[Imperfect.M3]

Gut-wrenching post to make. Looking for some experienced opinions here. Earlier today (1/5/24) a tree branch fell and hit my 2022 X5 40i right on the A-pillar. I've attached photos showing the damage - you can see the structural deformation at the pillar and roof line.

This one really hurts - it was my first custom order, spec'd exactly how I wanted it. Phytonic Blue with Ivory interior, one of the last G05s with the third row. Still remember the excitement of picking out every option. Been absolutely perfect as our family hauler while still having fun on the road. I know we're supposed to be objective about cars, but I've genuinely loved every minute with this one since taking delivery in 2021.

From what I understand, A-pillar damage usually means a total loss due to structural integrity concerns. Anyone here have experience with similar damage or insights on whether this is likely to be totaled?

If it does end up being totaled, silver lining might be checking out the new X7 to complement my incoming 2025 Anglesey Green G80 M3.

[Jbh165nc]

Yikes!
Sorry to see it
I have no experience with this kind of damage, so I won’t comment

How many miles?
Branches like that never look heavy until something like this happens

[Imperfect.M3]

Originally Posted by Jbh165nc

How many miles?

Just over 30k miles. Yea, these oak branches are super heavy.

According to Claude AI, the car is toasted due to A-pillar and roof damages which have a ton of sensors and would require extensive work.

[GREENPUS]

Not a BMW but I was trapped under a semi trailer and it bent the driver side a-pillar. Car was totaled because of that

[matowi]

So sorry to see your car being damaged like that!

Being realistic, I would push for it to be totaled and go ahead with ordering an X7…

[Darkmann]

Looks more like shell damage than frame. I think this is repairable. Your insurance adjuster will let you know.

[PunsGalore]

Most likely repairable.

[The Libertine]

Can’t speak to the extent of damage; however, I empathize with the situation and hope the overall situation (repair) is sorted to your satisfaction. Good luck.

[starlights]

I am sorry for you.
What brought the branch down?

[Imperfect.M3]

Originally Posted by starlights

What brought the branch down?

It was a very windy day in Dallas yesterday. While I was power-washing our sidewalk in front of the house, I heard a crackling sound, and a branch fell right on the car.

[jayfeinst]

Fellow Dallasite- if it's not hail, it's oak and pecan trees. Sorry about the car- always loved photonic blue!

[BlkGS]

Not an expert on BMW body assembly here, so take this as a possibility with no factual basis.

There's some hope, some manufacturers that exterior piece is essentially cosmetic, with the real structural elements being underneath. Can't tell you if that's how it is on the X5 or not, but if it is, it'd be repairable as it looks like just the outer shell bent.

Dunno who Claude Al is, but it's hard for me to imagine they're gonna total a 50k car for what amounts to a dent. If the a pillars was bent, broken, etc sure, but for a large dent? Tough to believe.

[jad03060]

The A pillars are what help protect you from a rollover, so decreasing their ultimate strength by a dent is a tough situation to try to remedy. It's welded and probably glued shut, so not easy to get in there to repair. Not sure on this which way the assessors will go.

[rmorin1249]

If it is totalled please post what amount your insurance is willing to pay. I have heard stories that amounts vary greatly and are based on "black book" values, whatever that is.

[Imperfect.M3]

Dropped off my car at the BMW Collision Center in Grapevine. The service representative called and stated there's a high chance the A-pillar needs to be replaced, but they're waiting for a full assessment and estimates. The repair timeline is 6-8 weeks.

According to KBB, my car is worth $43-46K. Insurance will cover repairs if they're under 75% of its value.

I'll post estimates and additional photos when I receive them.

[Imperfect.M3]

I have received the initial estimate from the insurance company. They think it will be around $11k to fix it. This mostly includes replacing the hood, windshield, fenders, grill, lights, and aperture panel. $4.5k is for parts, and the rest is for labor, paint, towing, etc.

I assume the collision center will come back with some supplemental changes.

Looks like it will take another day!

[Jbh165nc]

Originally Posted by Imperfect.M3

I have received the initial estimate from the insurance company. They think it will be around $11k to fix it. This mostly includes replacing the hood, windshield, fenders, grill, lights, and aperture panel. $4.5k is for parts, and the rest is for labor, paint, towing, etc.

I assume the collision center will come back with some supplemental changes.

Looks like it will take another day!

Glad to hear it!
Please follow up with us on post-repair impressions.
I.e. did they get it back to pre-incident condition

[Imperfect.M3]

Today I received the preliminary supplemental estimate, which ballooned to $30k in parts and labor. They are recommending replacement of the roof, entire uni-side, hood, windshield, and numerous other small components. I'm now awaiting Travelers' decision to either approve the repairs, negotiate the cost, or declare the car a total loss.

[Jbh165nc]

Originally Posted by Imperfect.M3

Today I received the preliminary supplemental estimate, which ballooned to $30k in parts and labor. They are recommending replacement of the roof, entire uni-side, hood, windshield, and numerous other small components. I'm now awaiting Travelers' decision to either approve the repairs, negotiate the cost, or declare the car a total loss.

Damn!
Sorry to hear and I don’t want to be negative Nancy here, but if they are replacing the entire roof, I don’t see how that vehicle will ever be the same.

Also a Travelers customer, so would like to hear the ultimate out come.
Travelers has always done us right.

[TurtleBoy]

With it being that close to the 75% they may total it if you push for it, good luck.

[Imperfect.M3]

Quick update: My car was declared a total loss by Travelers Insurance. The market valuation report came back at $51,422.88. The decision to total the vehicle was due to the extensive repairs and the high likelihood of additional supplemental costs. I invoked the appraisal clause for the insurance claim since I think the car is worth $2,000 more, due to the third-row seating and air suspension.

On the bright side, I purchased a slightly used 2022 BMW X7 xDrive40i in Arctic Gray with M Sport package and extended Merino leather in Coffee interior. It's a really nice step up from the X5.

[TurtleBoy]

Thanks for the update. Hope you get the increase and congrats on the X7. Good luck, enjoy and be safe.