Bumper chrome strip removal - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

skaa · #1 05-20-2003, 11:32 PM

Does anyone have any experience taking off/replacing the chrome strip on the front and rear bumper of a 300SD? Mine are scratched, and I have located an almost perfect pair on messed up bumpers in a local junkyard, but I don't want to damage them. Do they rest in a groove, so only a chisel or screwdriver is needed, or is it also glued in place, requiring a more deft touch with my Saws-All?
Thank you in advance,

Steve Kaa
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1982 300 SD 313k miles

Ridge · #2 05-21-2003, 11:07 AM

Steve,

If the rubber strips are like the ones on the 123 Mercedes, all you need to do is get one end free and then double the strip back on itself like the letter "U" and then the rubber strip slot opens up and comes right off. Reinstalling is the reverse, get one end on and then double strip back, opening up the slot and walk the whole thing right across the bumper. You can spray a little WD-40 into the slot before starting to make it even easier. If you've misscalculated and find too much rubber strip on one end than the other, sometimes a smack with a rubber hammer will move the rubber strip just enough to make things even. Otherwise just redo. It's quite simple once you do the doubleback thing.

Hope this helps.

Ben

#3 05-21-2003, 11:38 AM

what about on a 126?

Snibble · #4 05-21-2003, 12:31 PM

To remove the chrome strip, you have to take the entire bumper assembly off. There is a 17mm bolt on the left and right side of the bumper. You can see this when you look where the wheels are, and put your hand up and feel it. Its really easy to access.. After doing so, open your hood and take a look down at the bumper. There should be another bolt on each side of the bumper shocks. Take those off. Now go under the bumper and you will see 2 more bolts on each side of the bumper shocks and take those off. Now just simply slide the bumper forward and you will have it all off.

Now when you flip the bumper upside down, you will see that the strip is held down by a number of little screws. They are I think about 10mm or so. Just unscrew these and the rest should be straight forward.

I haven't yet began to work on mine because i discovered my bolts where rusted shut. I just bought a dremmel tool not long ago and I will get to work on it again shortly.

skaa · #5 05-21-2003, 05:38 PM

Snibble and Ridge,
Thanks for your help!
Looks like I'll just completely remove both bumpers from the donor car, and bring them to the shop to work on with a little WD-40 to help those bolts along, since I'm sure they're going to be frozen in place.
Sincerely, Steve Kaa

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1982 300SD 313k miles

#6 06-25-2003, 03:47 PM

Snibble:

I got the bumper off thanks to your post. Turned it over and loosened the 10mm bolts. They loosen but do not come out. What is necessary now? There is a sunken bolt toward each end. Does this come out also? Does the middle chrome strip slide out in some way?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Snibble · #7 06-25-2003, 07:50 PM

Hi jclayman.. I noticed that too.. however I have not even attempted to replace the bumper chrome. My guess for me atleast is I have to use my dremel tool and saw off the rusty screws. I also noticed the sunken screws and I have no idea how to get those. Hopefully someone here could help.

#8 06-25-2003, 08:34 PM

Snibble:

From your posts I assumed you had removed the chrome strip. I too hope someone can help us with advice.

I wish the chrome came off as easy as the bumper.

vwbuge · #9 06-26-2003, 12:04 AM

When you post something please specify front or rear bumper....I need to know because I am still looking for a donor piece for my rear bumper

#10 06-26-2003, 10:36 AM

If you will look at Snibble's first post in this thread he says to "open hood" and look down for bolts. That would seem to indicate front bumper wouldn't it?

Lou K · #11 10-20-2003, 08:36 PM

Once you have the bumper cover off, loosen the 10MM nuts. They may turn, since they will snap out of the rectangular openings in the chrome strip. You will have to pry up on the nut and continue to turn to remove the nuts. You will also have to loosen the joint covers that separate the center and side chrome from the underside and pry them up gently. There will be a bumper bolt the holds the front strip and the side strips. Remove the bumper bolt and the joint cover will come off or up enough thet you can remove the center strip. If the joint cover is brittle, you may have to replace it, since the chrome may split. In any event, I would buy new clips and bolts that hold the center chrome in place. Once the old ones are off they are useless.

This is a do-able project but requires patience.