Euro Front Bumper - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Boardmonger · #1 11-04-2005, 01:09 AM

Hey guys, I was wondering what it takes to install a euro bumper onto my w123. I have been watching a few but was wondering if there are special mounts or anything I would need. I know a few of you guys have euro 123's so if you could take a shot of how it's mounted that would be awesome. I really like their look over the bulky US DOT front bumpers so if anyone could enlighten me, that would be super. Thanks everyone.

H-townbenzoboy · #2 11-04-2005, 01:33 AM

Are you really sure you want wimp, skinny Euro bumpers instead of the big, strong US bumpers? This is one of those instances where function is better than form, to me. Sure your car will look smaller, but it'll be weaker. I had a Suburban back into me at a red light once, the big cow catcher bumper stopped his bumper at a point where the trailer hitch protustion stopped just short of hitting the grille, had I had the Euro bumper, I probably would've been looking at a new grille, maybe even the radiator and condensor would've needed replacement, and all of the other good stuff in that region of the car that I'm forgetting. There's a good reason why we have those big bumpers here in the US (cough) bad drivers (cough), so I'd say keep em.

rs899 · #3 11-04-2005, 06:26 AM

I agree. I don't find the US spec bumpers that objectionable on the W123s. The car was designed to accomodate these bumpers (unlike the W116) and the slight difference in profile is not worth the risk of ruin. IMHO.

Rick

t walgamuth · #4 11-04-2005, 08:00 AM

280 with euro bumpers, i will say this:
1. you may as well not have any bumper. a routine back into your bumper will push it into the grill.
2. the rubber thingies may hide rust so check them out before committing yourself to the change. the paint also may be faded behind them.

the euros do look very cool though. and they are lighter.

tom w

boneheaddoctor · #5 11-04-2005, 08:05 AM

I put Euro Bumpers on my W116 becasue the stock "park benches" bothered me...but then this car will never see snow...

My W123? I came close to doing this, I found a set in Annapolis (90 minute drive) I could have had for $100 but I was thinking...I plan to drive this all winter...and we have a LOT of traffic and half these morrons can't drive in the rain much less the snow. So I thought it better to leave the stock bumpers on this one.

Thats a factor to think about when you decide to do this or not.

Old300D · #6 11-04-2005, 11:47 AM

I installed the Euro bumpers on my 240D. They look great, and they are easy to put on. They use the single stud on the inside, and the pair on the outside of the shock mount can be removed. You need all the rubber and frames from the ends -- one of the studs on the rubber frames twisted off when I removed it from the donor, but it was no big deal drilling it out and replacing it with a 1/4" x 2" bolt with two nuts.

phidauex · #7 11-04-2005, 12:34 PM

They do look nice.. But here is a story.

A little while ago my wagon was in a rearend collision. It messed up the minivan that hit us (suckers), but barely damaged the wagon (just bent the impact absorbers a bit, and scuffed up the rubber strip, you can barely tell). I took it to the dealer to get an official estimate to send to the minivan's insurance company, and the guy (in addition to being very complimentary of the older mercedes), showed me a 300TE greymarket he had on the lot at the same time. It had been in a very similar accident, but with the euro bumper, it had taken some severe damage to the hatch and rear panels. He figured it would be totalled, based on the damage. My big heavy federal bumpers, combined with the sturdy impact absorbers, saved the car, he said.

So.... I don't mind their big park bench looks.

peace,
sam

Eugene 87 300TD · #8 11-04-2005, 01:23 PM

I have a friend who is looking for them for his 123 anyone know where I could find a set?

Thanks!

nazrat · #9 11-04-2005, 01:31 PM

If he is near DC, I have a set that I can show him from the 300D Euro that I'm parting out.

-Tad

Boardmonger · #10 11-04-2005, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the opinions guys. I am not interested in the rear bumper because I will agree it is far too skinny and I think it exposes the under side of the car a bit too much. I will investigate under the rubber trim and if I get a good deal I would still like to make the switch. I am not worried about a high speed front impact mainly because I just drive around town and put few miles on my car. Sounds like a pretty easy process so I will keep you guys updated on what I decide to do.