ice/snow bad for my e34

[Russell]

It finally happened. My never damaged 12 year old BMW got it's first damage. Icy road on way to work. I was driving about 35 mph on a two lane Rd. and a 4x4 blew by me at about 60. Then the car started sliding into the opposite lane with cars coming. Tried to correct, no luck. It slide into the ditch fairly slowly hitting dirt and rocks head on but mostly on the right flont.

Lost all my front bumper cover and fogs. Fenders, hood, grill and headlights all ok. Grill may be pushed a little. Door and fender gaps look geneally fine. everything seems to open and close as it should.

Underneath, the Lower radiator supportcross member has a dent on the right aand may have twisted. AC etc. looks and seems to operate normally, no radiator leaks and no air bag deployment. Car drives Ok. Too early to tell if suspension was damaged. I drove it home and to shops for first estimates. On the positive side, looks like my cracked fog lamp wil be replaced.

I was lucky as it could have been head on. I think my tires were a bit more worn than I thought. I have around 5/32s tread left. However, it makes very little difference on ice.

Estimates range from $1700-$2,200 for new OE parts. The shop I am using specializes in restoration and the like. They had an old Toyota Landcruiser they rebuilt which looks brand new. Couple of Porsches, Cobra repicia and an e30 they were rebuilding.

No pictures as I am sure we have all seen this type of damage enough.

Just wanted to share.