Bergwerks 500E untimely damage

[whitehawk]

I've finally reached the point where I'm able to talk about it and share my misfortune. Usually covered and garaged, I had just returned from a 2,000 mile trip to the East Coast the evening before October 1 and wanted to wash and change the oil before returning her to the stable. An uninsured motorist operating a behemoth apparently fell asleep at "greater than 20 mph" in the parking lot and took her out. No one was hurt (physically).

 

[samiam44]

man that stinks.. uninsured says it all.


Sad news- glad no one was hurt.

 

[Glen]

That sucks! Very sorry, I know you must be devastated :-(

 

[whitehawk]

I'm in therapy for a rebound '93. PPI this week. I couldn't talk about it for 2 weeks - walked around in a fog of denial.

 

[MDA]

Ughh!

The rate at which these cars are being taken out of circulation is alarming. It would be fascinating to know how many of ~1500 cars brought into the country are still around.

Wonder if someone will try and salvage your former car or if it will just get stripped and scrapped?

 

[fudgitive]

Ouch, sorry to see that. How does it work in the US then, if for example the person at fault has crashed into your car and pushed yours into the silver one alongside, does the owner of the silver car claim on your insurance or do both parties claim from the person who caused it (assuming that he had insurance of course, which he doesn't) ??

 

[philnor]

From my time spent in the land of Dixie I know that had that been some good ol boys dodge pickup, then summary justice would have been dispensed. Ever driven a Texas registered car in some south Louisana Parishes not always recommended.

Phil

 

[195910]

I'm in therapy for a rebound '93. PPI this week. I couldn't talk about it for 2 weeks - walked around in a fog of denial.

I know how it feels man, not only have you lost an irreplaceable car but you might not get compensation for it. Good thing no body got hurt.

 

[gsxr]

Oh NO! Any chance it could be repaired...?

 

[gerryvz]

Rear damage is always tough to replace, and that hit DEFINITELY looks like it has frame.

So sorry to hear of & see what happened. I'd be similarly depressed. However you do have an opportunity to get another car. Take your time and get exactly what you want. It's a buyer's market in this economy. I too am glad that no one got hurt -- that's the most important thing. Can you snag the performance goodies (NOS, chip, FGS, suspension stuff, wheels, etc.) from the car?

Please keep us apprised on how things unfold in the future.

Indeed, since these cars have been new it's a steady drip-drip on losses. My best guess is that probably 1,000 (that's about two-thirds) of the original 1,505 cars brought into the US, are still on the road. And that is definitely dwindling. I'd also bet that probably one-half of those 1,000 remaining US cars are in pretty rough shape after 18-20 years on the road.

In another 10 years, the E500E is going to be a very rare bird, indeed.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Jimbo]

Doug ? Is that you? ...sad newz man, hope you are OK. Sincerely hope you had an 'agreed upon value' for insurance !!

Maybe you can get your old 92' back from Gary now.

 

[Miziev]

Really sorry to hear bad news man. Thank God no one's got hurt. Hope you'll get a refund from that idiot and will get back with another 500E.

 

[maw1124]

Man I hate to see that. I just saw mine ripped apart for a stereo install and damned near fainted. I authorized that work and was still like, "WTF?!?!" I think Gerry's point is well taken, though. Get another one. There are some very good examples out there, and while some people are clearly smoking the hype, others are getting real about their cars. I've looked at a half dozen in this year alone to find mine last month. I've been looking for years. A friend has one for sale in Oak Park, IL. It's the charcoal over light gray one with about 151k on the odometer. All of Dean's cars are fastidiously maintained with open checkbooks. As you know, here, it's the Seller you're buying, not the car.

 

[whitehawk]

There is only one at-fault driver. The driver who apparently fell asleep at 6:00 am in the parking lot while attempting to operate a large SUV. The police report notes that the impact was greater than 20 mph. Since the driver of the SUV was uninsured, my insurance is covering my loss with the "uninsured motorists" part of the policy. The insurance company will then seek monetary compensation in the courts from the at-fault driver. Similary, the other damaged vehicles are being repaired under their respective owners insurance policy.

 

[gsxr]

"Fell asleep" = texting or DUI. You don't "fall asleep" driving in a parking lot. That's pure, weapons-grade baloneyum (unless the person has a documented medical history of narcolepsy, which I doubt). I'm surprised the police bought that story. Probably they were too lazy to investigate further.

 

[sheward]

I'd bet on it Dave.

Sorry to hear of your loss, Whitehawk. Was this indeed Dougs previous car?

drew

 

[gerryvz]

I think it was Carl Genberg's car, originally, correct ?!?

 

[whitehawk]

Yes,Doug is Whitehawk (my old CB radio handle). BergWerks 500E is Carl's car with all of his upgrades. Expecting the vehicle will be salvage-titled soon.

 

[whitehawk]

Tennessee. Elsewhere it is less believable.

In response to ...""Fell asleep" = texting or DUI. You don't "fall asleep" driving in a parking lot. That's pure, weapons-grade baloneyum..."

 

[Jimbo]

When scheiss like this happens...its time to move out....fast.

Doug, you belong in Tennessee like I belong in Chinatown !

Is the old Ur-S4 still kickin' it for you?

 

[whitehawk]

I did move away from that particular parking lot. It is not where my owned cars are stabled. The BergWerks 500E remains garaged and covered with the UrS4, which is also quite a joy to drive around these parts. This year's company car is in the background.

 

[Swordfish]

Doug-

Its Mike L.........geez my friend. So sorry to hear about the cars demise !

It seems like just the other day when we took it our for a rip in New Jersey. Hope all is well with you and the family. Your kids are growing like weeds based on your FB updates.

Here's hoping to you getting into an even better one.

 

[genberg]

Ouch - that hurts! Glad to see it made it that long. Thanks for taking care of it. I hope it served you well!

 

[Glen]

Ouch - that hurts! Glad to see it made it that long. Thanks for taking care of it. I hope it served you well!

Is that you Carl?