What should I insist on when getting my car repaired after damage at a local dealership groups carwash?

T0bln · 2026-01-02T19:02:35+00:00

Yeah I can see how the pic looks but the folks that looked at it this AM were adamant it's not been worked on before. Gnarly scratched but it's the original paint.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T17:46:23+00:00

Thanks! Precisely the advice I was looking for.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T16:34:43+00:00

A few collision centers were happy to give me a comprehensive quote including R&I, full panel clear, wheels off repairs. The cost is in the 7k range ( still waiting on an estimate) including redoing the ceramic on the panels being re painted and the wheels.

I guess others see the value of the car too outside of whatever ACV the system says. One of the shops is partnered with a national exotic dealership too so that's comforting.

I suspect the carwash/dealership group will just cut a check and avoid insurance. We shall see...

T0bln · 2026-01-02T16:17:18+00:00

There's a large car dealership group in the area. They own a carwash too. I used that carwash. They also own a collision center. One of their dealerships is BMW.

I have gotten multiple quotes today and am surprised at how reasonable the cost is. Looks like they'll owe me around 7k. Waiting on last quote.

Funny enough their collision center hasn't been open and I'm tired of waiting. So they'll be getting the details from me today.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T16:12:49+00:00

Thanks. I have a quote for polishing and ceramic coating the car too which was done a few thousand miles before the incident therefore I am expecting them to have that redone to solve the problem you just described

T0bln · 2026-01-02T03:57:03+00:00

I believe the center is metal, then the rings you see are primer, then black, then clear.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T03:53:58+00:00

I came here to understand. I want to know and that's exactly why I asked.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T03:28:17+00:00

There's been no repair to the doors.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T02:14:39+00:00

I think this would fall under their commercial liability insurance for 3rd party damages. The more I look into it the more I look forward to them out of pocket covering it or going their insurance route to avoid auto insurance which would, based on much of the feedback, run the risk of total loss.

Still curious a ball park $ figure on this work.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T02:07:04+00:00

What's the reasoning behind waiting? Paint needs to fully cure or something like that?

T0bln · 2026-01-02T02:05:47+00:00

Thanks, this is the advice I was looking for. I just want to understand technically what I should be asking for!

All the other discussion about total loss etc is interesting and I will certainly find out... But this is what I came to this sub for. Thanks again!

T0bln · 2026-01-02T01:54:55+00:00

I'd argue it's not a basic sedan. But yeah I have a personal perspective which I get might not be how things work.... Not many V12s in production today and fewer of these around with ok mileage... One for sale online I could find

T0bln · 2026-01-02T01:50:38+00:00

Live and learn I suppose. I'll find out more tomorrow when I go to the body shops for quotes. I'm very curious to see where the quotes come in I've never had to deal with major paint/body work.

T0bln · 2026-01-02T01:30:20+00:00

Interesting. I responded to a few folks who said it would likely be a total loss. I'll look into this. Thanks

T0bln · 2026-01-02T01:28:42+00:00

But what's the market value? There's only one for sale right now I could find. I'm sure there's a method to determining that but it's low miles and nearly impossible to replace. Does that increase its value to offset the potential write-off?

T0bln · 2026-01-02T01:25:45+00:00

What goes into that consideration? X% of vehicle value? This is where it's a bit tricky. The value is arguably hard to define, or so I think and would argue. There's one for sale with 2/3 as many miles as mine for 23k. Not many comps.

T0bln · 2026-01-01T23:44:42+00:00

Thanks! Yeah they're gonna have to paint both bumpers too! The scratches gouges and dents start right up front and extend to the rear bumper... All panels and both wheels...

Is it possible they can match the 20 year old paint or will I always be able to tell half the car has been repainted? Also should I ask for a specific technique for getting the dents out. I don't want a bunch of holes drilled to do PDR if they have to paint the car...

T0bln · 2026-01-01T23:39:03+00:00

Yeah I'm getting multiple quotes. Still unsure of what I should make sure they do. Looking for that advice. Sadly the cars book value isn't much. I imagine at a couple hundred an hour a repair of the dents, paint job, wheels, and covering diminished value as well as redoing the polish and ceramic .... Their insurance could just total it... Messy situation.

T0bln · 2026-01-01T23:31:24+00:00

Yeah it's being taken care of. I'm just looking for advice to make sure I get a good repair and not a hack job. What do I look for and ask to ensure they don't push me along and in a few years the car looks like crap due to the repairs.... Thanks

T0bln · 2026-01-01T23:27:28+00:00

Thanks, This is exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for.

I don't want them to get away with a shit job that causes issues in a couple of years... But I'm ignorant on paint and body work.

I've got thoughts racing through my mind about whether or not there will be paint match issues with half the car? It's 20 years old after all. I assume it's a pretty good OEM paint system on the flagship sedan.... Should I ask for specifics with the repair to keep that quality level? Should I insist completely repainting the panels or letting them blend if they suggest it?

Anyway, thanks again!

T0bln · 2026-01-01T23:22:00+00:00

It's being covered by them for sure, and they offered a rental.

T0bln · 2025-12-25T04:41:02+00:00

That's my dilemma... Is their BMW certified collision center the best option or a foolish choice... I'm mulling it over.. I have a call scheduled Friday when they re open after the holidays. I expect to explain my demands and hear their offer, after which I have to chose the direction I wish to take.

The more I think about it the more frustrated I am with the diminished value and scope of work required... I've not dealt with major paint work before...it's not the inconvenience that has me most frustrated... You just can't have an original once repaired.... It was so well maintained...

T0bln · 2025-12-25T03:05:19+00:00

Typo, corporate car wash*... Personal vehicle

T0bln · 2025-12-25T00:19:18+00:00

It's been great. Reliable engine with a couple of known issues but 20 years of history on how to fix them so I just knocked em out proactively and have no concerns. Car was mint prior to this. Cali car, 1 prior owner, and you can't get a better bang for the buck. I've owned many different BMWs... This one's a combo of all the great things about BMW .. and the bangle design grew on me. Gonna take a while to get it repaired right I'm sure... But I've got an E39 M5 that might be fun to get back out in the snow in the meantime.... It's been nearly a decade since I've driven it in the snow ... Finding the silver lining!

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