Bmw 1 Series Body Repair.

[derekpara]

Any idea what a main dealer would charge to replace the front panel that surrounds the grill etc on a BMW 1 series 2.0 Deisel 2014 reg ? There is no damage to the bonnet itself. I can't go anywhere but a dealership unfortunately and it will be a choice between going through insurance which they will claw back through increased premiums etc, or pay for it myself.

Cheers.

D

[derekpara]

Hi everyone, here's my report.
The BMW dealership state that in addition to the front panel shallow dent , one of the ventilation dents is cracked and, without removing everything for inspection, in their experience there could be further damage behind the panel.
Also, the car has a ceramic coating which would have to be applied to the finished work. Estimated cost; £1600. OK I would have bitten the bullet and paid up, but he hadn't finished ! Read on.

A like-for-like replacement car (BMW 1 Series) would cost £100 per day for the five day repair period, so he says. Oh, and by the way, don't forget the VAT ! I do a quick bit of mental arithmetic and get close to £3k for something the owner took quite a while to see.

Having said that, If I was in his shoes I would expect to have a top repair, too.

So, TWR, I haven't got ' a good bank balance' and it is now going through the insurance companies who will screw as much as they can out of the situation - and WE all end up paying more in our premiums. Sorry, fellas. I think I'm a pretty fair driver, but only going forwards !

Thanks for your input and interest.

Cheers. D

[EDDIE51]

You have done the right thing, even if you did not go through your insurance they would still increase your premium as you now have a 'claims history'

[tonyav]

So that is the BMW dealership quote to repair the damage, was any quotes obtained from any independent body shops ?.
Has I said earlier on this thread if you go through your insurance I doubt very much if the repair is done at a BMW dealership.

[TWR]

Jesus Derek that was one hell of a quote but did not surprise me, I looked at your reply but in error did not look at your o p post, the option is yours Derek but I would seek advise on their quote which I think is a bit over the top, I own a E36 its an old lass in very good order but I would never try to rip off another driver like that, good luck mat8.

[derekpara]

Tonyav, The owner took the car to the dealership he bought it from and who do the servicing etc. That's his choice I reckon. I can't really insist that he takes it anywhere else and as I said earlier, if I was him I'd do exactly the same to be sure of getting the car repaired to BMW standards. The BMW dealership has its own franchise 'accident' department who deal with everything, including replacement hire car. They've got it all sewn up and seem able to charge what they like.
Thanks TWR, it's not the owner who is doing the ripping off it's the main dealer and they've got me by the short and curlies ! Anyway, it's with the insurance company now and I will make sure my son won't suffer any financial loss, ie loss of excess etc.

Thanks again.

D

[TWR]

Derek, the more I think about this Issue the more I would lean towards advice regards the quote from BMW, I agree the car has to be done to the right spec but the need of the owner does not mean he can demand a BMW, I think the bloke is trying this on along with the garage, I would contact the Insurance Ombudsman>>>> 0800 023 4567 give them the full details & I'm sure they will say the say as myself, they said about a vent damage, that vent is a plastic Vent called Kidney grill and can be bought as a paire for under £50, that's BMW Prices, Derek, I can smell a rat here, I would not except this & neither should your insurance if they were a good company, this is the way I would go Derek, I just thought I would add this comment.

[derekpara]

Thanks again, TWR.

I spoke to my insurance company today and they agreed that a like-for-like replacement car was standard practice in the business but they are going to take a keen interest in (a) the duration (5 days) BMW said they need in the bodyshop and for a very minor repair and (b) the high repair estimate. Also, the fact that the driver waited until I had actually made contact (very light) before sounding his horn. Now what would you have done if you saw a car slowly backing up on you at a distance of two yards ?

I too have checked the cost of a front panel and kidney grill and the lot would cost (retail) no more than £150-175. It's the garage that's trying it on, not the owner. He just took in the car and was told 'Leave it all to us, we'll deal with everything and let you know when your car's ready'. All part of the BMW service !

Anyway, I really appreciate your advice and if anything else happens I'll let you know.

Cheers. D