Car stopped moving after accident, should I repair, or let it go...?

5

Asked by Assterisk Apr 17, 2011 at 03:05 PM about the 1996 BMW 3 Series 328i Convertible RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was recently in an accident on the X-way and clipped the wall with the front end.
I bent my driver side lower control arm to the point where the tire was just
touching the back of the well. I was able to get off the X-way, but after about a
mile, the car wouldnt move anymore. I could hear the gears moving in the trans,
but it wouldnt move any longer. I know the R&R for the control arm wont be that
bad, but if I killed my trans somehow, I may want to give up as that would
probably be too expensive, and I dont want to pay for the control arm if it will just
be a waste of money on a car that wont move... Is it possible to kill the trans from
a collision like that, or with the tire touching the inner well did the traction control
system just shut it all down?

1 Answer

5,015

Most people think that a simple control arm replacement would be an easy fix, but more often the subframe, knuckle, strut and/or strut tower is also damaged. I would check to see is rear wheels will move manually. Sounds alot worse than you think.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1996 BMW 3 Series

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,910
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,090
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW M3
49 Great Deals out of 1,089 listings starting at $11,999
Used BMW 5 Series
856 Great Deals out of 11,419 listings starting at $675
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
982 Great Deals out of 18,296 listings starting at $825
Used Ford Mustang
917 Great Deals out of 22,427 listings starting at $2,000
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
726 Great Deals out of 10,125 listings starting at $1,500

Used Cars for Sale

2024 BMW 3 Series For Sale
50 Great Deals out of 1,679 listings starting at $39,795
2023 BMW 3 Series For Sale
94 Great Deals out of 910 listings starting at $27,942
2022 BMW 3 Series For Sale
48 Great Deals out of 443 listings starting at $23,688
2021 BMW 3 Series For Sale
228 Great Deals out of 2,126 listings starting at $20,990
2020 BMW 3 Series For Sale
92 Great Deals out of 932 listings starting at $15,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.