After a great thanksgiving dinner with the family I was driving home and got hit from behind while stoped at a red light. The guy was probably going about 20 mph and totaled his car. Forced me into the car in front of me but that car had very little damage on it's bumper. Luckily no one was hurt and the guy took total responsibility.

My 300 tdt drives fine, had it on the highway and am not noticing any problems. The tailgate actually opens and closes with no problems.

I am worred about the frame a little because the drivers side passanger door does not sit flush anymore, it seems to be a little lower than before and juts out a little.

I know that I will need a new tailgate, tailgate struts, bumper, possibly some back struts anything else I'm forgetting?

Any idea's of what I should get checked before his insurance agent comes out to check out the car?

Thanks for the help.

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1994 Toyotal Landcruiser 220k (Sold)

1987 300TDT 278K My Addiction (Going Going Gon...)

2001 Volvo V70 (New Ride)

If your saying the rear door is not flush with the body, then there is a good chance you have some uni-body damage. I would go to a couple of reputable bodyshops what work on MBs to get an estimate of what needs to be done and how much it would cost so you have the piece of mind before the adjuster come out. The body shops would usually give free estimates.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

Also find some for sale / sold '87 300TDs to indicate the car's value, otherwise the adjuster might try to total it (few adjusters really understand how much a decent '87 300TD is worth). Here are some (admittedly high) examples:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220048600495&rd=1,1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120048984202&rd=1,1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200041433469&rd=1,1

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Yes, find as many ads of cars similar to yours to prove its true market worth and get as many estimates as you can from COMPETENT local body shops that know how to work on MB cars before the adjuster comes to see the car. ALSO, it WILL help to wash and detail the car before the adjuster sees it.... just as when you sell a car, a good wax and detail (polish, wax, windows, tires, trim etc) can boost the value by $500-$1000 easily... and an adjuster will notice that, make sure he/she DOES.. you want to make sure they value your car in above average condition! A dirty car does nothing for you when the value of the car is being asessed (yours doesnt look bad at all though )

Sorry to hear about your accident, your car is gorgeous and rare and surely worth fighting for!!! Keep us posted!

BTW, where are you located? I might be able to reccomend some good body shops in your area.

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Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


"The details are not details. They make the product."
-Charles Eames

www.cbs.nu

Thanks for your help everyone.

Good idea's and I will certainly have my car in top form for the adjuster and I will make sure that I have some examples of what this car is currently worth. I hope that I can get a decent amount of money from the adjuster so that I don't have to skimp on fixing anything.

I'm Located in Hoboken NJ. I know of a couple of places to go and get an estimate. But if you know of anyone who works with MB's a lot out here please let me know and I'll take it to them.

Cheers,
York

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1994 Toyotal Landcruiser 220k (Sold)

1987 300TDT 278K My Addiction (Going Going Gon...)

2001 Volvo V70 (New Ride)

Well, I went to the claims adjuster and he said the car was not totaled and said the damages come out to $2700. The check is in the mail.

There is no way I can actually get this fixed for that much. Firstly all the parts that they quoted are off different cars than mine. The tailgate they say will cost $218 from a quality parts dealer from a 126 model!?!

So I guess the best course of action is to go to my mercedes benz indi and get him to give me an estimate and then work from there. I believe that once Geico receives they're estimate they will total the car. But I did find out that any car older than 8 years will never be totaled they will just give you the money and let you do what you want with the car.

It's hysterical that they actual include body labor at $43/hour and paint labor at $21/hour. You are not getting those prices around here.

I'll let you all know what happens down the road.

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1994 Toyotal Landcruiser 220k (Sold)

1987 300TDT 278K My Addiction (Going Going Gon...)

2001 Volvo V70 (New Ride)