General Car Conversation
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 519
From: Maryland
That makes perfect sense actually, it's a strut car and the tower died. If it was an a-arm car or multi link in the same situation the upper arms would bend/move/the mount ears flex out of the way (can be bent back) and the lower arms will take the majority of impact and maybe kill the subframe. Those can be changed out fairly easily....
The strut towers are not easily repaired at all and in the 7 are the items that take the hit.
The strut towers are not easily repaired at all and in the 7 are the items that take the hit.
the accident caused structural damage (the strut tower is part of the entire front end, so if it's cracked, it would require somehow cutting out the strut tower and welding a new one in). buuuuut... the strut tower ISN'T a distinct part, it's PART of the front end. the labor and parts to replace the entire front clip is a disaster, and chances are the car would NEVER be right.
so totalling it was the right call.
so totalling it was the right call.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,096
Likes: 1,740
From: Ohio
I think it may have actually been due to the polymer passenger cell to suspension extensions where everything bolts onto. I looked into it a bit more and it appears that the last two generations of 7 series use(d) a composite center section that can have major problems in a crash detaching from the front extensions.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,019
Likes: 496
From: Knoxville, TN
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,019
Likes: 496
From: Knoxville, TN
I constantly go where I can see the lights in the mirror of a store window or something and am checking them, old German cars' taillights can look REALLLLLY janky when screwy.
Everything is fine, all bulbs work except that tail marker light.
Everything is fine, all bulbs work except that tail marker light.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,096
Likes: 1,740
From: Ohio
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,524
Likes: 265
From: Illinois
I just checked both cars (X3 and 5 Series) and no brake lights with everything shut down. When I got in each car and the dash, interior lights etc. came to life they worked before starting the cars.