Hello,

Recently, my vehicle was in an accident. As you guys probably know by now, I drive a '95 M-B E420 (black pearl/black). The car was rear ended on the right-side of my rear bumper. The bumper is cracked and the metal body of my car behind the fuel cap or wheel well is bent inwards. The car has been takin' to M-B Canada's "official" bodyshop in North Vancouver, and from what the person at the bodyshop said, the damage is "serious" and will take 3 weeks to repair.

I know that you guys can't really interpret much from my description above, but from my impression of the damage, it seems as though the bumper simply needs to be replaced, and the body "hammered" (I hate that word...it makes me cringe just typing it...ugh) back into shape? I just wanna know what exactly is this "hammering" process that they do...and it kinda scares me...will they get the car back EXACTLY the way it was before? It doesn't sound very scientific...so I don't see how they go about doin' it...i.e. do they just take a "visual" sorta estimate as to what the car SHOULD be, or they got some sorta fancy measuring device to make sure everything is in place? I am also worried about the metal bar that held the bumper in place...did that bend during the accident, and how would it impact my car in the future? They will definitely replace it?I am DEFINITELY not in a good mood right now, so I should apologize beforehand for these questions which sorta ask more than what you guys can tell me without even seein' the vehicle. I guess I am just lookin' for some comfort and reassurance...I hate to get the car back and discover that the fuel door won't close, the paint is all messed up, the trunk won't close, odd welding marks when you look at the car from underneath, etc. etc...ugh...what a nightmare...I am UPSET, VERY UPSET...

Sorry, to hear that happen to your car. It's always slad to see a nice car being damage. The good thing is the Mercedes bodyshop is one of the best in the area in Vancouver. I had a chance to tour it the other day and I have to say I am very impress.
Regarding your bumper, You do not have to worry too much about it because all the related components that are damage will all be replaced. The concern you should have si the rear quarter panel. Since it's a unibody car, Damage at the area like you describe, there might ne a chacne that they have replace the whole panel. In doing that, you might see welding mark at the joints which a shop like Mercedes will cover it up with body sealants. If done properly, you will neve notice that the car has been hit before. But if they do pull it out and straighten the panel, likely you will notice that the panel has been damage.
Regarding your dimension, they should measure the car to make sure it's straight so you will not have problem with fuel door not opening properly or not. Make sure when you pick up your car, check out the repair and try everything. Also check the gaps between all the opening, such as trunk, to the body. I believe your car is in good hands.

Mitchell

I don't know how your shop will handle the "hammering", but my dad often tells me the story of his tour of the Rolls Royce factory he took in his youth where he saw a skilled older craftsman take a flat piece metal and a mallot and beat out a perfectly shaped front fender over a tree stump.



------------------
Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

hammering to me is totally unacceptable. i am surprised if north vancouver MB body shop suggested that. i would insist replacing the damaged panel. also watch out for overspray but then again even if it came out perfect, any insurance claim will cause a drastic depreciation of the car. this is why some MB owners just pay for the cost of the damage.

Well, I just called the bodyshop in North Vancouver and he said the entire rear quarter panel will be replaced...i.e. they will weld on a new quarter panel (so no hammering)...he said the frame is bent in that area (ouch)...hmmmm...the co-ordinator called "James" said that the vehicle will be brought back to just how it looked coming out of the factory (why do I still doubt it though???). Anyhow, we'll see how it goes...

In terms of the accident, the young girl who rear ended me called in to ICBC (the insurance company) and took full responsibility for the incident and called to apologize for the entire thing. It was a nice gesture, nevertheless, I still feel somewhat upset and distraught over the entire thing. I guess nowadays, when you drive, you have to be careful about your own driving, and also compensate for other ppl's driving as well. I REALLY hope my car will be back to normal again...

it is a shame but you are lucky
your vertebrae are not in need of
'hammering' refer to Benzmac's accident.
let us know the outcome.

------------------
1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

Your health is most important.

Now that you're OK, let us know what the estimate cose of repairs are. Am curious how how much MB is charging for bodywork today.

------------------
'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

Hello mattsuzie,

Sorry for the late reply, but my E420 was delivered to my front door today on the back of a car transport by M-B Canada. The repairs took a total of 1 month, and from the bill, it costs around $4300CAN ($2870US). Is that high or low for the extent of my damage?

The car is in immaculate condition, but obviously, I will be keeping my eye on the vehicle to see if there are any details that the bodyshop missed. Nevertheless, I must say, I am IMPRESSED. The professionalism that M-B Canada demonstrated over the past month, i.e. they called about once a week to give an update on the status of the vehicle, really made me feel "calm" during the entire ordeal. Even the delivery of the car to my front door at EXACTLY 1PM, which was when they said they would have the car to me by, only reinforces my praise for M-B Canada.

------------------
<- WaVe & DaNCe the DiScO DuCk if you spot a '95 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420!!!

$2870 US sounds like it's in the right ballpark. About a year ago, my 1990 Acura Integra was hit in the left rear, tearing a hole in the back around the tail light, and bending most of the left side bodywork, the C pillar, doors, etc. The trunk wouldn't close, but the car was driveable, with a bit of fender rubbing on right turns. I think that estimate was around $5500 US, so a (presumably) lesser impact to an MB for about half that money sounds reasonable, actually. My insurance co. has an 80% rule, so the car was totalled.

Duck,

Terribly sad to hear of your misfortune. I got to this topic a little late but here's my two cents.

Your car sounds like it's been properly repaired,(be sure to check alignment and tracking). However, you now have a car that has been in a wreck and no matter how well it has been repaired, you have lost 20%-25% of its actual trade in value.

I hope you have not signed anything in the form of a settlement with her insurance company. I don't know the laws governing such things in Canada, but you need to be compensated for the loss you have suffered.

I suggest you get an attorney familiar with these matters and let him deal with her insurance company.

I was involved in an accident with a friend of mine. Someone hit him from behind. He ended up with $77,000.00 for damages for he and his vehicle.

As far as injuries, effects of such a collision can manifest themselves after more than a year. Be smart, protect yourself and your property!

Mr. BILL

90 300SE
85 300D
84 300Sd (sold)