Hi Guys,
As I mentioned in the SoCal Forum, I was rear-ended today and have some pretty significant damage to the rear bumper. (pretty much destroyed)
In addition, there's a vibration coming from somewhere in the engine bay while at idle, which I'm guessing is coming from the exhaust system, due to the tailpipes being hit pretty hard during the accident.

Anyway, my question is, where should I have the repairs done to get the best results? MINI dealer or independent body shop? Insurance will pay for either one.

Thanks to all..

 

Calvin, sorry to hear about your accident, that really stinks!

My suggestion is to get in touch with your MINI dealer and see if the can make any recommendations for body shops that they frequently use for collision repairs. Also it would be a good idea for them to inspect your car to look for more "hidden" damage in the suspension and drivetrain.

After the repairs are completed, have the MINI dealer inspect your car one more time to ensure that everything is OK.

Has the insurance adjuster already looked at your car? Do you think you have enough damages for them to declare it a "total loss"?

I also recommend for you to look into California's auto insurance laws, but me thinks you should sue for "Diminished Value" due to the accident, if you are not at fault. Florida has such provision in that if someone smashes your new or almost new car, and you are not at fault, you can sue for diminished value, as your car would have already taken a hit in resale value due to the accident and subsequent repairs. Look into this because your car 1) Will never be the same, 2) it has already taken a hit in its resale value.

Have any pics? What type of vehicle hit you? Was it an SUV? How fast was it going?

Buena suerte amigo.

 

Sorry about the rear end crash Calvin.

I had my MCS work done at an independent auto body shop after my crash. I don’t have a local MINI dealer and even if I did I’ve not heard anything good about the repairs the closest one does.

I had my choice of 15 to 20 body shops in my area and when I had my mishap was the only MINI in town. None of the shops had ever worked on a MINI. After making some calls and going by a few places for estimates I settled on the one shop in town that works almost exclusively on high end exotics. When I stopped by to have them estimate the job the owner told me he had to be the one for my repairs because no one had even seen a MINI let alone work on one. Looking at the bays in his shop there was a Ferrari, a Viper and three 700 class BMW’s. That was enough recommendation for me.

They did a super job. Only the bonnet and drivers side fender required painting, but they painted my MCS from both doors forward. It looked and drove like it had just come off the showroom floor when I got it back.

I’d say give the independent guys a try. They can get the parts from MINI and it shouldn’t cost you anything extra to have them do the job instead of MINI.

 

Some BMW/MINI dealerships have their own bodyshops and most do not. It is still a good idea to ask for a recommendation of independent shops that they may contract out repair work for their customer's cars.

10 years ago I had an Acura Integra with heavy front end damage and I was referred to an independent that did a terible repair job, but then again that car should have never been repaired in the first place.

It pays to shop around and ask for references.

 

So sad Calvin. But could happen to anyone and often does! Your MINI will be as right as rain in no time!

Godspeed.