e320 bumper compatibility?

I know this is a dumb newbie question, but I can't get it off my mind, and I couldn't find the answer by searching the archives.... I recently bought my wife a 1998 e320 sedan. It has the "older" stlye front bumper w/ the grillwork running across the bottom. My question is, is it possible to replace this bottom panel with the newer style ( the one with the open middle)? There is nothing wrong with hers but the newer stlye looks so much better to me that I might be willing to do the swap if it is feasible.
Thanks

[jshiuan]

i believe that will cost you quite a bit. the 2000+ w210 had the whole front end redone. (bumper, hood, fender, lights, etc...)

C,

J is right. DC changed the E series fascia in 2000.

While you could replace it and it might fit, the chrome trim on the bumper will not match up with the chrome trim on the bodyside cladding. Before 2000, the chrome sat near the top on the side moulding, in line with the front bumper. In the 2000+, the chrome on the front bumper was repositioned lower, and the side moulding chrome was moved lower as well. Nitpicking perhaps, but if you're concerned about the fascia, I'm sure you'll notice that the chrome strips don't match up even more.

BTW, if you are determined to change your front bumper anyway, check with your local MB dealer or their preferred body shop. Sometimes, AMG modifications/appearance packages are done by the dealer. Since the AMG appearance includes new lower body details such as revised bumpers, they might be a good source to pickup a no-longer-needed-but-cannot-be-sold-as-new front bumper. I know that my BMW dealer has a dealer installed sport package for its M5 and they had a local body shop do the mods. Bumpers everywhere.....

Thanks for the responses. I figured it would probably not be as simple as it should be-- they gotta sell those newer cars, and make the older ones look older than they are!

I wonder whether there is an aftermarket part that replaces just that lower portion of the bumper ( the horizontal plastic grill part)?
This is my only "objection" to the styling of the 98's. Anyone know where I could look on the internet?

[apb]

Just get the AMG sport bumper for that model year car. It looks a little more modern and should improve looks sufficiently. I think they can be bought for about $800 but still need to be mounted and painted.

[jshiuan]

the AMG sport front bumper would work, but you'll also have to change the fog lights...it's going to be a 4 digit expenditure...