Front bumper cover damaged. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JSlabotsky · #1 07-01-2003, 07:43 PM

Well, I did something today I never thought I would allow to happen. I was fumbling with my cell phone in traffic and looked down for a second. When I looked up I was about to hit the back of a Ford F-150. Luckily all I made contact with was his trailer hitch, but it put an ugly dent in my bumper cover.

The dent is in the license plate area toward the passenger side. All the plastic parts are dented/creased, including the top edge of the bumer cover just below the grille. At first I was hopeful that all the damage was to the impact strip and license plate bracket. The bumper cover doesn't look like it will pop back into shape. It also slightly bent the metal behind the top edge of the bumper, but nothing I can't easily pull out with a slide hammer.

I have a few questions:

- Can I replace just the bumper cover and remain safe? Like I said, it hit hard enough to dent the metal behind the bumper, but not severely.

- If I decide I can live with the crease in the bumper cover, is it possible to replace only the impact strip?

- Where is the best place to get parts that look as good as the factory parts? Salvage yard?

- Is this a good enough excuse to buy a body kit? :p

Thanks guys...

mike690003 · #2 07-01-2003, 08:48 PM

Well I had the same problem when I bought a new bumper for my 300E. I days later, I bumped another car, It dented my pumper and the impact strip was TKO'd, I went to the parts shop and they told me that the impact strip can be taken off the bumper and replaced. I did that, its easy, just take off the bumper(4 bolts!!!) and take the strip off from behind the bumper.

Hey if you plan on getting a body kit PM me and see if we can get a discount on 2 bodykits(Iwant one!!).

Buy the strip from FastLane(Look at the banner on top of the page).

I'd get a body kit though,any excuse is still an excuse

JSlabotsky · #3 07-01-2003, 10:30 PM

Well, since the better half just got a new car (2000 Accord V6 coupe) she was pretty open to the body kit idea. We'll see how that goes. For no more than it costs, I might spring for a whole bumper. Prices I've seen range from $175 to $275 for the whole works. I'm sure shipping will be expensive if I go that route.

Will keep you posted...