News:

The ORG - No back-slapping boys club!

Main Menu

Why I absolutely hate 4 wheel drives.

Started by entresz, 12 March 2014, 01:43 AM

entresz

Driving home from work this afternoon. Rammed up the back side by a mum picking up kids from school in a Toyota Landcruiser with a bull bar. Why the hell do people feel that they need these cars. It's clobbered my precious 450SE. I'm absolutely gutted to say the least.
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D
Previous cars:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SE
1982 Mercedes-Benz 280E

Beastie

That's a real shame. :( You'd just had the boot painted a while back, yeah?  It looks fixable but might still be an economic write-off. Was the other driver insured?

1979 280SEL

"She's built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro."

entresz

Yep, thankfully. I have full comprehensive insurance too.  I will be getting quotes tomorrow to assess if it can be fixed (or is worth fixing). It will be a huge shame if is an economic write off as the engine/trans and rest of the car is in superb condition.
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D
Previous cars:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SE
1982 Mercedes-Benz 280E

beagle2022

My son failed his driving test a few years ago when a woman driving a range rover reversed towards him on a roundabout whilst talking on her mobile phone.  Apparently he didn't react according to the regulations.
Sydney, Australia

FoxAlpha3

Very upset to see this :(
Couldn't she have busted up a 90's camry or something instead?

I do hope insurance rules in your favour.

Looks like a beauty otherwise

entresz

The body works shop have their doubts about it being worth fixing. Will know for sure later today. I am pretty upset.
1975 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D
Previous cars:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 450SE
1982 Mercedes-Benz 280E

polymathman

Big problem is the frame. I had a similar accident with the '76 parts car. Drunk hit the left rear - looked not that bad till the body shop pointed out a small wrinkle in the roof, a sure sign that the frame had been bent. Took some chassis measurements to confirm - that's how it became the parts car.

Sure hope you fare better.

Ken
190sl 1957 rusting away
250S 1968 long gone
280SE 1976 got hit, parts
280SE 1979 running fine
C320 4Matic 2005 for wife -Mercedes after MIT

koan

No expert on body damage but it doen't look beyond repair.

Would be a shame to have to write off your pride and joy.

What does your insurance co say? Do you have salvage rights?

Do the rear doors still open, what's the gap around the doors like?

Body shops don't like taking on old vehicles because of parts availability.

If parts are the problem have a look at adsitco.com, they might have what you need. I've bought 116 and 123 body panels from them. They are OEM parts and even with shipping to AUS cost works out quite reasonable.

I'm fortunate that I've found a bodyshop in Melb that is happy to take on this sort of job if panels are supplied. 

koan
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, Amen!

nathan

damn, thats a shame, your car looks like a beauty. however, id suggest its more the incompetence of the driver  than the car. they tried to write my gwagen off a few years ago due to cost when a p plater pulled out in front of me in the rain. we rejected this and paid to have it repaired and the G still drives around. may be possible just to get another 116 wreck and have it all grafted on?
regards
nathan
1979 116 6.9 #6436
2018 213 e63
2011 212 e63
2011 463 g55
2007 211 e500 wagen
1995 124 e320 cabriolet
1983 460 300gd
1981 123 280te

oversize

Looks totally fixable. A mate has one with the whole boot bent downwards yet the roof isn't folded and the rear screen is intact. He's had a panel guy look at it and reassured him it'll b like new for around $2.5k. Get a payout on your policy & source your own parts from wreckers and anywhere else suitable. Then find your own repairer that has the time to do the job properly. Remember most shops want jobs completed quickly so if it's a bit unusual they'll make any excuse to make you go away
1979 6.9 #5541 (Red Bull)
1978 6.9 #4248 (Skye)
1979 6.9 #3686 (Moby Dick)
1978 6.9 #1776 (Dora)
1977 450SEL #7010 white -P
1975 450SEL #8414 gold -P

robertd

116   1978 450SEL 6.9 #  4848
116   1979 450SEL  6.9 # 5884
116   1979 450SEL  6.9 # 6225  SOLD
116   1978 450SEL  6.9 # 5128  SOLD
116   1979 450SEL  6.9 # 5884  SOLD
116   1974 450SEL  DJet

gf

What a cow! thats a shame :(Saw you drive past north hobart not long ago! If you cant get it fixed Ill keep my eyes open for any w116s worthwhile in Tas for you.
I agree with you there! Unless you actually use a 4wd for what it was designed for or an absolute fanatic/enthusiast of a particular model of 4wd,- A large station wagon does the job so much nicer- safer,better comfort, often roomier, and drive better.