Left Rear Quarter Panel HIT!!!

[StudioWizard]

Hey all

A couple of days ago, a huge, and I mean HUGE, pickup truck rammed my left rear. It was clearly his fault and he's going to pay for it either himself or through insurance. The question is this:

Is the left rear quarter panel bolted on or welded on? I saw some older posts that seem to say bolted, but I'm not completely sure.

Also, I've gotten some wildly different quotes from body shops. One place, which is a huge operation, said fixing it "right" would total the car. That guy said the panel has to be removed (including welds), then replaced with a new panel and welded back. Of course, feathering the paint on the adjoining door, trunk and rear bumper must be done as well. His quote was well over $5k USD. smh

Then I went to a small shop that specializes in BMWs. He said the panel is bolted on and that he'd find a used one to repaint, then feather the adjoining parts. He said figure about $2k USD. He said do not go to a place that uses fillers to "repair" the panel.

Finally, I went to a place that I've used before for other body work. They quoted $1750 USD to "repair" and repaint. I have to clarify what "repair" means... if it's Bondo/fillers, I'm not sure that's a good idea.

So, do you guys know if the panel is welded or bolted?
And do you think the panel should be replaced or repaired?

Thanks!!
Paul

 

[mmm-five]

It's bolted on.

Replace or repair will depend on the amount of damage as repairing may incur more labor that replacing...but of course you save by not having to buy a new panel...along with all the clips that will be broken when you remove all the other bits fastened to it.

 

[StudioWizard]

Yeah, I just called one of the shops and told him it was bolted on - he was surprised. He said add about $400 to the original quote to cover the cost of the replacement panel.

Do you think pounding out the dents, then using filler to smooth it out is a good way to go or do you think replacing is better?

 

[j3nks79]

It’s just a bolt on panel. Just replace with a new or good used panel.
No lt worth the labour by putting a load of filler in it.

 

[mmm-five]

Yeah, I just called one of the shops and told him it was bolted on - he was surprised. He said add about $400 to the original quote to cover the cost of the replacement panel.

Do you think pounding out the dents, then using filler to smooth it out is a good way to go or do you think replacing is better?

Depending on the damage, and how good the bodyshop is, there may not be any need for filler, but if someone else is paying then a new panel would be the best option.

 

[enuff_zed]

It's bolt on, but not 'just a bolt on'!
There is a hidden bolt under the top edge, just level with where that thin trim panel goes across the back.
Best way to get at it is to unlatch the roof and move it back a little way to generate some slack in the fabric, then unbolt the rear frame that holds the roof around the top inside of the trunk, pop the rear roof seal out, push the rear hoop down and you'll get enough gap to just about fit a 1/4 drive ratchet and a T20 torx bit in there.
Tbh, it's not essential to put it back afterwards.

 

[StudioWizard]

That's great info. Thank you!!
There was only ONE body shop that even knew it was bolted on.

 

[inkey$]

It’s just a bolt on panel. Just replace with a new or good used panel.

^this
Depending on how easy it is to get your colour, the cheapest, easiest best way to get a matched replacement.

 

[StudioWizard]

The place I usually go says it's a little more complicated than just bolting on a new one. There's the labor of painting/blending surrounding areas plus simply removing/replacing sometimes exposes/creates new issues that have to be addressed. However, there are A LOT of used rear/left quarter panels for sale... some which are pristine in shape, but will need to be repainted, of course.

See pic of my damage below:

 

[StudioWizard]

Here's the damage:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Here's the damage:

That's not pretty.

But those quotes you've been getting aren't either!

At least it sounds like there are quite a few used panels about, and where you live rust shouldn't be an issue. You may even be able to find one the right colour - good luck anyway.

 

[StudioWizard]

Yeah, why are these quotes so ridiculous??? The lowest so far is $1750 to suck/pound out the dent without removing the panel, then repainting and blending nearby panels. Also, one place said it's more expensive to replace the panel which makes no sense to me. I don't get it....

 

[enuff_zed]

With a little advice and some patience you could change the thing yourself in a day, easily.
Go on! I dare you. :wink:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Alternatively you might save some money flying enuff_zed over to do it!

 

[StudioWizard]

Let me check on flights. enuff_zed, wanna come out to beautiful Los Angeles?? I could put you to work on other little things the car needs.

 

[StudioWizard]

I am tempted to take that thing off myself and hand the body shop a new/used one to paint and put on. Come on... that'd be a few 100$$$ at the most. However, I might screw something up plus I wouldn't get paid that day myself. haha

 

[Matty_Z4]

Some of those bolts look like a PITA but simple enough to un bolt.

[youtube]VpPo3QUPIDo[/youtube]

 

[BumpyZ4]

Get a used panel and replace it yourself and then get a quote to paint it to match if you can't find one in the original color.