[NorCalAthlete]

So, someone sideswiped me while pulling into a parking spot next to me. Initial estimate is $2k, but here's the rub - they're talking about taking only part of the panel off, cutting it, and re-welding it.

I'd rather they order the whole thing but it looks like it wraps around the entire door and side, so the body shop said "not likely".

Has anyone had any repairs done yet on an G22? How'd it go? Thoughts on this?

It's a pretty good size scratch unfortunately, but the car IS driveable. Just not sure how I feel about cutting and rewelding. I'd rather have the entire side replaced.

[VetteGuy]

Oh wow... this seriously sucks! It must be a fairly significant “scratch” if they are talking about replacing part of the panel.

The rear quarter is one of the larger panels on the car and because it extends from the door frame back and up into the roof line I guess it makes sense that they would have to cut it somewhere and weld in a panel. Hopefully then can get a repair panel stateside and not wait weeks for it from Germany. That said, my concern would be more about where they cut and weld it so that the repair is smooth as silk and then matching the paint.

Are you dealing with a shop that regularly does BMW work and does it well?

[NorCalAthlete]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

Oh wow... this seriously sucks! It must be a fairly significant “scratch” if they are talking about replacing part of the panel.

The rear quarter is one of the larger panels on the car and because it extends from the door frame back and up into the roof line I guess it makes sense that they would have to cut it somewhere and weld in a panel. Hopefully then can get a repair panel stateside and not wait weeks for it from Germany. That said, my concern would be more about where they cut and weld it so that the repair is smooth as silk and then matching the paint.

Are you dealing with a shop that regularly does BMW work and does it well?

Yes, it's one of the shops recommended by bmwusa.com so I assume they will do good work regardless, but the estimator told me the majority end up trading in their cars within months due to not feeling safe with the cut + weld approach.

Having worked as a mechanic and welder, I'm not as worried about the safety aspect - many of the jobs I did ended up a bit beefier than original spec - I'm more worried about the cleanliness / accuracy of the repair + paint matching.

[bily]

Originally Posted by NorCalAthlete

Yes, it's one of the shops recommended by bmwusa.com so I assume they will do good work regardless, but the estimator told me the majority end up trading in their cars within months due to not feeling safe with the cut + weld approach.

Having worked as a mechanic and welder, I'm not as worried about the safety aspect - many of the jobs I did ended up a bit beefier than original spec - I'm more worried about the cleanliness / accuracy of the repair + paint matching.

If their insurance is paying or even yours insist on what makes you more comfortable. My issue with a partially replaced panel is more on the aspect of it rusting from the inside out. Just welding a piece of metal in there on a new car would not be my preference.

[VetteGuy]

Hey, how did the repairs turn out?

[NorCalAthlete]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

Hey, how did the repairs turn out?

Been away, I'm bringing it in to another shop this week to try and get the whole panel replaced rather than cut + welded.

[baleszkr]

What solution did you choose at the end?

[NorCalAthlete]

Sorry, forgot about this thread.

Found another body shop that was able to just repair the panel. Looks perfect now and I'm getting it re-ceramic coated.

[baleszkr]

Thanks for the reply! I am in a similar situation, and the shop I asked, also said they would repair the damage.

I am afraid if they can get the right results, as for me it's right on the wheel crest. Maybe replacing the panel would be better, on the other hand, it seems that option is only possible the way you described it, where they cut the current panel.

[NorCalAthlete]

That's almost exactly where my damage was, though mine was a thinner "crease" vs "dent" - yours appears to be a bit deeper / wider, but that doesn't mean they can't fix it.

[baleszkr]

That actually sounds pretty reassuring. I'll post an update once it's fixed.

[peterf15]

Originally Posted by NorCalAthlete

That's almost exactly where my damage was, though mine was a thinner "crease" vs "dent" - yours appears to be a bit deeper / wider, but that doesn't mean they can't fix it.

I agree 100%. Please let us know how it goes!