I hit a pothole around San Francisco California, on the seam of an off-ramp. This is 2019, so we had a lot of rain which caused a lot of potholes. I was going approximately 55 miles an hour when I hit the hole. the side curtain airbag and the door airbag blew out. Luckily my dog in the passenger side seat was not harmed. And luckily the front airbags didn't go off. obviously the car bottomed out on the side that went into the pothole, which must have caused a jarring so badly that it caused the airbags to go off.
Upon inspection of the vehicle, several new problems arose as well, including a substantial oil leak, the catalytic converter failing (which may or may not be related,) both front shocks blown, and perhaps more damage I have not found yet.
The worst part was the fact that the replacement parts from any regular body shop would have cost more than the vehicle itself. so far I have bought the two air bags on eBay for $300. they're installed but I have yet to reset the computer or replace the sensor, which will cost $500+.
Thank goodness I had just taken the car (recently purchased private party within six months,) to have the front airbag recall performed.. I had never owned a BMW or any car this low to the ground before this, and really didn't see the pothole before it was too late.
Very unfortunate incident, because the car was well taken care of its entire life, and still in great shape. It was shipped here through Guam as well.
I'm still dealing with Caltrans Oakland district in order to have the problem resolved. hopefully they will cover the damage, but I have not heard back yet.
the video link is literally a video I did for the local news station.
click to see larger images
I hit a pothole around San Francisco California, on the seam of an off-ramp. This is 2019, so we had a lot of rain which caused a lot of potholes. I was going approximately 55 miles an hour when I hit the hole. the side curtain airbag and the door airbag blew out. Luckily my dog in the passenger side seat was not harmed. And luckily the front airbags didn't go off. obviously the car bottomed out on the side that went into the pothole, which must have caused a jarring so badly that it caused the airbags to go off.
Upon inspection of the vehicle, several new problems arose as well, including a substantial oil leak, the catalytic converter failing (which may or may not be related,) both front shocks blown, and perhaps more damage I have not found yet.
The worst part was the fact that the replacement parts from any regular body shop would have cost more than the vehicle itself. so far I have bought the two air bags on eBay for $300. they're installed but I have yet to reset the computer or replace the sensor, which will cost $500+.
Thank goodness I had just taken the car (recently purchased private party within six months,) to have the front airbag recall performed.. I had never owned a BMW or any car this low to the ground before this, and really didn't see the pothole before it was too late.
Very unfortunate incident, because the car was well taken care of its entire life, and still in great shape. It was shipped here through Guam as well.
I'm still dealing with Caltrans Oakland district in order to have the problem resolved. hopefully they will cover the damage, but I have not heard back yet.
the video link is literally a video I did for the local news station.
- Jamaica C., Pacifica, CA, US