Alright, what do we think the damage is?

[CH400EM]

So, involved in a minor collision. No airbags deployed. I was turning at around 5mph, other vehicle first contacted my headlight area (and front of wheel?) at ~40mph then made its way back to my door. Obviously driver side control arms etc are done. Other panels with damage: hood, door, bumper, quarter panel, and windshield cracked.

What do you all think is the damage amount here and if it would be totaled (I have full coverage with a major insurer in the US). Sad to see her towed away

[ethan82]

100% totaled (by insurance standards at least)
I’ve bought 2 salvage 1ers with much less damage
Check your subframe for cracks in the welds right near where the control arms attach. I’ve had 2 1ers with similar collisions, both of which had cracked subframes.
No one seems to ever check the subframes and they break easily

[ShocknAwe]

Mine was involved in a similar accident but at much lower speeds and much less damage years ago. Bill to insurance from the local BMW collision was over $7000. That was when the car was virtually new.

Yours? I'd bet totaled. Hard to guess cost to return to new but assuming new parts used, could be north of 10k. Repair will involve the entire front end, new headlight and all supporting architecture, front suspension, subframe, possibly even getting into the main frame/body and doors/cabin. Look at the ripple down the door. Engine bay is probably fine.

Sorry man. Always hard to see a car go like that, but it looks like it saved your life in exchange for its own.

[swunder]

Super totaled

[kaputt]

Damn, shame to see that happen. Glad you’re okay. A 40mph collision is no joke. Car looks like it did it’s job well.

I would bet she’s totaled unfortunately.

[CH400EM]

Thanks for the input everyone. It was hard to assess the damage before it got towed – engine and all the metal around it looked fine but I didn't get to dig into any welds or look at subframe.

Unfortunately the tires only had a few hundred miles on the them.

What do you think is the book value of these cars for a major US insurer (2012 135i, ~50k mi)? Will update with news from adjuster.

[NorthernDancer]

Yes totaled; but there is also at least $5K-$6K in parts there. There is a guy here who needs a new engine, unfortunately he's way too far away from you (8 hour drive to the nearest BMW dealer)

If you look at cars.com, they show 22 135s, 2012 for sale. Retail prices range from $14K to $20K. With your mileage I would say you are $18K to $20K retail.

[CH400EM]

Update:

The estimate for parts was ~$9.5k and ~$3k for labor and supplies. Deemed a total loss.

[tracer bullet]

Sorry to hear it. Crappy to lose a car that you love and have worked on.

You could consider buying it back? Parting it out and so on. If you were thinking of another 1-Series you might transfer those parts and save a lot of money if you thought you'd take it down the same path. And / or know that you'd make some extra money above and beyond the basics of parting it out to others. The insurer may not factor in your work and it could be to your advantage? Or to your disadvantage if they don't consider that part of the value that you just lost.

I suppose that's all a bit obvious and something you are considering. But if not, check it out.

[CH400EM]

Thanks for the kind words. I definitely considered it, and in a different circumstance I might buy it back (especially since I've been wanting to build an e36 m3 clone with an N55). For now I'm going to take what they'll give me and move on. It was a great year with the car!

If anyone comes across the car at auction, needing a strong engine/DCT, I've got a stack of receipts and other info to provide.

[tracer bullet]

Sad but yeah makes sense. One other thought - depending on where the car is and who technically owns it, if you haven't already, you might be able to pull parts from it? The pipes, FMIC...

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by CH400EM

Update:

The estimate for parts was ~$9.5k and ~$3k for labor and supplies. Deemed a total loss.

Also, sorry to hear, but maybe it's for the best. Hopefully will open the door for something else.

Maybe a 128i is in your future.

Good luck!