Someone hit my car. I'm looking for aftermarket suggestions.

[uh2]

Well, someone decided to back into my M35 (I just bought it!) at work, and take off. Thankfully, someone saw him do it and he had to fess up. I've got all his insurance information so this is all going to be on his dime. If it's cheap enough, he's going to pay me cash. But his idea of cheap is $1000 and I already know the damage is over that.

Basically, I'm looking at a dented and scratch passenger fender, broken headlamp assembly, possibly broken grill (let just assume that it WILL be broken), scratched front bumper, possibly a broken seal somewhere in the foglight because it has condensation in there now, and any bits and pieces around that part of the car that need to be replaced to accompany everything I've already listed.

My goal is to get an estimate to replace everything back to stock, and then evaluate whether I can replace anything on the front end with better looking aftermarket parts. I know there are other grills out there. I've seen a few pictures with some sort of skirt on the front bumper which I liked, but other than that I'm not sure what my options are. I'm not interested in changing the lights...at least I don't think I am....unless the dealer gives me a crazy figure and I can replace both lights with something new for the same $$ or very close to it. Honestly I'd rather spend that $$ elsewhere...the stock lights don't bother me (probably because I haven't seen any other options).


So...if it were you....what would you do? I'm just looking for some suggestions on what's available either in the aftermarket or for other models. Any pictures or links are much appreciated.

Thanks in advance everyone. Once I get an estimate, I'll update the thread.

[pedsemdoc]

uh2,

few suggestions:

what year M35 do you have? if you have a '06-'07, i would look into maybe getting the '08 front bumper-use search and look at the threads for a breakdown of part costs and what it looks like.

many different grills--burtmanindustries.com has a few with prices

no aftermarket headlight housings, but you can upgrade and change your HIDs or spend a boatload of money for customized headlights with LEDs (check out clearcorners.com)
do you have the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)? make sure that works too--'cuz fixing that will certainly jack the price up too

you can also change your fogs to HIDs as well

gl with the repair

Craig

[uh2]

pedsemdoc,

I've got an 06 M35x with AFS. I'm good with the headlights being stock. Although now that I think about it, I DO want the output/color to match between the fogs and the headlights. I think the stock look, looks silly because the two don't match. So I'll do a little more research into that. I found a thread where someone posted before and after pics and I know I bookmarked for future reference. I guess tomorrow is here quicker than I thought.

Thanks for the Burtman Industries tip.

[pedsemdoc]

glad to help, man

the '06-'07 swap to the '08 was a recent thread, you should check it out--although there was a tiny gap near the headlights b/c it's not an exact fit-if something like that bothers you, then you prolly won't consider it

yeah, with the bumper off, now would be the time to change out those fogs to match your headlights-there are definitely multiple threads about making that swap, what temperature/color looks best, etc.

[fat3oy]

Yeah man, change fogs to HID, i like the ballasts from V-LEDs.com, great quality and good color. I'd get the 6000k with the same temp bulbs for your lows. Also, if grill is broken a damn impul grill is the bee's knees.

About your color. I seriously like light output so I chose 6000k, imo it is the best of both worlds, good blue tint, nice prism cutoff, and crazy good light output. If you want the JDM look, change your lows to a 6000k and get 3000k (yellow) fogs... I dont like the lows being yellow (too much attention.)

Purple is too lexus-y. deep blue is too rice. but to each their own.

cheers, good luck

[uh2]

fat3oy,

I definatey plan on upgrading the fogs. I'm not into the blue light scene. I had a BMW 540i and I was looking at upgrading my Depo Halo lights and I remember researching my options and settling for the 5000k area. I'll check out V-LED. Thanks!

[cruzad3r]

Sounds similar to my recent case.. to get back to normal will cost 4k+ of insurance money.

[uh2]

Sounds similar to my recent case.. to get back to normal will cost 4k+ of insurance money.

That's pretty much what I'm thinking.

[nolmt50]

Same thing happen to me too, Someone hit my car while it was parked and took off. I think mine was like $3500. Just one headlight alone is around $1200!!

[BlinG*]

wow, all this time and i never knew about burtmanindustries.com.....f*** me

[uh2]

Estimate from the shop was $2600 and change. Insurance company just called and said they agreed to $2400 and change. I'll follow up with the shop and make sure that's right.


The grill wasn't damaged...and I forgot to ...ahem..make sure it was before I took it in for an estimate. It was a rushed day...kicking myself for that one. Anyways....I think at this point after reading about the fitment issues with just replacing the 06 bumper with an 08 bumper and not doing the fenders, I'll just stick to upgrading the fogs and matching the low beam color. This is where I'm a little fuzzy..exactly what is a match to the STOCK low beams? I've seen a few pics for comparison, but they seem to be of cars that have had the low beams changed. I want to keep my stock low beams/color.

BTW I love this car....except for the throttle response (and the fuel economy). Everything else is great. DVD Hack is next on my list.

[cruzad3r]

not sure who you have for insurance but if they're refusing to pay the true estimate (from reputable shop or their recommended shop) then they're d!ck you around. don't take no for an answer. you paid for insurance for situation like this. and yes, new bumper, new light, new fender will get you in the neighborhood of 4Gs.

[uh2]

not sure who you have for insurance but if they're refusing to pay the true estimate (from reputable shop or their recommended shop) then they're d*** you around. don't take no for an answer. you paid for insurance for situation like this. and yes, new bumper, new light, new fender will get you in the neighborhood of 4Gs.

It's not my insurance...it's the person's insurance that hit me, and yes I'll be checking to make sure that everything is taken care of. The shop is where the nearest Infiniti dealer takes all their body work, just FYI.