HELP! Need input on damage to car...please read

Hi Everyone,

I had an unfortunate event happen tonight...driving on a dark street in Manhattan I managed to hit a pothole with my left front tire that was so severe, it caused both side airbags to deploy. Furthermore, although I can't see the extent of the damage underneath the car, I have apparently lost all my oil so I've either punctured something or who knows what else but all my oil has poured out.

Needless to say, I immediately garaged the car and turned it off.

So now the dance begins. Has anyone had any experience with costs involved in replacing both side air bags? Has anyone ever pierced their oil pan or whatever would cause oil to drain from under the car? I looks like it's leaking between the two front tires. I'm just trying to get a ballpark feel for what I may be in store for.

The car is not under warranty so I'm trying to figure out if I should bring it to a neighborhood BMW mechanic or to the dealership. I'm assuming I'll have to get my insurance company involved so I just want to bring it where I think I'll get the best service.

I know I'm rambling but I'm a little shook up at the moment...that airbag was like getting hit with a baseball bat! I'm hoping someone may have similar repair work and can tell me if they went to a mechanic or to the dealership and what their experience was. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Mick

Reply » HELP! Need input on damage to car...please read

I know what you're going through buddy, my 02 M Coupe was just involved in an accident.

Its good to hear you're alright, I know some people who have been seriously hurt by airbags in crashes that otherwise would have been harmless.

Airbags are not cheap to replace, either, so I doubt you are going to want to pay out of pocket. I'm not familiar with places in your area, so hopefuly someone that lives in your general vicinity will be able to point you in the right direction. I had a ton of people that live in the SoCal area point me in the right direction.

I will PM you the username of a member on these boards who was particularily helpful to me. He knows someone who might be able to point you in the right direction.

Best of luck! There's not much they can't fix these days (for a price, of course). Your car will be fine!

Reply » HELP! Need input on damage to car...please read

What insurance do you have? Some types of policies cover road hazards.

Even if your insurance won't cover this, some cities/ states cover verified damage from unrepair potholes. I don't know about NYC.

Reply » HELP! Need input on damage to car...please read

Quote:

That sux... I start by getting a police report... get photos and document time day exactly where and everything. Sounds like the city owes you for repairs. Turn that over to your insurance. You are not at fault

Since your airbags have gone off I would guess your repair will be somewhere around 5 to 8k at least. Take it to your BMW dealer

PS if you need a another Z3 Im selling one.

Reply » HELP! Need input on damage to car...please read

For air bags, you are looking at $700 each and a new control module for about $600 (I think...)

At any rate, I suggest you call your insurance company.

Reply » HELP! Need input on damage to car...please read

I can't believe this but the BMW mechanic I go to says that insurance almost never covers potholes. Even on a comprehensive policy? How can this be?

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