R.I.P my beloved 300CE - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Texholdem · #1 12-31-2007, 12:21 AM

Thank God for the narrow escape. Lots of things could have went fatally wrong. I was passing a car on a one-lane road (Texas 21, Hwy 190 Eastbound to I45) when another car ahead suddenly made a left turn. At the last second I veered my car to the right, barely missed the turning car but lost control and the car landed in the ditch on the left side, flipped twice over and rested on the roof. Fortunately no other car was hit.

I, my wife and daughter are fine except for 3 sore bodies with sprained necks and bruises as we were examined at the hospital.

I think we were lucky to be in a Mercedes. Not sure whether there might have been more serious injuries if the car was another one.

Pictures are in the post below.

TheDon · #2 12-31-2007, 12:26 AM

sorry for your loss..

I cannot view the pics.

Texholdem · #3 12-31-2007, 12:35 AM

truckinik · #4 12-31-2007, 12:37 AM

Can't get the pics, Something wrong with Shtterfly. Keeps saying "The Shutterfly invitation, has expired"

Anyways, based on your description of events..I would say you are pretty lucky. I'm also, extremely confident in the fact that you all would have been a LOT more hurt, if you were in a lot of other make/model cars. Excluding of course, Volvo, BMW, and a few of the other "Standard Setting" European vehicles.

However, if you were in a stinkin Chevy, a Dodge, a Geo Tic-Tac, or any one of a lot of other name brand cars, it's a probablility, that it could have been a lot worse for you.

I'm really sorry for your loss of the car, but I'm happy that you and your family are all safe.

The car is replaceable. It might even be a good parts car for you, for your next one.

In any case; Good luck Tex

Nick

Texholdem · #5 12-31-2007, 12:42 AM

Thanks Nick and Don.
Hope you can see the pix now.
I guess the insurance will not pay 7-10K for the repair but total it for 3K at most

. I paid last year 6K and put another 2K in the car to pamper it up.

The accident happened 250 miles from my city at is now with the local wrecker. I doubt if I can get the car home, have no place for it anyway.

truckinik · #6 12-31-2007, 12:42 AM

Woah, Got the pics now man.

Yes, I know you all would have had major problems if you weren't in that car. Looks fixable by the way. Depending on how much you'd be willing to pay. I've seen body shops change out whole roofs, to fix damage like that. Change out body panels, everything. They could fix that...., But should they..?

Nick

emerydc8 · #7 12-31-2007, 12:45 AM

I wonder if the new ones are built like that. You're lucky. Happy New Year.

Texholdem · #8 12-31-2007, 12:48 AM

Thanks emyryd. It just happened yesterday afternoon. Tomorrow we have to talk to the insurance, I hope not a lot of hassle. Let's wait to hear from the insurance.

Yes, I consider us lucky despite all. Thank God for that!

Happy New Year to all of you!

msethk · #9 12-31-2007, 12:48 AM

glad to hear your all in good shape. you were lucky to be in a mercedes.

b.t.w.... is your back window still in good shape? can I have it?

truckinik · #10 12-31-2007, 12:52 AM

Tex,

The doors still open, and close?

That's pretty friggin' amazing, and I'm really impressed.

I sometimes forget, or even ask myself why I'm SO obsessed with Mercedes Benz.

Then something like this comes along and reminds me..

This is a "Quality" thing.

Something a lot of other manufacturers still have not even discovered yet, never mind perfected.

Nick

Texholdem · #11 12-31-2007, 12:53 AM

I think, lots of parts are in very good shape, especially the leather seats in perfect order without stain or blemish. As I said the car is now at the wrecker/tower 250 miles from my city. I don't think I can have it towed to my home for part-selling, the HOA or the city ordinance would not tolerate a car wreck on my driveway.
Anyone has done it with a wreck before?

Texholdem · #12 12-31-2007, 01:05 AM

Any member interested in the car wreck could have it with a few bucks, the engine with 97K runs perfect with only a minor oil leak at timing cover (1 quart per 1200 miles), which I intended to fix it, even bought the parts.

The car is now in Bryan, Texas. On highway 190, 45 miles west of I45.

Jim B. · #13 12-31-2007, 03:11 AM

Thank god you are all right. You experienced the ultimate reason to own a car like this.

It is thye ultimate justification for owning a Mercedes. It was why I took mine down to San Francisco and San Jose on Thursday (and then back) a 400 mile one day trip. 1/4 mile from home in the new snow, at 25 mph hit some black ice and skidded into oncoming traffic (of which there was none on a rural road at night, thanks god.)

It is why I have left the Subaru Outback at home

Wasn't this car the gorgeous Almandine coupe that was from Mercedes Benz of Laguna Niguel (in Southern California) that got wrecked?

Please say no; it was one of the lovliest looking CE cars I ever saw, it was the one on the Benz LGB threads about coupes I think....

Isn't there a way it could be saved?

Maybe not, even a light roll in an '89 = probably a total loss. Damn.

LATE EDIT: OMG it IS that car. post #263:

I am truly sorry.

300CE/E320 Coupe owners Roll Call!

Pete Geither · #14 12-31-2007, 05:44 AM

A customer totaled his 92 CE a year or so ago. The car had 150 on it and he held out until they gave him 12K

for it. I couldn't believe it,,, the car was kind of a POS.

Wodnek · #15 12-31-2007, 06:00 AM

It doesn't actually look that bad. Did the air bags deploy? With a parts car, I think it could be fixed reasonable. Amazing how strong the roof is on a 124.