#$@!$% Someone Ran Into My e420

[Brian77]

Hi,

An a**h*** recently ran into my car (1994 e420) while parked on the street. Of course, in addition to his or her lack of driving skills, it does not appear that the few brain cells that this individual has lodged themselves in the area usually reserved for something called a "conscience" because there was not even an apology note left behind.

Fortunately, it appears that the damage is confined to the fender and front bumper. Unfortunately, it appears that the local bodyman is looking to make it a banner month for his shop with my car by providing an estimate of up to 30 hours worth of paint and bodywork for a grand total of about $1,600 dollars, which I find pretty absurd.

I filed a police report and could run it through insurance but am wondering whether replacing the bumper strip and front fender is something that I could just do. I have a contact who could just respray it for me. It appears that everything is just bolted on. If so, I could use a few suggestions for where to get a fender and bumper impact strip.

Thanks,
Brian

[alabbasi]

Time to hit the junk yards

[martureo]

Seriously though, hit the junkyards. We bought my wife's 1995 E300 with a portion of the under bumper missing and she took a bit of the corner off when driving the day before she gave birth.

I ran to the junkyard this last saturday and had my pick of two 1995 bumpers. One in light grey, one in dark grey. I took one and the heater panel from the other. $45.

It's the easiest bumper removal I've ever done. One nut on each end that holds it to a angle bracket. Two on each side right below the headlights. And one slightly irritating 10mm (I remember!) nut in the very center, top of the bumper, right in front of the condenser. Then wiggle and you're done.

[PARSHOOT1]

You don't have a city in your profile, but judging from the number of Benzes you've had, I'm guessing you've been to a few yards. Above are some of the websites I use for yards in Ohio. You'll find a nice fender and cover no doubt. Good luck.

[Dubyagee]

That looks like a solvent would remove the scuff. Maybe its worse then the pic shows.

[Can't Know]

Certainly DIY-able. Call the salvage yards, you may even find it in your color. Car-part.com is a registry for salvage yards, but be prepared to do a lot of calling when you think you've found it as they never reply to email.

Good luck.

[Simpler=Better]

Originally Posted by Dubyagee

That looks like a solvent would remove the scuff. Maybe its worse then the pic shows.

Definitely looks like it will just buff out.