I think I just totalled my baby... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

iwrock · #1 12-30-2005, 04:59 PM

Ok guys, I have a problem. I was on the way to work today, and was going around a corner at about 15 miles per hour. I turned, and the back end came around on me. I tried dearly to correct it, but it didn't work. I ended up on a curb with the front end smashed in by a tree. I was yelling profanities. A nice man who was behind me saw the whole thing. He said that I was going under 15 miles an hour, and that the back end of the car just slid out from under me. I hit a nice tree that was probibally 10 years old. Well, I got out and looked at the damage. The car is just about totalled. Both fenders need to be replaced, and it needs a new bumper and hood, as well as a radiator and connection supports. The fan hits the edge of the motor. It needs a new light assembly, and needs a swaybar (it is fairly well banged up). Anyway, I called my boss, who immediately hopped into his car and drove over to meet me (hes tight, and he drives an E55). He assures me that everything is going to be ok, and that my car is repairible. I start looking at the damage, and there is none done to the frame, but there is alot of bodywork that needs to be done.

I need all of the help I can get on this one. I need some prices (high prices) some that show the car is still worth more than the damage done. Please if anyone can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Also, If you are in Sacramento, and wouldn't mind turning a few wrenches and have some extra space, I would like to buy the car back if it is a total loss. I would like to repair her, as she is my baby.

I will attach some pictures in a few, as I have to resize them for the internet.

Thanks for your time...

suginami · #2 12-30-2005, 06:03 PM

You haven't posted pics yet, but which car were you driving?

You have four (4) Mercedes in your signature.

Veloce300DT · #3 12-30-2005, 06:35 PM

Man thats horrible!

I live on 15th and Q in midtown and have seen 2 accidents right outside my front window in the past 2 nights.... the roads are pretty mushy around here, at least in midtown. Lots of old leaves and debris from plants and trees on the roads. I start loosing traction when Im braking from normal safe driving speeds to a stop... from under under 25mph.

Post some pics of the damage. It cant be too bad. If you needs parts I may be able to help you out. Depends on your needs. Where do you usually buy your parts?

Seeing as how you are concerned with the value of your car being less than the total for repair of the damage I would assume you are speaking in reference to your 190E or 300?

koop · #4 12-30-2005, 07:01 PM

Given all the damage you described you might reconsider upon reflection. I had a Saab SPG that I had to put in a ditch. Minor body damage, drove it home, but I FUBARed the undercarriage and steering. When you start looking at what it really cost to repair these old cars it just doesn't make sense.

Pierre Levegh · #5 12-30-2005, 07:29 PM

I disagree, it's worth keeping the old cars going as long as possible. Once they are scrapped you can't get them back.

iwrock · #6 12-30-2005, 08:59 PM

I was driving the 400E. She got squirley to the point of no return. She is now at a body shop. You think that I could supply the parts, that they could do all of the labor? I mean if I get parts cheaper than they can, woul the insurance company total it?

iwrock · #7 12-30-2005, 09:03 PM

And sorry about no pictures. I had to take my mind off of the car, so I went golfing. Nothing like taking out rage on a bucket of balls.

iwrock · #8 12-30-2005, 09:15 PM

Here is one pic....

iwrock · #9 12-30-2005, 09:16 PM

And Another...

iwrock · #10 12-30-2005, 09:18 PM

And once more...

iwrock · #11 12-30-2005, 09:27 PM

Last one...

Hatterasguy · #12 12-30-2005, 10:40 PM

I am going to guess thats $5k worth of damage.

Get that car up on a lift, no car's rear end just comes around at 15mph. You are in CA so their wasn't any ice.

Something broke or something happened.

iwrock · #13 12-30-2005, 11:12 PM

The police officer that came over and helped me saw a nice colored rainbowey spot on the road where I started to slide. Couple that with some Michelin Pilots (not good winter tires) you have a slippery situation. I think it is when I overcorrected, it put me in a terrible situation. I agree though, it shouldnt have slid so easily. I got an estimate from the body shop. The guy says that there is about 3 grand in parts and paint, and hopefully not too much more for labor. He hasnt pulled it apart though, so it is just a rough estimate.

However, if they do decide to total it, we arent going to buy another 400E, I think we are moving into something like an ML or an older G-Wagen. I am just dissappointed that she may be totaled after 3 loving years of ownership. She was bulletproof, the guy at the bodyshop started her up, and she ran (with the fan making sooooooo much noise).... She never did leave me stranded, nor did she ever do anything to dissapoint me. She just kept puttin around at her delight.

Meta6981 · #14 12-31-2005, 12:16 AM

Man... what kind of tree was that... That really sucks, i know i was super pissed when i got into an even more minor accident with mine. But i am confidant that i have good tires on my ride that handle well through curves. BUt agian sorry about that man she looked very purdy

#15 12-31-2005, 12:32 PM

Fix her up yourself or take it to the local high school that have vocational classes and let them try to do some of the body work. Buy all the parts yourself. I bet you could buy the car back, fix up everything and still have some money left over. The only drawback would be that the car's title would be salvage. This happened to me also while I was in high school and I had a 123. If you love this car so much THEN GET IT FIXED. I would.
You can buy mine

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