Quote:
Originally Posted by ard
Nothing wrong with doing that (^^^). The issue is if he takes off the bumper skin and finds damage underneath....you've already agreed to the cost to repair, accepted the check, and closed your claim.
And what if something goes wrong in a year, maybe there was contamination on a part and you get a paint blister? In your case maybe you are cool with it, but some people may find themselves SOL.
Finally, I take pictures of damage, insurance claims, work orders from the body shop, and stuff them in a folder if I ever sell the car.
I can tell you if you have to tell a potential buyer "A buddy did it" you will suffer more devaluation than having a work order from a recognized high end shop.
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 Good points.
To me, using a professional shop vs having a friend (or myself) do it, comes down to the nature of the repair. If it is replacing a bumper which comes prepainted, it is easy to decide. If it is a repair that has some complication to it, I would be more likely to use a shop.
These fenders are a thermoplastic. They can be repaired, but some shops won't touch them, as the repair has to be done exactly right. The risk is apparently that the TP plastic fenders include a mold release agent in the plastic, and that means that things don't always adhere when the repair kits are used. Some shops have botched it, and had to go back and put a new fender on afterwards.
If it is getting a new fender, and the friend has access to a proper paint booth, then I would consider it. If the estimate is based on doing a repair, I would lean towards a pro with a warranty that is dealing with the insurance company directly, in case they have to spend more.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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