bmw driver opinion needed

[new_driver]

What is the best choice of getting my collision damaged carr repaired, go with bmw associated body repair shop or buy the parts and get them replaced?

[labphoto]

Go with BMW

[BMWCCA1]

Go with the best body shop in your area which may not be your dealership. Ask other owners. Join the BMWCCA and ask your local chapter members. Don't buy your own parts and take them to any body shop that will put them on for you. That's asking for trouble and you won't have everything they'll need anyway. If your insurance recommends a specific body shop, that's probably not the one to use.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Go with the best body shop in your area which may not be your dealership. Ask other owners. Join the BMWCCA and ask your local chapter members. Don't buy your own parts and take them to any body shop that will put them on for you. That's asking for trouble and you won't have everything they'll need anyway. If your insurance recommends a specific body shop, that's probably not the one to use.

I totally agree with your comment about the body shops that insurance companies recommend. Those shops give them discounted rates because of the volume of business they receive. Insurance companies will work with shops of your choosing.

[GOLFFRR]

We filter through body shops before we pick one. Once we do we stick with them unless shown otherwise. I would assume most dealerships would do the same. The one we use now is the same one BMWNA uses on situations they can't fix at the port. (we are located close to the port)

I would recommend you talk to your service rep at the dealership you goto for service and see what/who they recommend. You can then, if you like, look at the reviews of the shop they recommend and go from there.

Also going through a dealership you may (not guaranteed) get a loaner if they have extra which would be a nice bonus but dont count on that of course.

**small disclaimer make sure that any parts that are being replaced are only being replaced with "brand new OEM BMW parts" and not third party parts which most insurance companies will try and push. If you dont have that listed in your binder your insurance company will push that. BMW does nor recognize non brand new BMW OEM parts for replacement, and this could cause you issues down the road with warranty. See it all the time.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

"brand new OEM BMW parts" and not third party parts which most insurance companies will try and push. If you dont have that listed in your binder your insurance company will push that. BMW does nor recognize non brand new BMW OEM parts for replacement, and this could cause you issues down the road with warranty. See it all the time.

I believe you mean "OE" BMW parts. "OEM" could mean a fender sold by, let's say, Bosch, and an alternator sold by Sekurit. "OE" means original equipment from BMW. "OEM" means parts from an original equipment manufacturer but not necessarily from BMW or even used by BMW for that part.

[shimmy23]

right OE parts carry the bmw branding on the part itself. OEM could be a bosch, AK, etc, but still be the actual company that makes the part for BMW.

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

I believe you mean "OE" BMW parts. "OEM" could mean a fender sold by, let's say, Bosch, and an alternator sold by Sekurit. "OE" means original equipment from BMW. "OEM" means parts from an original equipment manufacturer but not necessarily from BMW or even used by BMW for that part.

OEM BMW OE BMW either way yes just make sure brand new from BMW direct.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

OEM BMW OE BMW either way yes just make sure brand new from BMW direct.

Oh then it's none of those, in that case what you refer to is Genuine parts.

And disagreed, OE parts do the job perfectly well. It's the same part without the BMW logo/branding at a cheaper price.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

If insurance is paying, I would just go to a certified BMW collision repair center that they list on the BMW website.

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Oh then it's none of those, in that case what you refer to is Genuine parts.

And disagreed, OE parts do the job perfectly well. It's the same part without the BMW logo/branding at a cheaper price.

Unless its part direct from BMW it could cause you issues down the road.

Im not saying other parts can't do the job, just telling you what BMW standards are and what they will look for

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by new_driver

What is the best choice of getting my collision damaged carr repaired, go with bmw associated body repair shop or buy the parts and get them replaced?

Just be mindful that BMW Certified body shops have higher rates and use only OEM parts and not OEM remanufactured. This could lead to having the car totaled if that is what you want/desire.