[Alanlan]

I just got my x5 hit a front car and I am very worried about how to repair my car. I look at the damage and I guess it may be front lower bumper grille. I’m nervous because it’s actually my first accident and repair during my lifetime. I know there might a huge cost if I go to dealership for repairs. So I’m wondering if it is necessary to get repaired and where should I go.

[TallGibbs]

Necessary? No, if you define "necessary" as affecting structure, stability, traction, braking, steering. This all looks cosmetic from what I can tell but please correct me if I'm wrong.

How to fix it: first decision is do you want to go through insurance? Most likely, it costs more than your deductible so you will "save" money by going through insurance but then you have the risk of it affecting your future insurance prices. If you choose "yes" for insurance, then ask them who their approved repair shops will be (it will almost NEVER be the dealership because those are the highest cost options).

If you choose "No" to insurance: still worth calling insurance and asking who they have for approved repair shops so you can do private repair (you pay for it all), but have a higher level of confidence in the quality of the repair.

[Alanlan]

Originally Posted by TallGibbs

Necessary? No, if you define "necessary" as affecting structure, stability, traction, braking, steering. This all looks cosmetic from what I can tell but please correct me if I'm wrong.

How to fix it: first decision is do you want to go through insurance? Most likely, it costs more than your deductible so you will "save" money by going through insurance but then you have the risk of it affecting your future insurance prices. If you choose "yes" for insurance, then ask them who their approved repair shops will be (it will almost NEVER be the dealership because those are the highest cost options).

If you choose "No" to insurance: still worth calling insurance and asking who they have for approved repair shops so you can do private repair (you pay for it all), but have a higher level of confidence in the quality of the repair.

Thank you for posting! I will probably choose “No” to the insurance since, as you mentioned, it might effect my future policy.

[X5MnM3comp]

The damage appears to be minimal. Can you live with the black part inside of the frame being broken? It’s not that noticeable I’d think. If so, you can easily pop the side back in with a clip or a screw.

[stbm5]

having a relatively minor repair is not going to hurt your insurance rate. who is your carrier and do they have an accident forgiveness add on?

[scubajim]

If you call the insurance company to ask for approved repair shops don't use the word "accident" I personally would not call the insurance company but ask around town to see what body shops are recommended. Who does your car repair now, ask them for a body shop.

[Grease23]

I'd never call my insurance agent to ask for body shop recommendations. If you re going to pay for it, get local recommendations. In general, people aren't shy about sharing negative auto-related criticisms on, for example, Yelp. (Check any Jeep dealership, for example.)

Read the "not recommended" reviews too. Yelp does bury some informative reviews that don't actually violate their guidelines from what I can see.

[M5Rick]

Leave it as it is and buff it up so its less noticeable. Going to dealer=$$$

[Portimao Blue M440ix]

Try and pop everything back into place best you can. Buff out as much of the scratches as possible and see what you think on how it looks to you. If your not happy get a few quotes from some high quality body shops. Another option might be to find a place that does bumper only repairs and see what they can do compared to body shop repair.

[stbm5]

call your insurance and ask. you can ask if a repair will hurt your rate. but its a bit silly to pay for insurance then not use it. if you need a new bumper it'll be fairly expensive.