Damage estimate?

[aj_in_LA]

Pulled into a parking spot with one of those stoppers, didn't hear/feel anything. Pulled out and the front left bumper tore off a bit when it caught on the stopper. Coolant warning light came on when I was near the mechanic, so now it's in the shop. Did it just tear one of the hoses out, as they apparently connect to the radiator pretty low? Anybody have this happen before? Hoping it won't be an expensive fix for my first mistake.

[distinctperson]

I am sorry that that happened.... it sucks having a relatively lower vehicle.

I have one tip for you that I learned through a similar experience: never exclusively rely on your PDC sensor, particularly when it comes to curbs. Get out of your car to confirm distance when you feel too close, and proceed accordingly -- and even with this much caution you're bound to at least scratch your bumper at some point (and this is guaranteed if you have added an aftermarket lip like many of us.)

[aj_in_LA]

I agree, I'm not going to trust feel/sound anymore. It turns out that the thermostat was leaking and there weren't any problems from the damage, it just so happened to give me the coolant signal at that point, and it sounds like its covered by the dealer, so I will take it there. Was expecting my first big BMW repair bill of 2-3k or something.

[paris1]

Originally Posted by distinctperson

I am sorry that that happened.... it sucks having a relatively lower vehicle.

I have one tip for you that I learned through a similar experience: never exclusively rely on your PDC sensor, particularly when it comes to curbs. Get out of your car to confirm distance when you feel too close, and proceed accordingly -- and even with this much caution you're bound to at least scratch your bumper at some point (and this is guaranteed if you have added an aftermarket lip like many of us.)

Allow me a small rant on that subject. This E89 is my wife's DD. She bought it with my blessings (I am the one who maintains it for her) after having owned 2 Miatas. The Mazdas were low too, but the ride height was somehow more manageable than the Z4. The front cap on this thing has been damaged so many times in so many ways that I'm reluctant to drive it any more. Part of it is the physical height of the lip; the other thing is the sheer length of the nose and judging where it ends! If it were mine, I would sell it tomorrow. But it's not, so I just let here enjoy it and try to steer clear of it myself.

[impulsE89]

Driving the Z is a definite pleasure, but parking and maneuvering, not so much. I am toying with using bluetooth cameras with smart phone monitoring.
I have never had a car that is so difficult to park, back-up, or get into narrow places. Mine has no driver assists. I am thinking there must be cheap bluetooth cams that could be installed in the grills and in the back where they would not be too obvious. I am also concerned about hitting the front fenders which are so hard to judge but am still using my wife as the spotter.
I have also placed cheap go-pro type imitations on a selfie stick to poke around unreachable places around the engine and transmission to spot leaks. I have also used the phone to take remote photos in this way. It will shoot when you say "shoot", or just use videos.
Any comments about sources etc are most welcome

[cruisingdownthestreet]

Originally Posted by impulsE89

Driving the Z is a definite pleasure, but parking and maneuvering, not so much. I am toying with using bluetooth cameras with smart phone monitoring.
I have never had a car that is so difficult to park, back-up, or get into narrow places. Mine has no driver assists. I am thinking there must be cheap bluetooth cams that could be installed in the grills and in the back where they would not be too obvious. I am also concerned about hitting the front fenders which are so hard to judge but am still using my wife as the spotter.
I have also placed cheap go-pro type imitations on a selfie stick to poke around unreachable places around the engine and transmission to spot leaks. I have also used the phone to take remote photos in this way. It will shoot when you say "shoot", or just use videos.
Any comments about sources etc are most welcome

The front is very long, the back is very short. You can imagine driving a car with a long hood to that of driving from the back seat. The best estimate is to line up yo back seats of the car next to me. Bing bang boom.

[aj_in_LA]

The worst part is the downtime. Been in the shop since Tuesday, dealer has it for thermostat replacement, taking until Monday. Sucks.

[Herkypilot]

My recommendation is to always back in if possible. A good bit more clearance on the rear in stock form. Use the side view mirror on the passenger side to auto tilt down when in reverse to look for the side curb if you are on an end parking spot. Works the best.

HP