircraft, no one gets hurt when a car engine fails...usually. but what the heck we all love our MBs and i maintain mine to a very high standard. it will take you "forever" to deal with the insurance company but in the long run it will result in a better car. good luck.