e320 rear bumper trim?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

michaelscooots · #1 01-10-2009, 02:05 PM

Hi,
Does anyone know if bumper trim for a 94-95 e320 wagon is available anywhere? I have a crack/hole the size of a golf ball in mine and I can't bear to look at even the duct tape that covers it.

If it's not available (I've been searching), is this a quick fix for a body shop? Anyone have the paint code? My wagon is black with the stock gray body panel/bumpers.

Thanks,

Michael

babymog · #2 01-10-2009, 03:15 PM

Is the trim like the '94/'95 sedan where the rub-strip goes all of the way forward? If so, junkyards? If not, it is the same as the '86-'93. I had a problem finding one for my daughter's '94 sedan, decided to put a '92 sedan bumper on it instead, only difference is the rub-strip is shorter on the sides (which nobody will ever notice).

If you're near SW Michigan, I'll GIVE you a 300TE rear bumper in gray, just have to come and get it.

michaelscooots · #3 01-10-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Is the trim like the '94/'95 sedan where the rub-strip goes all of the way forward? If so, junkyards? If not, it is the same as the '86-'93. I had a problem finding one for my daughter's '94 sedan, decided to put a '92 sedan bumper on it instead, only difference is the rub-strip is shorter on the sides (which nobody will ever notice).

If you're near SW Michigan, I'll GIVE you a 300TE rear bumper in gray, just have to come and get it.

Hi Jeff,

I know the rear bumper is diff. than the sedan but I'm not sure about the trim piece. I think I may call the dealer to see if it's the same part number and f they have it n stock. If it is the same I may try junkyards. Mine is close to perfect minus the hole!

Maybe it's easier and cheaper to just have it repaired. I'm going to look into this as well.

Thanks for the offer on the bumper. With that line up you should probably keep it as a backup! BTW, I'm in Boston, MA but did spend a little time growing up in Michigan.

Michael

babymog · #4 01-10-2009, 10:17 PM

The rear bumper is a wagon bumper. I bought it when I was looking at buying a T124 with a damaged rear bumper, but never bought the car. T124 bumpers are different than the W124 bumpers as the T bumper has a low-center to clear the rear hatch and the sedan bumper is straight across the top. Whether the '94/'95 T bumper is different than the '86-'93 bumper is what I don't know, ... other than paint colors (were all gray until '90).

Bob Weir · #5 01-10-2009, 11:45 PM

It's my understanding, 94 & 95 rear bumpers and trim parts are same, but different than all other years. My dealer wants $184. Group 88 Attachment Parts, Subgroup 075 Rear Bumper, "Impact Pad Cover" Part #124 885 1521. Go to your dealer and have them search by your VIN to be certain of part #!

Most junk yards want to sell entire bumper assembly. Many have damaged "Impact Pad Cover".

If you have all the pieces, you can use a plastic epoxy.

I'm waiting till winter passes before replacing mine.

PS Another MB screw up! This part should be flexible!

babymog · #6 01-11-2009, 10:54 AM

Once you get past the 123 and 126, the entire end of the car is sacrificial in a crash. Starts with the impact strip and bumper, then the body steel, the best way to protect the occupants but not good for the uninsured.

My daughter's E 320 had the bumper replaced before, and the body shop went cheap and didn't replace the energy-absorbing foam blocks in the bumper or in the rub-strip. That has been corrected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Weir

PS Another MB screw up! This part should be flexible!

Bob Weir · #7 01-11-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Starts with the impact strip...

The "Impact Pad Cover" is nothing more than cosmetic. It's the first impact item and a slight tap on whatever will break it. So many lesser expensive cars have better tap resistance!

babymog · #8 01-11-2009, 08:52 PM

It will break, but it and the foam beneath it should provide some protection to the bumper beneath it. I've replaced two and no damaged bumpers yet.

michaelscooots · #9 01-12-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

The rear bumper is a wagon bumper. I bought it when I was looking at buying a T124 with a damaged rear bumper, but never bought the car. T124 bumpers are different than the W124 bumpers as the T bumper has a low-center to clear the rear hatch and the sedan bumper is straight across the top. Whether the '94/'95 T bumper is different than the '86-'93 bumper is what I don't know, ... other than paint colors (were all gray until '90).

Ah, I see -- well, I'll check with the dealer today to see what the cost is for the impact strip. And then I'll get a couple of estimates to have the one that's currently on the car repaired/painted. I'll let you know what I come up with on costs. My Indie recommended a good body shop that can either do it on the cheap and make it look decent or can also make it look new. I'll opt for the latter and see what they want. I'll also see what they want to paint and install a new one from the dealer.

I'm also thinking I might be better off waiting until summer when many body shops are looking for work. Winter/Spring tends to be their busy time, in New England anyway. Everyone is getting into accidents and having their cars towed in and we've had a pretty snowy one so far. But the thought of looking at the duct tape even a few more weeks -- well, I don't think I can.

thanks again,
Michael

babymog · #10 01-12-2009, 12:19 PM

Replacing is a fairly easy job for one with even basic handyman skills and three tools. Consider having the strip painted off-the-car, provided it is an easy-match color.

The bumper can be removed by removing two-each-side 10mm-hex nuts behind the side-carpet pieces; and 8 13mm-hex nuts across the back, all easily accessed. A second person to spread the bumper ends and clear the body holes is helpful.

The strip is held in place with three cross-recess/phillips screws on each end, and a bunch of clips. The clips can be released from the inside of the bumper with a pair of diagonal-cutters to snip each one (okay, so four tools), or a small screwdriver to release the clips is the tedious method if you're trying to use the strip over, I prefer the snip method and toss the old strip.

The foam blocks in the strip can be re-used if not damaged, as can all fasteners. Once the new/painted strip is available simply press all of the clips in place, install the end-screws, hang the bumper back in place, adjust the alignment of the bumper as you tighten the bolts across the rear. Took about 45minutes-1hour for my daughter and me to replace her rear bumper strip. The front one can be done with the bumper on the car with a small blade or screwdriver to release the old clips and pop the new one in, closer to 20minutes on that one.

Her car currently has black (un-painted) strips in painted bumpers, which was the standard bumper from '90-'93, if she doesn't damage a bumper by spring I'll have the strips sprayed then.