Crash protection works!

[oldmovieguy]

Was rear eneded last night by a van that had failed to notice I had stopped in traffic, estimate of speed at impact was 40mph. I saw it coming and braced, my new E Class hardly moved forward at impact and head rest system popped out to protect my head from whipping back and seat belt tightened. Front of van was smashed and its rad was leeaking coolant, my MB was dented in rear but boot still opened and closed, bumper was hanging off but a LOT of damage underneath at rear due to crumple zone working. I got out unscathed and police and ambulance both agreed that had I been in an 'ordinary' (their words) car, I would have been pretty well bashed up. So I take my hat off to the engineers at MB for keeping me safe, something we should all remember when we get worked up over injectors, and I put my hands up to that I'll admit, but again, I tip my hat again to the safety guys at MB.

 

[6pot]

Good to hear your ok! Its also nice to see the engineering working as it should, id like to see pictures!

 

[mercboiuk]

Likewise, I'm glad you're OK, and many thanks for sharing your story.
As for your (saviour) car, is it repairable?

An apt time to post THIS 1980s ADVERT LINK, I think.

Darren

 

[The Boss]

glad you are ok.. yes safety integrity is so critical and its one "PRAISE" i give to mercedes!

 

[Brian WH]

Good to hear your ok! Its also nice to see the engineering working as it should, id like to see pictures!

So would we all like to see photos.

Glad the system worked, but shame about your car.

Will it be repairable?

 

[Matt32AMG]

Sorry to hear about the shunt, glad you are ok, and a testiment to MB build. Was there much damage?

 

[kay7]

Glad u'r ok! Blimey! Thats was a close one!

 

[d w124]

Glad to hear you`re ok mate

 

[oldmovieguy]

Many thanks for your good wishes, no pics I'm afraid, to woozy to think of doing it at the time, car has been lifted to MB body shop at Brentford but no news yet on the extent of the damage, will keep you posted, so glad it was not an 'ordinary' car.

 

[st4]

A 40mph impact would cause structural damage, I'd hope its written off and the vans insurance coughs up for another car for you.

Glad you are ok, thats always the main thing.

 

[splitpin]

Good to hear that you are OK.An unpleasant experience indeed.

Safety was paramount in my criteria when choosing a Mercedes, especially as my wife
is the main driver.

Splitpin

 

[Neilos]

Was rear eneded last night by a van that had failed to notice I had stopped in traffic, estimate of speed at impact was 40mph. I saw it coming and braced, my new E Class hardly moved forward at impact and head rest system popped out to protect my head from whipping back and seat belt tightened. Front of van was smashed and its rad was leeaking coolant, my MB was dented in rear but boot still opened and closed, bumper was hanging off but a LOT of damage underneath at rear due to crumple zone working. I got out unscathed and police and ambulance both agreed that had I been in an 'ordinary' (their words) car, I would have been pretty well bashed up. So I take my hat off to the engineers at MB for keeping me safe, something we should all remember when we get worked up over injectors, and I put my hands up to that I'll admit, but again, I tip my hat again to the safety guys at MB.

Blimey mate, glad your ok

Been there and done that, had someone hit me up the back in a 40 zone, by the time they had scrubbed some speed it was estimated at 30ish and that was bad enough, had whiplash for weeks.

How did they work the speed out, was it from skidmarks?

 

[bpsorrel]

Glad you're OK and that the car did a great job of keeping you safe and well! Another great reason for buying these cars!

 

[Oily Rag]

Glad to hear that you were unhurt. Sorry to hear about the car. All hail MB design and engineering !!!,'bows down in appreciation.

 

[ringway]

Glad you're okay Oldmovieguy. Best of luck with the insurance claim.

 

[ringway]

How did they work the speed out, was it from skidmarks?

I'm not so sure Oldmovieguy was that frightened...

 

[219]

Likewise, I'm glad you're OK, and many thanks for sharing your story.
As for your (saviour) car, is it repairable?

An apt time to post THIS 1980s ADVERT LINK, I think.

Darren

The damage to that 420 is very similar to what happened to my dad's W115 220/8 when I was hit by an oncoming driver who came around a bend on my side of the road - and why I have subsequently driven Mercedes for the last 35 years .

 

[VB123]

Funnily enough, this was towed into work a couple of days ago. It, like the above, was hit whilst stationary. Only, by a bus. Angle is a bit off, but it's damn near flat!
The rear doors still open.

 

[wemorgan]

Momentum is cruel at times. Considering the deformation it's impressive that the doors open, though I suspect that's to remove the spare wheel from the lap of the rear passengers!

 

[oldmovieguy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Neilos

How did they work the speed out, was it from skidmarks?


I'm not so sure Oldmovieguy was that frightened...

__________________


That has given me the first belly laugh of the day, thanks once again for the kind thoughts from all posters.
The speed was a rough estimate from witnesses. Police attended but as damage only did not take statements or other evidence.