W123 - Front bumper cover/impact strip failed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Demothen · #1 07-05-2017, 01:54 PM

Hi all,
This weekend I discovered that the impact strip on my front bumper had partially come loose. ('85 300D with federal spec bumpers)

At first, I assumed someone had bumped into the car while I was parked, but after further investigation, it seems like the clips on the plastic strip that hold the bumper cover had been broken before i bought the car, and were glued back in place. That glue had given out for more than half of the bumper. I think I just need to order 2x Bumper Clamping Rail 1238854323 - Genuine Mercedes-Benz - 123-885-43-23 | Pelican Parts, replace the old ones with those, then reinstall the impact strip by sliding it into place with soapy water? Is this correct? Are there any other parts I may need, or any sort of adhesive?
Thanks!

Steve_in_NV · #2 07-05-2017, 02:12 PM

I just replaced the rear ones, no adhesive needed. The slide on the bumper and fasten by sliding toward the center. I started in the middle and rolled the rubber strip backwards causing the center to kind of spread open. The initial "start" takes some force, but then the strip just rolls on. I think I used some silicon spray. Confusing instructions but you will see once you get started. Took me a few tries.

Demothen · #3 07-05-2017, 03:12 PM

Thanks Steve - so no extra parts necessary beyond the two mounting strips, right?

DeliveryValve · #4 07-05-2017, 03:28 PM

No extra parts, just the mounting strips.

Mine slipped off my car also at one point. One day I was at my friend's repair shop BS'ing with him and he noticed it. He has experience in other vehicles and promptly took out his rubber mallet. Pulled the cover off, reset the loose mounting strip and hammered the thing back on in no time. I was kind of shocked he did it so quickly and I didn't even study his technique in doing so. All I know the thing can be hammered on somehow. (do so at your own risk!)

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