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Forum Member
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 5:06:11 PM
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I need some advice on a situation. I was driving yesterday on a highway at 70MPH and there was a large rock in the center of the lane. The car in front of me tried to swerve to miss it and it clipped their tire blowing it out. I did not have time to do anything but try and straddle the rock. Big mistake; it hit the bottom of my bumper and my airbag deployed. Car seems fine; it hit the bottom hard but there are no fluids leaking, no drivability issues I noticed, and no warning lights except SRS. I parked the car in my garage and left it there, now it won’t start. Some background: The car is a 2000 M Coupe and I use it for fun; it is not my daily driver. Right now I just autocross it once a month. I was planning on parking it in the garage with the R-comps on it and leaving it till 6/14 for the next club auto-x. I do plan on slowly getting it onto the track as time permits to do DE and club events. That being said I have a couple options to fix my steering wheel. 1) Make an insurance claim with a $500 deductible and get a new stock M wheel with airbag installed and my bumper fixed (you don’t really notice it unless you get down low and look at the bottom.) It probably won’t increase my rates any; I am 31 with great credit and driving record, but I guess it could. 2) Shop around for a new aftermarket racing wheel and just bolt it on w/o airbag and carry on. This could be cheaper 200-300 but would I want to be w/o an airbag if I plan on doing some more high speed track events and also plan on driving on the highways to get to them? I am fine driving in an auto-x w/o an airbag; it’s just commuting to them that would be risky. 3) Shop around for a used M wheel with airbag and install that myself, it would be really awesome if other models fit to get a newer one with the fatter grip than the 2000 stock one currently has. I have no idea what these cost. Any insight and advice to help me make the decision would be appreciated. TIA, Ryan
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 5:22:17 PM
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| I'd get it fixed. You will eventually sell the car and you will want the stock wheel and air bag. You also need to get it in the air and see what that rock hit/damaged.
Jeron
BMW / PCA / Apex HPDE Instructor
97 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma; 2001 330i Silver/Gray; 97 R1100RT; 91 F-150 5.8l
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Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 5:06:11 PM
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| I think that is the smart play. Next question, where should I take it to have that done. I always do my own stuff, but if it's going to be an insurance claim I can pick a good shop.
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 5:22:17 PM
Posts: 810,
Visits: 2,144
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I'd go with the dealer if ur insurance considers them a preferred repair shop.
Jeron
BMW / PCA / Apex HPDE Instructor
97 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma; 2001 330i Silver/Gray; 97 R1100RT; 91 F-150 5.8l
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/12/2008 11:02:41 PM
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| I have had a similar incident in my personal vehicle with the steering wheel bag and the head restraint bag. Neither of which were a big deal but in some of these incidents the control unit and the sensor that sent the signal may have to be replaced. This will have to be determined via scanners and may help you decide whether or not you want to make a claim. I personally replaced mine with used units from my previous vehicle that became a parts car when it was totaled. Ebay can be a good source for the steering wheel bag but make sure you verify that it is the right one before you purchase. Any qualified independent is capable of making this repair in addition to the dealer. Check out any of shops that support the club locally and you should be fine or you could take it to the dealer who doesn't appreciate your patronage as much as the independents. Unless the steering wheel is damaged you more than likely just need an air bag.
Trent Cole
Lone Star Bavarian, inc
3800 West Vickery Blvd. Ft. Worth, Tx 76107
817-732-4888
www.bmwfxr.com
BMW CCA Tech Advisor, Lone Star Chapter
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