Hey everyone, back in October I was in an accident in my mini today It has finally finished being fixed totally ( well I assume as I am headed over there now to pick it up. With all the headaches this has caused I thought I throw in some useful lessons learned info about getting a mini fixed and what to expect from an accident.

1. The MINI holds up very well, the accident I was in was pretty bad, but the construction of the mini is amazing, there was no damage inside of our car. the outside was a different story...

2. New parts for a New MINI are a pain in the ****, I've had to wait for a new electrical harness, and seat parts to be ordered from mini, and they DO take a while no matter what. but at least my car was fixed with all brand spanking new pieces

3. Make sure you drive your car thoroughly when you get it back, and scrutinize everything, if your dealer didn't do the body work make sure you take it to them to have a look over anything you *think* might be wrong.

3b. check your seats for GIVE in them after an accident.. both of my front seat had about 2.5 inches of give in them after the accident it felt like a rocking chair and the parts people didn't fix them, when I took them into mini they noticed that parts of the frames bent now I'm a big guy and there was a lot of force on the seats, these things are obviously made to give a little so you don't break your back.. good to know, but still needs to be fixed after an accident.

4. look over your diagnostics and make sure all hoses have been refitted properly, no faulty wiring etc..

5. Always ask insurance about diminished value, also ask the mini dealer I know that some of the guys ( usually the guy who does trade in quotes) will have some paperwork or knowledge of what to get in a diminished value claim.

6. B prepared to wait, this car has been in the shop for along time, I even called and wrote mini and they promptly contacted the service guy, I received impeccable service I know the service technician and regional technicians even came in on the weekend to look at my car, but it still took a long time.

7. NO MATTER WHAT get a rental car, even if you think it is going to be a week, if they other guys insurance will pay for a rental car take it. one weeks worth of work can easily spring into 2 months worth ( this is experience talking)

8. Take everything out of your car after an accident.. including the floor mats, tools and ashtray.. I wish I had known because both of these items are missing and I probably won't get reimbursed for them. ( I have a feeling they may have been stolen out of the car in the tow lot..)

9. Take your car to a reputable dealer, I really like Gene over at Sterling BMW he is outstanding and no matter how many customers or frustrated he looks, when you walk up to him its all smiles, he is truly there to help you and will go out of the way if possible to do so.

10. Don't fret your baby will return soon all shiny and ready to go

 

Very good advice chollomo,

Thanks. Hope none of us every have to use it, but great tips, from experience. That's the best kind. Hope you car turns out OK.

 

What an experience you have been through. Happy to know that you guys were okay. It truely is amazing how well the Mini gives itself up for its people and thet your dealer really understands the relationship.
Thanks for sharing. Now get out there and enjoy.

 

Yes, well,
I pranged mine last weekend (15th). I was in Chicago for the auto show. After the show my son and I were seeing downtown sites. I was blasting along Lower Wacker Drive and came squirting out of there on an up-ramp. I guess I was expecting a ramp to the Congress, or something (bad memory). Instead I came up on a cross street. Hung a left (had a green, couldn't go right...) and got popped by a taxi cab coming the other direction. Hit the very rear right hand (passenger-US) side. Body damage wasn't too bad, quarter panel (fender) and bumper. But it also wrinkled up the right hand rear suspension. My wheel was pointing at one o'clock. Both side airbags deployed, too. No injuries to any parties, thank heaven
So it was taken to a body shop that the BMW/MINI dealer in Naperville uses. They at least have worked on them before. I have talked to them and they said that they ordered all the parts, expect them this week, then will schedule it. Supposed to be about 3 - 4 weeks then.
So I will also be very curious to see how it all shakes out. I like your advice to take your time when picking it up, and driving it for a test.
Thanks for your post, it helps to hear what others have been through.
Cheers,
John L

 

I guess I should add in one more now that I've been o the dealer...

11. Check to see if you insurance has taken care of payment ahead of time, DOH! I am sure I can pick it up tomorrow once I talk to the insurance company and get them to send a check or something.. I just assumed they had already taken care of everything Good luck I hope the info helps!

 

3 or 4 weeks is about right. I got hit by a flying truck tire before Christmas and it took the body shop nearly four weeks to get a bonnet shipped. The shop does a lot of work on BMWs but said MINI parts availability is much worse. Everything they need for a 3-series they can get in house in three to five days.