And, as I thought it was getting better...

[sKilled]

...I lost control on a gravel road. Fish tailed across the slick mud (council didn't spread enough gravel - cheapskates) and bounced up on an embankement. Tore of front bumper - totaled one fog light and mounting. Tore rear bumber half off. And worst of all, bent what I shall call front cross memeber. I do not quite know how bad the damage is, will throw myself under the car tomorrow as I am busy drowning my sorrows in alcomahol. Pictures to follow. Would appreciate greatly any and all advice that you guys could give. On the good side, I was able to drive her home (50 odd k's). Must go and drink now...:(

[pundit]

...I am busy drowning my sorrows in alcomahol...:(
Sounds like you've already poured plenty of it down-yer-hole!! ;)

[sKilled]

Go de scotsh...*hic*

[Paul in NZ]

get hold of Brent,he will have parts

[sKilled]

Thanks Paul - will do once I know the full extent of the damage. hope it's not fatal. As long as it passes its next warrant eh!

[onewhippedpuppy]

BFH + more of said alcohol, you'll be fine.

[Jon K]

...I lost control on a gravel road. Fish tailed across the slick mud (council didn't spread enough gravel - cheapskates) and bounced up on an embankement. Tore of front bumper - totaled one fog light and mounting. Tore rear bumber half off. And worst of all, bent what I shall call front cross memeber. I do not quite know how bad the damage is, will throw myself under the car tomorrow as I am busy drowning my sorrows in alcomahol. Pictures to follow. Would appreciate greatly any and all advice that you guys could give. On the good side, I was able to drive her home (50 odd k's). Must go and drink now...:(


So Skilled

[GoldenOne]

So Skilled
isnt that a low blow?

[SchnellE34]

isnt that a low blow?

Yes it was but still gave me a good laugh. Sorry to hear about the accident sKilled.

[sKilled]

The s is in lower caps - from my paintball forum days. Sometimes youre sKilled, sometimes your Killed. I guess it was the latter. Feel like crap, but starting to get over it. Will post some pics later today.

[Nick.Hay]

Bugger... Thats **** man!!

Can forum member PLEASE stop crashing their rides!!! :D

First the 'pancake, now you... Anyone else??

[sKilled]

Here's a pic of the worst damaged bit. The bumperr is shattered, but nothing some plastic welding and imaginative use of fiberglass can't fix.

Would love to get some advice in regards of how to fix this, as it has forced the radiator up almost an inch. Didn't damage it though (lucky me).

[sKilled]

*bump*

[632 Regal]

can that part be unbolted and replaced? If not I think any body shop could pull it back into position.

[sKilled]

Can be replaced I think, but costs about $400 NZD. Will try to bend it back into shape with the help of some mates. But if anyone knows a better way, please post. Thankyou for your help and support guys and gals. I wouldn't be as calm as I am now if I didn't have such reliable friends as you (yes I consider forum mebers friends - if in New Zealand you are always welcome to drop in for a cup of coffee and a chat).

[632 Regal]

id need an invite to just get there, and a recommendation to have me open shop there for an evaluation period then after 5-10 years I might be able to bcome a resident... much difft than the USA where we inport aliens and give them money, food and tax breaks.


Can be replaced I think, but costs about $400 NZD. Will try to bend it back into shape with the help of some mates. But if anyone knows a better way, please post. Thankyou for your help and support guys and gals. I wouldn't be as calm as I am now if I didn't have such reliable friends as you (yes I consider forum mebers friends - if in New Zealand you are always welcome to drop in for a cup of coffee and a chat).

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

(Portapower) to press the piece back into shape, or an few bottle jacks and blocks of wood for support.

It's a nice slow process of pushing the body parts back into shape, by moving the jack/ram here and there to press out the dents and crushed areas while bracing it carefully with wood, carpet and even building pilars.

[632 Regal]

whatcha talkin bout Willis?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

It's a hydrolic ram with all kinds of extenstions, shoes and doo dads.

use it to push out dents and tweek frames.

[Kalevera]

I have one of those. Used it on seat rails once.

Anyway, that tray is replaceable. I wonder if the front frame rails were bent, though. Get it on an alignment rack before doing anything.


best, whit

[sKilled]

Thanks whit - but what if they are bent? Is that fatal? Or can they just be bent back into shape?

[Robin-535im]

Thanks whit - but what if they are bent? Is that fatal? Or can they just be bent back into shape?
Depends on how far. Ask me how I know - my last e34 was considered "totalled" after they straightened them and the metal fatigued and cracked at the bend.

Little bends are okay but it doesn't take much, especially if it's kinked about a certain point. Even if it rips when they straighten it you can still repair it, but the official BMW way is to pull that part of the frame and install a new part that has no bend - they don't consider small area weld repairs to maintain the proper behavior w.r.t safety, etc. That can be mucho $$ if they have to pull the engine and weld in a new front frame! A good bodyshop can help you find the cheapest path to an acceptable solution, even if it violated the "BMW way".

- Robin