Help please. Columbus, Oh collision center

[lotusM3]

My F80 M3 now has front end damage. Bumper, headlights, both front quarter panels, hood, radiator etc. doors all open fine, frame seem straight. Can anyone recommend a good collision center to take it to. I'm sick about it.

Appreciate your help.

[DocWeatherington]

I cannot recommend anyone..

However, I would take mine to a BMW Certified Collision Repair center. They use OEM parts, work is completed by BMW Techs at BMW specs. Also, I think its all warranted for 2yrs but don't quote me on the last part. Please check with the dealership. Might be worth paying for the tow out of pocket.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ision-overview

Around Columbus according to the link above.

Voss Village BMW
Bmw of Cincinnati North
Then A&L BMW in Monroeville, PA

[Xtabi]

Argh sorry to hear that!!! I live in Columbus but this is my first BMW. I've never had any major work on an old car so I can lend ant help here sorry.

Docs advice above looks really good to me.

[S65V8]

sorry to hear OP, I recommend you post in the regional forum for the OH area and see if anyone responds on good shop recos. Seems like the parts you mentioned will just have to be replaced, they won't try and fix any of those pieces really, that's a good thing, new parts (Bumper, Fenders, Hood, Radiator etc.).

Also, talk to the local detailers who are known to be the "best", they generally know who does good paint / body work.

When you have a list of shops to call and visit, suggest you visit the shops and see what kind of cars they are repairing (the higher end, the better), I think it's a good sign that people/dealers with $300k cars trust them to do quality repairs, they'll likely do a BMW justice. Also, see if they are a certified BMW repair shop.

Check to see if they have the latest equipment that lines up fenders with computer precision and not by hand, and the ones that fix frames to ensure they are straightened (not that you'll need it). Also explore if they can match the "orange peel" finish your original car had coming out of the BMW factory. Typically these BMWs have a certain level of "orange peel" on the clear coat, some shops can match it but others don't bother.

While you're getting a new bumper, just have them mold over / paint the area with the orange front reflectors over so it looks like a euro bumper, a nice lil plus while in your getting these things done.

[lotusM3]

Great info. Thanks

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by lotusM3

Great info. Thanks

No problem, please keep us posted. An maybe some pics

[TedRoc]

Originally Posted by lotusM3

My F80 M3 now has front end damage. Bumper, headlights, both front quarter panels, hood, radiator etc. doors all open fine, frame seem straight. Can anyone recommend a good collision center to take it to. I'm sick about it.

Appreciate your help.

Achbach Auto Industries - by far the best in Columbus. He will have your car for a Looooooong time but he is hands down the guy you want. Good luck.

[lotusM3]

Update.
front end collision. airbad deployment. no frame damage. estimate for repair was 44k. car totaled by insurance agency. 2016 M3 with comp pgk ordered. switching from DCT to manual. she will be missed.

[Xtabi]

Originally Posted by lotusM3

Update.
front end collision. airbad deployment. no frame damage. estimate for repair was 44k. car totaled by insurance agency. 2016 M3 with comp pgk ordered. switching from DCT to manual. she will be missed.

Ouch! Glad to hear it was totaled out. And the fact you are getting another M car is a bonus!

[lotusM3]

Originally Posted by Xtabi

Ouch! Glad to hear it was totaled out. And the fact you are getting another M car is a bonus!

crazy thing is that it didnt seem like that much damage. 44k? insane.

[dom_cmh]

Originally Posted by lotusM3

Update.
front end collision. airbad deployment. no frame damage. estimate for repair was 44k. car totaled by insurance agency. 2016 M3 with comp pgk ordered. switching from DCT to manual. she will be missed.

Good call on the 6MT! It's too late now but fwiw I have used Rife's auto body several times in the past. They are one of the better ones in Columbus. I worked for an insurance company and our adjusters always had fits with them because the insisted on doing repairs the right way vs what the insurance company wanted to do.

We are planning some sort of Columbus gathering for M3/4 drivers. Check out our thread here in the regionals and keep in touch once you get the new ride!