Hey All.
So, washed the car this morning before church, and took it for a quick spin to dry it off (can't find chamois).
Cruising nicely down a straightaway, and a very large cat ran out in front of me. I've trained myself not to swerve for small animals, but I almost wish I had tried. Anywho, nailed it head on. Pics below. Sucks.
So, obviously some bumber damage. Pdc sensors popped out a bit, and one headlight washer on drivers side is broken off. Engine coolant light came on, and when I pulled into driveaway, a bunch of coolant leaked onto gravel.
I'll need to call insurance dude tomorrow, but looking for any advice here.
Couple of questions.
1. Not sure where to take it, as I dont know any good body shops in the area. There is a dealer about 20 minutes away (Budds BMW, Hamilton). Is a dealer the best place for this sort of thing.
2. Is this something I should try to muck with myself. I'm not a super mechanic, but if it just a matter of ordering painted bumper and bolting on, I might be able to swing it. The coolant thing probably negates that....just reaching...
3. On the coolant side, I'm hoping it is not rad damage. Is there an easy way to poke around in there and see if it is just hoses or something.
4. I really hate the idea of this thing getting towed. Those guys are so rough with hooking up. Would I be able to drive short distance (20 minutes) with little to no coolant.
5. While I'm fixing front end, is there any after market parts that would look better?
6. Any other comments to something I might not be thinking of?
I know it is just a 'thing', and it could have been worse if I swerved and lost control and blew up in a fiery crash, but it is still a bit of a damper.
Anywho, I'm well, the cat not so much. Happy Easter to you all.
Regards,
Vic
So, washed the car this morning before church, and took it for a quick spin to dry it off (can't find chamois).
Cruising nicely down a straightaway, and a very large cat ran out in front of me. I've trained myself not to swerve for small animals, but I almost wish I had tried. Anywho, nailed it head on. Pics below. Sucks.
So, obviously some bumber damage. Pdc sensors popped out a bit, and one headlight washer on drivers side is broken off. Engine coolant light came on, and when I pulled into driveaway, a bunch of coolant leaked onto gravel.
I'll need to call insurance dude tomorrow, but looking for any advice here.
Couple of questions.
1. Not sure where to take it, as I dont know any good body shops in the area. There is a dealer about 20 minutes away (Budds BMW, Hamilton). Is a dealer the best place for this sort of thing.
2. Is this something I should try to muck with myself. I'm not a super mechanic, but if it just a matter of ordering painted bumper and bolting on, I might be able to swing it. The coolant thing probably negates that....just reaching...
3. On the coolant side, I'm hoping it is not rad damage. Is there an easy way to poke around in there and see if it is just hoses or something.
4. I really hate the idea of this thing getting towed. Those guys are so rough with hooking up. Would I be able to drive short distance (20 minutes) with little to no coolant.
5. While I'm fixing front end, is there any after market parts that would look better?
6. Any other comments to something I might not be thinking of?
I know it is just a 'thing', and it could have been worse if I swerved and lost control and blew up in a fiery crash, but it is still a bit of a damper.
Anywho, I'm well, the cat not so much. Happy Easter to you all.
Regards,
Vic

