bumper - crash aftermarth advice

[alexdejonghe]

Just a quickie;

Problem: rear end shunt last month, bumper damaged, bodyshop says inner bumper needs replacing - work is done (through accident management firm EasyDrive) - inner bumper replaced by BMW part (in theory) - upon closer inspection (and after they'd hurridly made me sign papers x, y & z) the inner bumper hasn't been replaced at all.....

(a) have I a leg to stand on with these crooks?

(b) is the whole rear bumper (outer plastic & inner metal parts) easy to get hold of for a late '93 cab on here and then have it resprayed granite silver?

thanks,

Alex

[Brianmoooore]

Inner bumper is a composite structure, and provides crash protection by absorbing energy as it disintegrates, so should be replaced if it's visibly breaking up.
If their invoice shows a replacement beam that they haven't replaced, then they've committed fraud, but if nothing's in writing, then I doubt that you'll get anywhere.
Presumably the painted part of the bumper has been repaired/replaced to your satisfaction, otherwise you wouldn't have signed the papers, so at most, all you require is the inner beam, which is the same on all facelift E30s.

[alexdejonghe]

Thanks Brian - good advice.

This (possible) fraudster of a mechanic said that the appointed engineer (of claim management firm) refused to replace the inner bumper or it would result in the old girl being written off. I think he's lying, but hey ho - doesn't look like an expensive part to replace on here...

Thanks again.

[E30BeemerLad]

If they have included the cost of that in the estimate which has been authorised and therefore the insurers billed for it, contact the monkeys who repaired it and tell them to replace the item or you'll be phoning the insurers about this activity. Tell Easy Drive the same.

[E30BeemerLad]

Thanks Brian - good advice.

This (possible) fraudster of a mechanic said that the appointed engineer (of claim management firm) refused to replace the inner bumper or it would result in the old girl being written off. I think he's lying, but hey ho - doesn't look like an expensive part to replace on here...

Thanks again.

I have just re read this post. They could have a point.

I would ask Easy Drive for a copy of the repair invoice (they will probably be the ones presenting it to the insurers for payment). If it appears as a part on the repair invoice, that is the time to start kicking up a stink.