"Slightly Damaged" Audi Picture
 

<center><img src="http://curtisthornton.com/images/audi/100_6875.jpg"></center><p>For those that sasked, here it is. Doesn't take much of a hit to accumulate $17K in damage on this car. Good thing is airbags did not blow and I walked away w/o a scratch, bruise, ache, anything. These cars are safe! For sale or lease assumption! And for anyone curious, this accident was NOT my fault. Lady on cell phone blew through a red light at a blind intersection after it had been red for her for 10+ seconds. Nothing I could have done but smoke her broadside.

that doesnt look too bad, as long as there is no fram damage you really only need a
 

bumper and headlight?

no wait never mind, i just realized the whole engine bay is smahsed back.
 

i bet if you closed the hood hard enough that air intake would pop right back into place:D

Hidden damage
 

Both front frame rails were bent, so that is where most of the $ is being allocated. They have to pull the motor/tranny to replace them! They claim with their equipment that they can put back to new w/i 3mm.

So why the heck didn't the airbags deploy ? Certainly looks like a hard enough hit...
 

Did you have a euro wheel ?

Airbags did not deploy because..
 

My guess is that there was not a big enough change, or quick enough change, in inertia?? I hit the brakes a split second before impact and got the car slowed down a little. I actually am glad they did not deploy because I did not need them. I did not get hurt in the slightest. I was actually amazed. I was wearing my seatbelt and it did the job.

With a few beers and some duct tape and we could have it back to new in an afternoon
 

It would make one hell of a write-up.

On a more serious note, I'm really sorry to hear that your car was damaged. I can't remember why you were selling it in the first place, but I hope that everything works out for you and you find a replacement that fits your needs.

According to your scaling...i'd say about 4.5 duff beers!

I like your work-beer ethic.....
 

But this one may require Patron and/or Crown Royale!

I love the car but got the track bug and, although this is a very competent track vehicle, want something lighter and more economical for the track. Looking at a Lotus Elise or Exige and something else for a daily driver. Thanks for your thoughts and concern.

So perhaps the deployment is speed related / governed as well?

Glad you are safe. Get back in the saddle soon!

How much are you looking to get for it?

Yes, airbags require a certain rate of deceleration to be triggered.

about three fiddy!

what I was getting it is perhaps they aren't even "armed" until you reach a certain speed...
 

i.e. if your car was traveling at only 10-15 mph, the likelyhood of requiring an air bag deployment is less than if you were going say 40mph.

I realize what you are saying about a deceleration change so obviously the faster you were traveling when you stop would cause a greater change in speed, and therefore greater impact force, therefore triggering the air bag.

thats one way to get better weight distribution

VTB. It's TREE FIDDY.

how 'bout a buck two five?

P.S. We are in vegas for silver state classic on sept 13-16....
 

80 miles of closed highway to go all balls out. You in?

It depends on my insurance settlement.....
 

I hope to know about mid-week. I will post when I have more specifics. Thanks

So damn tempting.... I'll just be getting back from the honeymoon around that time, and
 

we'll be moving the wife in. I don't think I can say "Well, honey, we're married, have fun moving in, I'm going to go drive recklessly with my friend's now. Bye!"

I'll probably be able to meet you for dinner though.

bring the wifey, all she needs is a helmet and blood sample...oh yeah medical insurance as well.

speed doesn't matter, they use accelerameters
 

it needs a certain g-force to go off. The bags didn't go off because, as he noted, they weren't needed. They would have done no good. He walked away totally unarmed, what good could they have done? Airbags can also hurt if used improperly.

So if your car is not moving & someone drives head-on into your car, then the bags don't go off?
 

I guess they might depending on how hard you are hit ?

I'm just trying to understand how the deployment mechanism works...

if someone hits you head-on, even if you are still sitting still
 

with enough g-force, your airbags will go off. It has nothing to do with the speed of your car, only the force of the impact

Cool - Thanks.