BMW 528 I recieved minor quater size rub mark on rear center bumper sliding accross ice while loading on a tow truck. Tow company is willing to pay for the repair.
Estimate from "certified" BMW auto body shop; Chapman BMW Collision quoted $804.53. BMW will not allow uncertified BMW body shops to preform work.
Very qaulified local body shop quoted a price of $200.
Chapman Collision center
United States of America#2UPDATE Employee
Fri, January 29, 2010
While i have not seen the second estimate, i can assure you that our quote for the repairs is within industry guidelines, follows manufacturers processess and details the removal of the bumper to be painted during its repair. While you as the owner of the car may elect not to handle the repair in this manner, or allow a shop to make a "spot repair" versus a bumper refinish, I am certain if you presented our estimate to another quailified repair shop they would agree our estimate meets all the requirements of a "proper and correct repair" for that type of damge.
Contrary to popular belief there are currently no state or federal laws that require you to have repairs done at a certified shop. You are free to have your vehicle repaired wherever you deem best. The only caveat i would add to that statement is this; if you are leasing the vehicle, as it appears might be the case, a repair that is done incorrectly or improperly could result in a charge to you at the time of lease turn in to bring the repair up to standards. This is spelled out in detail in your lease agreement.
Body repairs and the different approaches to them can be confusing, and i hope this sheds some light on your situation. Please feel free to contact me directly if there is anything we can do to help.