Thank goodness for big cars..........

[Racerx88]

Found out just how strong the new frames are in our cars this last Thursday.

Going down the highway about 55mpg, when the car in front of me swerves to the right suddenly, leaving me staring down the tail pipes of a stopped BMW 323ci. The big ABS brakes on the MM would've stopped me, but the mass of the MM along with the Altima up under my back bumper were just too much for them. Hit the BMW pretty hard, but I walked away without a scratch. Pretty much killed the BMW and the Altima though. The Altima messed up the rear bumper cover, the right tail light, and both tail pipes, along with leaving a big dent in the trunk floor.

They're telling me they can fix everything, we'll see. Will keep ya'll informed as to their progress.

[Long Live #3]

That poor car.

[prchrman]

R88 glad you are OK...

[Racerx88]

Thanks for the support guys!

[RF Overlord]

Racer:

I'm glad no one was hurt...cars can be fixed or replaced...
Sorry about your ride, that's a damn shame... :(

If the moron behind hadn't been tailgating you, you might have made it... :mad: ...sue his a$$...

[WolfeBros]

Dean,
Sorry to see that your car got whacked but glad that you are ok. Who is fixing the damage? Damn Dallas traffic. :(

[Racerx88]

Thanks Wolfe. Took it back where I bought it, David McDavid in Plano. I looked at some of the work they have in the shop right now, and I think they'll do me good.

[MAD-3R]

Damn...

But got to love that
BMW = total
Altima = total
Marauder = Fixable

[Paul T. Casey]

Glad you were a "walk-away." I agree about big cars w/ full frames. Had some nut make a left in front of me last winter, hit his r/rear tire knocking rear axle completely out w/ my 90 Country Squire (which was showroom cond. till that moment). Patched in a headlight ass'y, and drove home from MI!! Didn't even knock out alignment. Your MM seems to have come out fairly well, plus, you get that new paint we all so desperatly want!

[gja]

That picture is my answer to all the people who ask"why do you want such a big car for?"

[TAF]

R88,

Glad to hear you are O.K.!

Listen, if they can fix marauderman's...yours should be a breeze. Be sure they replace with the correct tips (hint, hint).

Keep us posted.

[WolfeBros]

They do pretty good paint work over there. I had a neighbor back into my wifes Navigator drivers door. I told them that the door was also sprung at the top and air whistled in. Got the car back and the paint , clearcoat and pin striping looked great. Could not even tell it had been hit. Problem was......door was still sprung.
I was really pissed since I told them that before they even started. They also oversprayed clearcoat all over the interior, steering wheel and windshield. Keep an eye on them and don't accept anything that you don't like. Good luck.

PS. They are not too far from me. I will go by and pay my respects to your ride ! Maybe another MM visiting will cheer it up. :D

[Racerx88]

Thinks for the heads up, Wolfe.
I'll be sure to keep an eye on them, believe me.

[ghost]

The important thing is that you're okay, Racerx88.

Cars are just things, they can be replaced. Speaking of which, this is the exact reason I sold my Samurai and bought my Caprice - safety. When my son was born, I made the change to body-on-frame and mass. ;)

Looks like a bunch of cosmetic stuff to fix, I doubt it bent the frame, otherwise I'd fix it and sell it, but you should be okay from the looks of it. :)

Eric

[RCSignals]

Damn, That's what we all fear.
Glad you are OK, but don't be surprised if you are stiff and sore for a while.

These are truly strong, and likely the strongest passenger cars on the road. If only people knew.

[LincMercLover]

Damn dude... Not good... Glad to hear you're ok though. Sit back, relax, and have a :beer: !

[DLoreanMARAUDER]

Damn dude! that sucks, but im glad your ok. Damn strong car, i love it. My friends always brag about there feather light hondas being so fast, and My reply is always "yea you might be faster than me, but im walking away when the brick wall hits". it'll be tough not being able to drive her till shes fixed, but at least your still around! hope they get your car back on the road soon:up:

[frdwrnch]

Almost all cars can be fixed, some just take longer and cost more than others. The same can not be said for the human body. Glad you're OK. Good Luck.

[gonzo50]

Originally posted by Paul T. Casey
Glad you were a "walk-away." I agree about big cars w/ full frames.
Hey Racerx88, I'm with Paul, hope it can all be fixed soon and that you recover well. :depress:

[Fourth Horseman]

Sorry to hear (and see) about your car. :( Please keep us posted on how the repairs go.

Glad you're ok! Your big car did its job admirably.

[prchrman]

full frames for full figures...

[Racerx88]

Yea, if not for the radiator being punctured, I probably could've driven it home. Could'nt say that for the BMW or the Altima though!

[jgc61sr2002]

Racer88 Sorry to hear about your accident and glad to see you didn't get hurt. Thanks to the full perimeter frame the damage wasn't more serious. John:(

[nexstar7]

sorry about the car. dam glad your ok. but it brought a tear to my eyes to see that photo

[Marauderman]

HOLLY COW ----Not ANOTHER ONE--- JUST HEARD !!!!!

Sorry to read the bad news Racer88---am late in seeing this news-----seems most have expressed their sorrows and rightlfully so..

Believe me--I truly KNOW how you feel...almost looks like my car's same results........glad to hear that your ok and the others ...well ...it's already been said...no need to make more bad statements..point is you and your MM are ok and both will be together soon.... car surgery ...it just takes longer than we want however....the repairs that is.....am sure you know of my wreck awhile back...

Anyway--- I hope to get her back in a couple of weeks and probably go nuts allover again... PM or e-mail me for special info I found out about our situation --could be helpful in your state...



The car did just what it was designed to do--protect the cage inside by taken the blunt forcc and collapse towards it

[Logan]

Ack!! Sorry to hear about that Dean!!

They'll fix 'er up just fine I'm sure... Bigger problem here in Dallas is the sheer number of Illegal's driving around with no damn insurance...

Go on...Ask me how I know about that one... Hmph.

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Racerx88

Going down the highway about 55mpg, .......


See, Dean, that's your problem right there... you were going 55 mpg! These cars aren't designed to be safe at those consumption rates. Maybe they can handle as much as 24-25 mpg on North American highways, but at anything greater than 30 mpg I think you're risking major structural damage. You're lucky you walked away from that wreck!

Next time try it with an old Civic VX instead, those things can do over 55 mpg all day without working up a sweat, and you won't void your warranty!

:lol:

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Not trying to make light of what could have been a nasty situation, though... I'm glad to see you walked away without any serious injuries. Keep an eye on your neck and back, the days following the accident could bring out some slight discomfort that is indicative of a hidden injury. Take good care of yourself.

I also hope the Altima and BMW people were okay. I witnessed a deadly incident this afternoon on the way home... semi flipped on its side and onto a passenger car. One fatality... not pretty. :( :( :( :(

As the dude with the white SS said, it certainly reinforces (no pun intended) one of the main reasons I chose this car... the solidity and safety.

[cruzer]

Racer, glad to hear you're O K. Wouldn't trade my MM for any car --think the body-on-frame is the biggest safety factor . Two 55 mph broadsides with no injuries in my cars ('89 & '92 GMs). Hope you get back on the road soon--will keep you posted on DFW get-together., Maury

[FLA RAUD FAN]

Racer,
Glad you walked away.!! Hope your repairs are what you expect. It is tough to look at the pic of your injured MM. OUCH!! Good Luck. JP

[Scott]

Move to mid cities and stick close to home........I actually work in insurance and should know the numbers..........but I don't.....

glad you are safe

[JamesHecker]

Glad your ok! Hope your car is repaired to your satisfaction.

[NickLee]

Glad your ok! Hope your car is repaired ok.

[Bigdogjim]

Dean: Good news is your OK? Better news is they will fix the MM? Sorry to hear of/see of your accident..
Big Dog

[Racerx88]

Originally posted by TripleTransAm
See, Dean, that's your problem right there... you were going 55 mpg! These cars aren't designed to be safe at those consumption rates. Maybe they can handle as much as 24-25 mpg on North American highways, but at ............


You mean your's doesn't get that mileage? Heck I usually get around 80mpg on the north end of the Tollway. hehehe

[merc406]

I had that type of an occurence 2 years ago but didn't wreck it, a Jeep Wrangler spun out while we were doing 70-75, all I remember was seeing his face look at my front bumper and having no steering control with the locked up brakes. Remarkably his SUV didn't roll. My black tire marks from braking were on the highway for 2 weeks. Glad your alright.
? Did the air-bag go off? It looks like you were angled down at braking and most damage was over the bar but I believe the sensors are on the core support behind the bar.

[Racerx88]

Yep, it sure did. I honestly don't know whether it hit my face or not. It inflated and deflated THAT fast. I'll tell you one thing, the gas that inflates it sure does smell bad!

[TAF]

RacerX88,

When they replace that steering wheel...tell them that thing had a godhead on it :lol:

And, make sure it's the right color wheel!

[prchrman]

Originally posted by Racerx88
Yep, it sure did. I honestly don't know whether it hit my face or not. It inflated and deflated THAT fast. I'll tell you one thing, the gas that inflates it sure does smell bad!

which gas??? :flamer:

[LincMercLover]

From the looks of the pic no. I wouldn't think it'd go off anyway, that's just for side impacts.

[RCSignals]

The passenger airbag looks like it didn't deploy but that may be because no one was in the seat?

[ChuckB]

man wha a bummer.

Cars can be replaced - glad to hear all walked away unhurt.

[jgc61sr2002]

Originally posted by Racerx88
Yep, it sure did. I honestly don't know whether it hit my face or not. It inflated and deflated THAT fast. I'll tell you one thing, the gas that inflates it sure does smell bad! Much better than hitting the steering wheel or windshield. A testament to the safety of the Marauder. Did the side (in the seat) air bag also deploy? Hope your are back on the road soon. John

[Racerx88]

No, the side bags, nor the passenger bag did not go off. I assume the passenger side has some sort of sensor to know whether or not someone is in the seat. Probably tied into the seat belt sensor on that side.

[CRUZTAKER]

Sorry for your loss. I am glad you faired well with only hurt feelings. I was curious how that incedent was written up by the LEO...and submitted to insurance co.??

In Ohio, if one rear ends another car for what ever reason, that driver is at fault. But in this case, you hit a car stopped dead in the right-of-way.

Having had a similar incedent happen to me when I was a VERY new driver, I have over the years come to a habit of driving alone.
IE: I don't ride within the traffic groups, make all efforts to get around and stay in front of the traffic groups, and if it's rush hour and all one big group, I keep 2-3 lengths behind the car in front.

The CB radio I utilize is now a must have. It's ALWAYS on during rush hour, not just to know where the bears are, but to be made aware of sudden lane stoppages or dead vehicles on the road.
It has become an indespensable item over the years.

Still, glad you and your MM faired well, and big lesson to the Beemer driver....when your vehicle dies, or is dying, coast to the berm and get out of the right-of-way! There may be a LARGE panther on your a$$!

[Racerx88]

It's the same here in Texas. As a matter of fact, I got a citation in yesterday's mail for "failure to control speed".

I guess I'll have to go plead my case to the judge. If I had had a clear line of sight to the Bimmer, I would have stopped with plenty of room to spare. But with the other car between us, swerving out at the last minute, I did'nt see the BMW til it was WAY too late.

[Marauderman]

WOW- If my pics are still around--they are on an earlier TAF's response cause he provided them--take a look--my air bag DID NOT GO OFF--Seems a bit strange--since my hit looks identical if not worst...

Beside investigationg this is brings up a point I need to check--when they put my front back together --have to verify to insure they hooked up the sensors --maybe they were not at factory--
is that possible??????

[Racerx88]

WOW is right! I just looked at those pics LML hosted for you.
http://hometown.aol.com/kprrpk/mmaccident.html
Your damage looks very similiar to mine, only a LOT worse. I should be grieving for your car instead of mine. At least I know they'll be able to fix mine. I'm not so sure about yours. What was the final outcome for your car?

[bchapman]

Originally posted by Racerx88
It's the same here in Texas. As a matter of fact, I got a citation in yesterday's mail for "failure to control speed".

I guess I'll have to go plead my case to the judge. If I had had a clear line of sight to the Bimmer, I would have stopped with plenty of room to spare. But with the other car between us, swerving out at the last minute, I did'nt see the BMW til it was WAY too late.

Before you go before the judge, research "following too closely" and see which carries the heavier penalty. If "following" is less, try pleading that one.

Good luck with everything, Racer. My condolences on your accident.

[jgc61sr2002]

If you get a citation, especially speeding or another serious moving violation always plead NOT GUILTY. There is a 50 / 50 chance you will beat it. Remember in NY (and elseware) the points on your license can lead to suspension and also cost you in insurance premium for up to 3 years or more. IMHO. John:(

[Macon Marauder]

Sounds to me like you were PUSHED, man. The driver of the car that hit you from behind is the one that failed to control speed or was following to closely...

[Racerx88]

Well, they finally got the estimate done. $8,840 and some change. Replacing the entire front clip, and some other stuff in the rear. The Altima bend the right rear frame rail up, causing the trunk lid misalignment. They SAY they'll fix it just fine. I've had frame damage like that fixed before, so I think they've got a chance. We'll see! They say they'll be done either late next week, or first part of the week after that.

Been driving my mom's little Chevy Tracker. No power what so ever.
I WANT MY CAR BACK!!!

[Constable]

Hey, glad you're alright. I had an incident in my '03 PI which pretty much sold the MM to me.

I was pulling about 55mph down a main highway in my town while heading to a structure fire with entrapment. I hit a puddle that was similar to Lake Michigan... the thing was about 10" deep in the center and was hidden nicely on the shoulder of the road. I ended up spinning 3 times, bouncing off of 2 guardrails, and coming to rest on a telephone pole. The car was absolutely demolished. If you saw it you wouldn't think I made it out alive. But once I managed to unbuckle and get myself out of the car, I walked away without a scratch, bump, or bruise.

The only downside to frontend collisions in these cars is going to be that the fenders get pushed rearward and outward. They actually slide back and cover the front doors. I couldn't open either door on the car due to this. I resorted to using my trusty window punch to blow out the driver side door window. Then it was time to crawl out.

Car took over $14,500 and 4.5 months to repair. I still can't imagine why they didnt just total it.

[WolfeBros]

Hey Dean how are those repairs coming ?? Haven't forgotten you pal.

[Racerx88]

Well.......................... ...

They JUST painted the body parts yesterday. They say they'll start hanging parts back on today. Might have it by Wednesday next week. It'll BE one month ago this Saturday!
MAN DO I WANT MY CAR BACK !!