Some moron stopped short, got rear-ended and then I hit the middle guy at about 10-15 mph. ABS kicked in but the distance was too short. Luckily no one hit me from behind. I keep thinking I was too close or something. I know I'm going to re-think this one for a while. Car immediately started leaking antifreeze, hood is bent badly, bumper, front air dam, lights, and both side fenders will all need replacement. Doesn't appear to be much engine compartment damage outside of fan getting pushed back. Luckily, it happened less than 2 miles from home, so I immediately drove the car home before running out of fluid. Fu**ing roadside assistance can't get it until tomorrow since I made it to a "safe location". Now I've got to re-arrange my schedule. ****! ****! ****! Any advice from those with this miserable experience of major repair? I'm having it taken to the dealer where I bought the car.
Jim
P.S. Count me out for the 23rd at Limerock
P.S.S. No one was injured at all and no airbags discharged.
[This message has been edited by DrJimM5 (edited 10 June 2001).]
Oh, MAN! I'm so sorry. Accidents suck. Could have happened to anyone. You'll soon get past the anger and start on the philosophy - "it's just a car, insurance will take care of it, nobody was hurt, could have been much worse, etc."
But the sadness will take a while to subside. Which is why you have us - the online grief counseling service solely for M5 Owners. "Another benefit of membership..."
DrJim,
So sorry for your misfortune. I've had one too 3 years ago with 328is coupe. I felt myself the biggest moron in the world. But time will heal any wound. You'll get your beast back in no time.
Don't feel bad. No matter how good a driver you may be, you have to contend with the other idiots on the road.
I had a similar incident recently (no damage or injuries though) when the driver in front of me slammed on her brakes in the middle of the intersection after entering on a yellow light. I was about 2 car lengths behind her doing the posted 35 limit (it's a long yellow!). She saw a police cruiser on the cross street and panicked. Due to an island, I could not avoid her. Good thing the bimmer has big brakes.
I kept running the incident over in my mind, and decided that you always have to expect the other drivers to do the most boneheaded maneuvers possible, and allow yourself space to avoid them.
There was a backlash recently in California when they made the driver license examination harder. My 2 cents: they should include an IQ test too.
The body shop will have your baby looking like new before you know it.
I'm so sorry to hear about your misfortune....the only thing that matters is that no one was injured. In terms of the Beast, I strongly recommend you take your car to Small Cars at 718 445-0070....ask for Al (Owner) or Dominic (shop mgr). You may let them know that you've been referred by Robert (MFREAK) and Sean. They are probaly regarded at the foremost BMW repair facility of the North East. They only service commercial clients....dealers and are not advertised to the public. You won't be disapointed.
We will surely dedicate the Lime Rock meet in your honour....will miss you.
Best wishes.
Sean
[This message has been edited by Sean (edited 10 June 2001).]
Damn, I'm still in shock. I spent a couple of hours with Jim yesterday and I can't believe 24 hours later this crap happens.
I'll vouch for Small Cars' work. I've seen the results in person. Simply amazing.
You're probably not in the mood to talk about a meet now. But, there's no need for you to miss it. We'll pick you up & bring you home in an M5 convoy. Just say the word!
I really appreciate the kind words and advice. I'm trying to get past the anger/ second guessing stage and on to the next step. The sooner I know it's on the mend, the better I will feel about it. I might take you guys up on the offer for Lime Rock, since I'm a big fan of Ferrari. I'll be in touch.
Jim,
Im sorry to hear about this. I had to live through car repairs many years ago and I know how frustrating that can be. Dont second guess yourself too much.
My advise is simple, if the damage is cosmetic then thats one thing. If the damage is to the cars frame or suspension, get it fixed and sell it immediately; sadly it will never drive the same.
SOB: I had an accident!
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