GLK Accident

[evito]

I got into a little accident in my GLK last night, and I messed it up pretty badly... Some assface cut me off, and I swerved to avoid hitting him, and I ended up hitting the curb pretty hard, at like a good 25-30mph... I'm glad I didn't hit anyone or anything else though, 'cause it could've ended up being a lot worse. From what I see (I'm no mechanic or specialist), the steering is messed up and I'm pretty sure my control arms were raped, seeing as each front wheel points in a different direction. I'm worried that I might have damaged right front axle shaft as well, but I'm not sure. Oh, and on top of it, I hit the curb in the red lane, so now I have red curb rash all over my 2 right tires/wheels. Anyways, point of the story: I'm looking for a shop in the LA area that works well with Mercedes and that wouldn't cost me my soul, so any help regarding a good shop would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot guys.

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[MB_Owner]

Can't help as far as a shop recommendation but I'm sure sorry to hear about your GLK accident. Believe you're the first to post here that you've seriously bent one.

Hopefully your insurance covers things and your deductible isn't too high. Based on your explanation, I suspect the repair bill is going to be substantial.

[Kamen]

Sorry to hear about your accident. The important thing is nobody was hurt.
Good luck with the repair

[evito]

Yeah, I expect it to be at least 5k in damage... Not too happy about that.

Oh, and the guy that cut me off... white c350. So much for Mercedes' brotherly love.

[evito]

Sorry about the crappy cell phone picture, but the passenger's side tire is bent in and not turned, while the driver's side is turned normally w/ the steering wheel.

[clay7160]

looks like a control arm and tie rod.....your shaft will probably be ok....and your insurance should repair your wheels (have them repainted) and let them know because you hit the curb so hard, you do not feel safe on the same tires....they might replace them...or look for any cuts or abrasions on the sidewall...then the tire would be deemed not safe...and would have to be replaced....sorry to hear about your incident

[ftttubrgcm]

Get with the mechanics at your MB dealer and see where they recommend.

[evito]

Most I could do was some more ****ty cell phone pictures.




Front wheel:

Rear wheel:

[evito]

Originally Posted by ftttubrgcm

Get with the mechanics at your MB dealer and see where they recommend.

My dealer has a service center, and I'm pretty sure I can take it to them to fix my car. Only problem is the stealership will probably charge me my soul to get it fixed.

[ftttubrgcm]

That's why I recommended you ask their mechs. I bet they will steer you to highly respected MB mechanics in the area.

[MBRedux]

Where ever you end up, they must be able to perform a complete front chasis alignment check-up... A hard blow to the right/wheel suspension can blow out the alignment of the upper strut tower. Most times this is missed... or the insurance adjuster tells the repair center to simply look the other way... So if this is not checked/detected and/or repaired, the car will look okay when you pick it up, but it will never *track* correctly ever again.

[NYCGLK]

sorry to hear that man, should've hit the ******* and have his insurance to pay for all of the damage, I think your premium will go up judging by your story.

i wonder if smaller wheels (with higher sidewall) would've just jumped on the curb instead of ruining rims and suspension.

[mr.mbenz]

best advice to give to you...

It may seem bad at first...however, from your pictures you've taken, it does not seem that bad at all.
Nevertheless, I would not take it in to any 'cheap' place due to the integrity of vehicle alignment, the new Agility Control Suspension which MB invented. These are crucial parts to keep your baby feeling like new again. If the small shop cuts corners, or are not familiar with what they are dealing with...you won't be happier than what has already happened. Does this make sense?

Up North here, we have authorized MB Body Shops with factory technicians and of course, factory parts. You may want to inquire and get an estimate at least to compare.

And remember, its only a vehicle...which can be replaced at cost...humans can't be at any cost...

[mr.mbenz]

Originally Posted by NYCGLK

sorry to hear that man, should've hit the ******* and have his insurance to pay for all of the damage, I think your premium will go up judging by your story.

i wonder if smaller wheels (with higher sidewall) would've just jumped on the curb instead of ruining rims and suspension.

you're right NYCGLK... there was a discussion on this as the wheels seem flush against the tires so there is no protection even if slightly bump into them on the curb while parking.
Most cars have a bit of rubber sticking out to protect the rims/wheels and of course, gives a bit of "rubber" warning while parking.

[evito]

Originally Posted by NYCGLK

sorry to hear that man, should've hit the ******* and have his insurance to pay for all of the damage, I think your premium will go up judging by your story.

i wonder if smaller wheels (with higher sidewall) would've just jumped on the curb instead of ruining rims and suspension.

Yeah, I'm thinking that fixing the car myself would cost less than to file a claim.

[evito]

Originally Posted by MBRedux

Where ever you end up, they must be able to perform a complete front chasis alignment check-up... A hard blow to the right/wheel suspension can blow out the alignment of the upper strut tower. Most times this is missed... or the insurance adjuster tells the repair center to simply look the other way... So if this is not checked/detected and/or repaired, the car will look okay when you pick it up, but it will never *track* correctly ever again.

Thanks, I'll be sure to mention that. I didn't even think of it.

Originally Posted by mr.mbenz

best advice to give to you...

It may seem bad at first...however, from your pictures you've taken, it does not seem that bad at all.
Nevertheless, I would not take it in to any 'cheap' place due to the integrity of vehicle alignment, the new Agility Control Suspension which MB invented. These are crucial parts to keep your baby feeling like new again. If the small shop cuts corners, or are not familiar with what they are dealing with...you won't be happier than what has already happened. Does this make sense?

Up North here, we have authorized MB Body Shops with factory technicians and of course, factory parts. You may want to inquire and get an estimate at least to compare.

And remember, its only a vehicle...which can be replaced at cost...humans can't be at any cost...

Yeah, I'm trying to find a reputable shop that won't cost me 3 of my fingers and my balls, but at the same time does a quality job. That's the tough part.

[mr.mbenz]

how many body parts
did you pay with
when your bought your baby?

Good Luck on your repair.
And advise of update of cost of repair...plz.

[evito]

Originally Posted by mr.mbenz

how many body parts
did you pay with
when your bought your baby?

Good Luck on your repair.
And advise of update of cost of repair...plz.

Haha, well that's confidential. ;]

Will do. Several friends called me about different body shops here and there, so I'll do a little comparing before I repair anything.

Thanks for the help, all.

[clay7160]

for sure you have a bent tie rod....post # 8 third pic..., and from what i can see in the pictures, your tires do not seem to have any cuts in them...but most tire shops will inspect them for free...., did you have any body panel damage.....if not, you would be better going to a shop that specializes in frame/suspension repair shop, to ensure your frame is straight....good luck with the repairs...

[evito]

Originally Posted by clay7160

for sure you have a bent tie rod....post # 8 third pic..., and from what i can see in the pictures, your tires do not seem to have any cuts in them...but most tire shops will inspect them for free...., did you have any body panel damage.....if not, you would be better going to a shop that specializes in frame/suspension repair shop, to ensure your frame is straight....good luck with the repairs...

Nah, there wasn't any damage to the panels (Thank God).
Thanks for the advice.

[MBRedux]

Originally Posted by evito

Yeah, I'm thinking that fixing the car myself would cost less than to file a claim.

You'll need the specs on the tower dim. You'll also need to remove all suspension/steering components and check for distortion. You will need to check the front and rear wheel bearings, struts for trueness, strut caps and bearings, the front hub for damage or distortion since it's made of aircraft forged aluminum, brake rotors since they bend easily because they are attached to the hub, tie -rods... already bent, R&P steering box for thrust damage, wheels need replacement (best price here: http://mercedes.dealerfit.com/store/mercedes-glkclass-accessories-cat909_2481.php ) If the towers need to be straightened, you'll need a REAL good shop.

Good luck

[evito]

Originally Posted by MBRedux

You'll need the specs on the tower dim. You'll also need to remove all suspension/steering components and check for distortion. You will need to check the front and rear wheel bearings, struts for trueness, strut caps and bearings, the front hub for damage or distortion since it's made of aircraft forged aluminum, brake rotors since they bend easily because they are attached to the hub, tie -rods... already bent, R&P steering box for thrust damage, wheels need replacement (best price here: http://mercedes.dealerfit.com/store/mercedes-glkclass-accessories-cat909_2481.php ) If the towers need to be straightened, you'll need a REAL good shop.

Good luck

Wow, life saver, haha.
Thank you so much.

[Sincity]

Hope you feel better. The same thing happened to me but with different results. I was driving down the street in my '07 GTI 2 years ago and some a55 wipe did not stop at the stop sign and cut in front of me while I was driving down a 45 mph zone. I swerved to avoid him, which I did, and ended up over a curb, into a block wall, and back into the street facing oncoming traffic. The GTI was totalled. Luckilly for me, the guy did not take off and there was a witness. Even though I didn't hit him, he still failed to yield right of way as collaborated by the witness and ticketed for causing the accident.

[NYCGLK]

Originally Posted by evito

Yeah, I'm thinking that fixing the car myself would cost less than to file a claim.

not sure about that...MB rim is 700 by itself.

[evito]

All the repairs have been finished. Totaled ~2100$ (tow, parts, labor, & alignment included.)

Had to replace upper and lower front control arms and tie rods, front right strut, and inner fender lining. Wheels were cleaned up and have very little curb rash remaining on them, so it's just a matter of finding someone to refinish whatever's left. Tires don't have any lacerations and tread is still fine.

I was recommended to go to Highline Motors in Van Nuys. At first glance, it looked like a shady, hole-in-the-wall shop, but I'd have to say, they did an excellent job.