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BlimeyCharlie
Original Poster
188 posts
12 months
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Morning all,
I had an old guy drive into the back of my e46 M3 a month ago, when he decided to leave the T-junction he was sitting at. He used the back of my stationary car to then stop. Accidents happen. The result was superficial damage and the dreaded insurance saga of having it repaired.
To cut a long story short, the place where I had to go by my insurer has made my life somewhat harder than it needs to be.
My advice, which I followed myself, is to take pictures of the mileage, even if it is documented by the bodyshop. Also take a picture, or include it in the same picture as the mileage, of the range in miles left in the tank...
I dropped the car off myself, as did not want somebody thrashing/enjoying/abusing my car, especially when driven from cold, and that is when I took the pictures. I would also pick it up again for the same reason. This was also made clear, in a polite way, to the bodyshop and agreed by them. I was 'given' a courtesy car-no problem with that though.
The car needed a new bumper only. I'd been driving it since the accident as fine to drive. Just looked a mess.
Anyway, this is what I found;
When I pick the car up again just over a week later (long story) it is covered in dust, but I am expected to sign for it as being finished. It was finished less than 24 hours before, apparently...
The drivers door card has boot marks and scuffs along it. It is a light interior-so obvious straight away
Warning triangle missing-later found this with compressor in boot.
2 miles higher mileage, but had not been out of the workshop...nobody could explain why. Small site etc
Fuel-nearly a gallon used
Seat completely adjusted and left like it
Same with wing mirrors
I had switched the Hifi off. It had been messed about with, and blasting out Radio 1 when I switched it on
The parking sensors still do not work
Bumper loose
Thick overspray into drivers door recess-should be glossy
The company is one of a small chain and makes a big deal of trust and kitemark accreditation etc etc. The QC seems non-existent, as does any explanation as to the petrol, mileage and stereo use.
Whatever car you drive, don't trust anyone to respect either you or your property.
Obviously this is an ongoing situation, but take photos of everything prior to dropping your car off. And don't let anyone drive it if you are in two minds. I feel my car car has been used as a workshop entertainment centre, as well as for someone nipping out to to get the lads some lunch.
Very poor indeed and I hope someone learns from it.
This, remember, is through a 'big' insurer.
The car is due to go in again to have the work done again/properly but at the moment this fills me with horror.
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ecain63
5,400 posts
45 months
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You do know you are entitled by law to use your own chosen repairer right? As much as I feel for you, there's a reason why an insurer will have a 'preferred' repairer and its never because of the quality of the work. Hard lesson learnt.
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HustleRussell
4,214 posts
30 months
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BlimeyCharlie said: 2 miles higher mileage, but had not been out of the workshop...nobody could explain why. Small site etc
Fuel-nearly a gallon used
Seat completely adjusted and left like it
Same with wing mirrors
I had switched the Hifi off. It had been messed about with, and blasting out Radio 1 when I switched it on This really shouldn't bother you.
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BlimeyCharlie
Original Poster
188 posts
12 months
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No, I didn't know that.
Thanks for the info.
But how does using someone I prefer actually help though if they do an equally poor job? Does that give me less 'rights' if there is a dispute, as I've appointed them?
I've just had a proper look at it as have more time today. Paint issues by the drivers door, paint thicker around parking sensors and they've just re-used damaged bumper-it is all scuffed around the seal at bodywork and distorted in the corner.
While I agree about price (as posted above) as in partially justifying the poor job, we have to remember that it is a non fault accident on my part, and it will be claimed back from the other insurance company.
Therefore, there is no need to cut corners and cost. THIS IS PART OF WHY WE PAY INSURANCE.
So I am expecting a decent job. Not this fiasco.
The job has not been done properly. It needs doing again, but actually doing properly.
If a business states clearly on its website that it is Kitemark accredited and how you can trust them etc etc than as a customer that is what I am expecting.
Maybe I should also speak to the Kitemark 'people' and see if this is within their procedures to produce such poor work, and also not have 'quality control' pick up on it, as in the many faults.
It makes a mockery of the whole industry if this is how it is.
Also, regarding price, then it is going to cost a whole lot more to do it twice than to do it once properly, unless they get paid twice, which is remote.
Maybe they've shot themselves in the foot. If they do I hope they clean the blood up and not get it anywhere near my car.
Oh dear-happy days!
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BlimeyCharlie
Original Poster
188 posts
12 months
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HustleRussell said: BlimeyCharlie said: 2 miles higher mileage, but had not been out of the workshop...nobody could explain why. Small site etc
Fuel-nearly a gallon used
Seat completely adjusted and left like it
Same with wing mirrors
I had switched the Hifi off. It had been messed about with, and blasting out Radio 1 when I switched it on This really shouldn't bother you. Eh? Why not? If I am told it won't leave the site and they themselves document mileage why would it not bother me when there is no explanation as to why? Perhaps you can explain the following to me; Why does somebody have to mess about with the hifi to repair a rear bumper? Why does a car need to have the engine running for such a time as to burn through a gallon of super unleaded? Maybe I should just ignore the the loose bumper, poor paint finish etc etc as well? And ignore the other points originally posted by me, but not included in your post? Do you work in a bodyshop yourself? Maybe you don't get the concept of respecting someone else's property and the principle of honesty, good workmanship and quality control. Which is a shame as too many people are like that.
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jds32
251 posts
17 months
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Did you sign a satisfaction note when you collected the car? If you did they have probably already invoiced the insurance company.
Try and get hold of the assessor who agreed to the repair to come and look at it.
I don't think you will get very far with the added mileage and use of petrol though.
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egomeister
4,059 posts
133 months
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BlimeyCharlie said: Eh?
Why not?
If I am told it won't leave the site and they themselves document mileage why would it not bother me when there is no explanation as to why?
Perhaps you can explain the following to me;
Why does somebody have to mess about with the hifi to repair a rear bumper?
Why does a car need to have the engine running for such a time as to burn through a gallon of super unleaded?
Maybe I should just ignore the the loose bumper, poor paint finish etc etc as well?
And ignore the other points originally posted by me, but not included in your post?
Do you work in a bodyshop yourself?
Maybe you don't get the concept of respecting someone else's property and the principle of honesty, good workmanship and quality control. Which is a shame as too many people are like that. Would you have preferred the guy whoever moved the car around to have struggled using seat and mirror positions he wasn't comfortable with? I hope the Radio 1 didn't do any lasting damage to your car.
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HustleRussell
4,214 posts
30 months
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BlimeyCharlie said: HustleRussell said: BlimeyCharlie said: 2 miles higher mileage, but had not been out of the workshop...nobody could explain why. Small site etc
Fuel-nearly a gallon used
Seat completely adjusted and left like it
Same with wing mirrors
I had switched the Hifi off. It had been messed about with, and blasting out Radio 1 when I switched it on This really shouldn't bother you. Eh? Why not? If I am told it won't leave the site and they themselves document mileage why would it not bother me when there is no explanation as to why? Perhaps you can explain the following to me; Why does somebody have to mess about with the hifi to repair a rear bumper? Why does a car need to have the engine running for such a time as to burn through a gallon of super unleaded? Maybe I should just ignore the the loose bumper, poor paint finish etc etc as well? And ignore the other points originally posted by me, but not included in your post? Do you work in a bodyshop yourself? Maybe you don't get the concept of respecting someone else's property and the principle of honesty, good workmanship and quality control. Which is a shame as too many people are like that. Mileage and fuel- 2 miles is not a lot over that period of time. On a small site your car might've been moved several times a day, and left running while others are moved. Seat- do you really expect each of the many employees which have moved your car to deal with your driving position, compromising their ability to safely drive the car? Or do you think they'll somehow measure and catalogue the seating position of every car? Radio- perhaps they had to disconnect your battery as part of the repair process, wiping all your pre-sets? You are obviously dissatisfied with the service- and rightly so. However, going on about this petty minor insignificant rubbish won't help.
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AngryApples
4,822 posts
135 months
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Had this years ago with my E36 M3, insurance company tried the "you're taking it to X" lark and I said no, BMW or nothing due to value etc.
Insurance co wanted valuations from 3 companies, I refused stating BMW were carrying out the work end of.
BMW predicatably valued high and the insurance co. wrote it off thinking they'd get away with a cheap payout (wrong!)
Repeated the same less than 24 hours after I got the E46 M3 when the neighbours BiL reversed into it on my driveway!
Though that time I used a different bodyshop of my choice and even got a Cayman S (Via AnniesDad on PH - Europa) whilst mine was sat having work (happily coincided with Goodwood FoS weekend).
Insurers are a bunch of crooks, and have the audacity to moan about the general public - P taking on a grand scale IMHO.
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HustleRussell
4,214 posts
30 months
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AngryApples- you realise BMW would've just outsourced any paint and panel work to an external bodyshop anyway, don't you?
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Nedzilla
1,858 posts
44 months
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What would disturb me is that they used nearly a gallon of petrol to cover just two miles! 
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BlimeyCharlie
Original Poster
188 posts
12 months
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HustleRussell said: BlimeyCharlie said: HustleRussell said: BlimeyCharlie said: 2 miles higher mileage, but had not been out of the workshop...nobody could explain why. Small site etc
Fuel-nearly a gallon used
Seat completely adjusted and left like it
Same with wing mirrors
I had switched the Hifi off. It had been messed about with, and blasting out Radio 1 when I switched it on This really shouldn't bother you. Eh? Why not? If I am told it won't leave the site and they themselves document mileage why would it not bother me when there is no explanation as to why? Perhaps you can explain the following to me; Why does somebody have to mess about with the hifi to repair a rear bumper? Why does a car need to have the engine running for such a time as to burn through a gallon of super unleaded? Maybe I should just ignore the the loose bumper, poor paint finish etc etc as well? And ignore the other points originally posted by me, but not included in your post? Do you work in a bodyshop yourself? Maybe you don't get the concept of respecting someone else's property and the principle of honesty, good workmanship and quality control. Which is a shame as too many people are like that. Mileage and fuel- 2 miles is not a lot over that period of time. On a small site your car might've been moved several times a day, and left running while others are moved. Seat- do you really expect each of the many employees which have moved your car to deal with your driving position, compromising their ability to safely drive the car? Or do you think they'll somehow measure and catalogue the seating position of every car? Radio- perhaps they had to disconnect your battery as part of the repair process, wiping all your pre-sets? You are obviously dissatisfied with the service- and rightly so. However, going on about this petty minor insignificant rubbish won't help. The original point of my post is about the fuel, mileage and poor repairs that have been carried out to what was once a nice car. If it benefits someone else then great. The seat and mirrors I see your point, and could be seen as 'petty minor insignificant rubbish' if that was the only problem. However, all I did was list the things I am not happy with, from the perspective the car was not meant to be driven. The seat is a memory seat, not a new invention, but obviously too difficult to press a single button. If you look at ALL my points raised then I have a valid reason to be unhappy. Guessing about the battery is not the point. Maybe it was the battery being disconnected, but if I ask why to the bodyshop and they say "don't know" then that is why I'm not happy. If the battery had been disconnected then tell me that. I've just got around to cleaning the wheels of my car. Guess what? Overspray over both back wheels. With black paint on silver CSL alloys. Maybe that is 'petty minor insignificant rubbish' too? Maybe it happened if the battery gets disconnected? I didn't sign to say the car has been completed thanks. Though they wanted me too before I'd even seen the car. The manager rang me after two days of me trying to get some answers and offered to pay for the petrol used and petrol I will use coming back again to his premises. If I go back. The laquer is also cracked where masking tape has been used. Petty I know. I did not post originally for members (literally) to debate if I am being petty by cherry-picking the less significant complaints like seat and mirrors, granted. Which is why I titled this post 'A WORD OF WARNING'. Like I said, if someone benefits from this farce then I'll be a bit happier than I am now. Hope thats not petty of me?
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mmm-five
5,938 posts
154 months
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HustleRussell said: AngryApples- you realise BMW would've just outsourced any paint and panel work to an external bodyshop anyway, don't you? Why, when lots of dealerships have their own bodyshops? Although in my experience they're not worth the extra cost - other than to maintain your paintwork/bodywork warranty.
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pjv997
334 posts
52 months
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To the OP
How do you know the car used a gallon of fuel? If you are basing your view on a calculation using the 'remaining range' then I'm not sure it is an accurate basis for your opinion.
As has been said before - if the quality of workmanship is not up to scratch then that is unacceptable and they need to re-do the repair so the quality is acceptable.
But I think that you are clouding the situation by complaining about half a dozen other issues that are either minor or may have a plausible explanation.
I'd just focus on the poor quality repair and get them to sort it properly. Best of luck.
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EddieFelson
1,035 posts
84 months
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I pity the fool that moves my car seat. Unbelievable..
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ecain63
5,400 posts
45 months
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BlimeyCharlie said: No, I didn't know that.
Thanks for the info.
But how does using someone I prefer actually help though if they do an equally poor job? Does that give me less 'rights' if there is a dispute, as I've appointed them?
I've just had a proper look at it as have more time today. Paint issues by the drivers door, paint thicker around parking sensors and they've just re-used damaged bumper-it is all scuffed around the seal at bodywork and distorted in the corner.
While I agree about price (as posted above) as in partially justifying the poor job, we have to remember that it is a non fault accident on my part, and it will be claimed back from the other insurance company.
Therefore, there is no need to cut corners and cost. THIS IS PART OF WHY WE PAY INSURANCE.
So I am expecting a decent job. Not this fiasco.
The job has not been done properly. It needs doing again, but actually doing properly.
If a business states clearly on its website that it is Kitemark accredited and how you can trust them etc etc than as a customer that is what I am expecting.
Maybe I should also speak to the Kitemark 'people' and see if this is within their procedures to produce such poor work, and also not have 'quality control' pick up on it, as in the many faults.
It makes a mockery of the whole industry if this is how it is.
Also, regarding price, then it is going to cost a whole lot more to do it twice than to do it once properly, unless they get paid twice, which is remote.
Maybe they've shot themselves in the foot. If they do I hope they clean the blood up and not get it anywhere near my car.
Oh dear-happy days! ??? By choosing your own repairer you express the belief that they will do a satisfactory job, usually based on reputation and experience. You wouldnt name your preferred bodyshop unless you believed they were up to the job or new of thier work. Did you have any experience with the bodyshop that actually did the work before this mess? If not, youve effectively gone in blind and left yourself open to a massive shafting. Its like buying a gold bar without testing it. You dont hand over the reddies until you know its the full Ish! Also, by choosing your own repairer you have a direct point of contact as its YOU whos done the leg work in finding a good shop. Therefore, if it does go wrong you can complain direct to the bodyshop rather than having to go through the slippery insurance company. In 2008 i had my RS6 resprayed after a gritter driver decided to unload his cargo all over my car. I insisted Audi did the work given the car is what it is despite the insurance company pushing me toward Joe Bloggs. To be honest Audi did a great job and although the cost was higher than my insurance company's own i felt happy that if i had an issue i could liase direct with Audi rather than have to go through the bloody insurance company. As it happens, i did have to go back to the bodyshop because there was a slight area of paint under the wing mirror that had not been finished 100%. They were happy to help, and i reckon the reason for the smooth running of the repair was down the fact that i chose them over the cheaper alternatives. A little bit of loyalty to quality goes a long way, i know this from my own business. If i make a mistake at work and the customer isnt happy i have to uphold my responsibility as a quality craftsman to get the job done right, but i know that lesser members of my trade would turn away and let the customer suffer. A poor quality backstreeet bodyshop will just rebrand and move on after a bunch of bad reviews, its not so easy if youre a high end outlet with a reputation to uphold. Eddie Oh, and 'kitemarks' and 'badges' dont mean jack. We come under the Guild Of Master Craftsmen but that doesnt mean we have had to pass any assesments. All we do is pay an annual fee and we keep the title. Same goes with pretty much every other trade with a 'guild'.
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HustleRussell
4,214 posts
30 months
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pjv997 said: To the OP
How do you know the car used a gallon of fuel? If you are basing your view on a calculation using the 'remaining range' then I'm not sure it is an accurate basis for your opinion.
As has been said before - if the quality of workmanship is not up to scratch then that is unacceptable and they need to re-do the repair so the quality is acceptable.
But I think that you are clouding the situation by complaining about half a dozen other issues that are either minor or may have a plausible explanation.
I'd just focus on the poor quality repair and get them to sort it properly. Best of luck. Logic and balance in this thread? Surely not! Only a matter of time before OP calls you a penis 
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HustleRussell
4,214 posts
30 months
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mmm-five said: HustleRussell said: AngryApples- you realise BMW would've just outsourced any paint and panel work to an external bodyshop anyway, don't you? Why, when lots of dealerships have their own bodyshops? Although in my experience they're not worth the extra cost - other than to maintain your paintwork/bodywork warranty. I contest only the word 'lots'... The vast majority don't, none of the ones I'm aware of anyway.
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HustleRussell
4,214 posts
30 months
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mmm-five
5,938 posts
154 months
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HustleRussell said: I contest only the word 'lots'... The vast majority don't, none of the ones I'm aware of anyway. In a 40 mile range I have 6 dealerships (Merseyside/Lancashire/Cheshire), each has their own bodyshop. Of course this will vary by region, so you may have none 
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