Front-end collisions aren’t just scary, they can also result in a lot of damage! If you’re lucky, you’ll get out of it with nothing more than a few minor scratches and dings. However, since there are so many key components in the front of your BMW, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to deal with some serious issues.
If you’ve been in an accident with your BMW, you may be wondering what types of damage you need to worry about. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues you’re likely to experience after you’ve rear-ended someone or had a front-end collision.
Body & Frame
Unless your collision occurred at a very low speed, you’ll almost always have at least some body damage. The most common parts that are usually damaged include the bumper, fender, grille, headlights, blinkers, radiator, and hood. In some cases, the airbags may also deploy.
Since many modern vehicles are made with special impact-absorbing materials, the damage to your vehicle may appear to be minor. However, once the bumper comes off, you’re likely to see that this material is severely damaged and needs to be replaced.
Damage to the frame is another common problem. Since the frame provides strength and stability to your vehicle, any damage can compromise its integrity. In high-end vehicles like BMWs, the frame is precision-engineered to tight specifications. This makes it imperative to hire a highly trained certified technician for the repairs. In some cases, frame damage will cause the insurance company to total your vehicle.
Windshield
Depending on the severity of your collision, your windshield may crack or break. In this case, it’s obvious that it needs to be replaced. However, if you’ve been in a severe accident and your windshield doesn’t have any visible damage, your auto body technician may still recommend replacing it.
The force of the impact may have cracked the bonding materials holding the windshield together. While you can’t immediately see this damage, it can weaken the structural integrity of your windshield. If you’re ever in an accident again, this can cause serious problems, so it’s often safer to just go ahead and replace it while having the rest of your vehicle repaired.
If your BMW’s airbags have deployed, this is another reason to consider replacing the windshield. The force exerted from the airbag deployment can also weaken the glass. While evaluating your vehicle, your repair technician will check the glass and let you know if a replacement is recommended.
Engine & Transmission
If your front-end impact is severe enough, it may push the body and frame backward, causing internal damage to parts like your engine and transmission. Unfortunately, this is often an expensive repair. Leaking transmission fluid, hard shifting, and slipping are all signs that you’ve suffered transmission damage.
It’s important to note that engine damage may not show up until later. To avoid being unpleasantly surprised, make sure to have a professional check for engine issues as soon as possible after your accident.
Steering and Driving System
Your wheel assemblies, steering, and suspension components may also suffer damage during a front-end collision. This may include the rims, tires, valves, TPMS sensors, driveshaft, CV axles, and/or transaxle. The impact from a front-end collision can often bend or otherwise damage critical components. Once these parts have been damaged, it’s almost always necessary to replace, rather than repair them.
When your steering or driving system has been damaged, you’ll often notice your vehicle pulling to one side or that you have difficulty driving in a straight line. For safety reasons, never ignore these warning signs. If you notice an issue, contact a qualified body shop right away.
Fire Damage
In rare cases, a severe front-end collision can sever cables and cause sparks, which may ignite the fuel and cause a vehicle fire. If your vehicle has a defect, like a leaking fuel tank or faulty wiring in your ignition system, this makes the possibility of a fire more likely. While there’s less than a 1% chance of this happening, it does sometimes occur.
Dealing with a Front-End Collision? Contact The Haus!
The amount of damage you’re likely to suffer after a front-end collision depends on many variables including the speed of the crash and the point of impact. In some cases, the damage to your vehicle may not be visible. This is why it’s so important to have your BMW checked out by a certified technician after any type of collision.
Remember that when you’ve been in a collision, you don’t have to use the repair shop your insurance company recommends. Shopping around can help you get a better deal and allow you to choose a body shop you truly trust.
The dealership-trained BMW certified technicians at The Haus have years of experience repairing BMWs with front-end collision damage. We’re happy to inspect your vehicle and provide you with a free estimate for any necessary repairs. We have two convenient locations to serve you, so contact us today to schedule your VIP appointment!