I need some info and advice, especially those who own a 500E or E500. I've always loved the aggressive front of the 500E with the low airdam and fog lights. I would like to give this distinctive look to my early 300E. I'm getting a 500E front bumper cover which I came across, but have an uncertain feeling about the whole thing.

So I would like to ask the lucky owners themselves to get some first hand knowledge about this issue. For now I plan on just installing the 500E front Bumper and Impact Strip, to a early model 300E... For sure the bumper itself will bolt on, but I know the sides of the bumper will definatly stick out a little since the 500 was flared at the fenders. If the bumpers are a little flexible I plan on bending them a bit inward at the sides to match more closly with the stock fenders. But the problem is I dont know the exactly how much the front wheel arch is flared, and where it starts.

I've searched every where to find the demensions of the front end of the 500E but couldn't find it. If one of you guys could be so kind to help me out, by measuring the wrap-around length of your 500 Bumper from tip to tip following the crease line of the Impact Strip, or any other aspect of the front. I would greatly apprieciate it. That will Help me out greatly in making a desicion fast. I need to know asap. Anyone with any thoughts, info, specs or creative ideas regarding this, please share! I'm determined to somehow make this work, and look good too

Thanks!
(sorry it's so long)

I get a rough (+-1-2 inches) measurement of 92 inches. A better measurement is, with the tape measure on the top of the quarter panel, going straight out (perpendicular) to the rear most tip of the front bumper (top area), I get 7 3/4 inches. Does that make sense?

I see how you got the 92in, sorry but I don't quite know what you mean by "top of quarter panel" the second measurment. I think measuring flush from the edge of where the wheel arch meets the bumper along the bumper/fender dividing line to verticle line dividing the fender from the lower headlight trim would be good. Since that way I can determine how much the 500E fender flares out. Let me know what you think!

OK, squat in front of your 300E with a tape measure. Find a straight stick or pole and hold it straight up against the bumper, (on the side of the car) I positioned my stick against the top of the bumper which also happened to be the upper rear most part.

Next I put the tape measure between the top of quarter panel and hood. Going straight out and measuring to the stick, I get the 7 3/4 inches. That should give you an idea of how far out the flares go.

Are you sure this is going to work, I have never seen this done to another 300E/400E?

Thanks for clarifying that for me, a very helpful measurment. I have to wait till tomarrow to measure the 300E which is currently at the shop. I'll then compare them and see what the options are. Hopefully it will work out well!

I think you'd need both fenders too and I believe that the bracing and mounting points may be a bit different, you'd also need the plastic lowers on the fenders and at least 8'' wheels to fill out the difference and to widen the track. I've seen a picture of a 500E front on a regular 300E and it looks wierd, to me, but go for it...the front fenders are flared about 4" from a stock 124...sounds like big bucks for looks only. Some tuners make bigger bumpers with fog lights built in like AMG and Carlson.Best of luck.

Jim
1992 500E

I confimed that the mounting points of the 300 and 500 are identical. So the thing I am concered about is how much the side wings of the Bumper Cover will stick out, but with those mesurments roas provided I'll find out a rough estimate on where the 500 bumper will meet. Are the 500Es front wheel arches the exact same length as the 300es?

Jim for now I'm just trying to get the bumper to work right. The pictures you saw with the 300 converted to the 500 front, was it the fenders and all... What part looked weird on it?

Thanks

Remember, the front track is like 4" wider on a 500, so your tires are going to be WAY inside the fenderwell. I question if you'll be able to pull the outer edges of the bumper inward, as the stainless steel accent panels on top will likely deflect or bow.

Also consider that when you're done, you front end will be considerably wider than the rear. And encorporating rear flares could/likely will involve blending some flare into the rear doors.

Just trying to help you understand what you're up against...good luck

[Edited by Michael on 07-23-2001 at 09:35 PM]

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Right now I'm running on 16x7.5 Rims, plus I dont think using just the bumper will make a huge differance in the visual width of the front, if I can just get the bumper cover to work that will be good for now. I won't have to worry about the chromes trim bending as my car is all monotoned and I'll just leave them out.

Michael thanks for input, I know converting the 300E into a 500E is a huge deal needing alot time and not to mention $$$. For now I am getting a deal on a 500E bumper cover and need a little more feedback before I have to make the final desicion on monday! Today I spoke to a tech at the dealer and he mentioned there are some spacers I can get that push the front of the fenders out a little. Anyone heard of this? If it works it seems to be a good way of widening normal W124s a little.

Recently some had posted a pdf file from Brabus about add-ons for a w124 chassis

if u can get a hold of them and inquire about the following parts:

124-260-00 or 124-260-04

it somes with a lower spoiler and place for fog lights...best part is that it uses the orginal mounting points

they go for $625

i can email u the file if u want to check out other things

reny

[email protected]

Dude, the photo I saw had the front 500E flared fenders but didn't have the right offset to the wheels...your 16x7.5 will be too thin and not fill up the wheel well, even with track spacers which will push your rim out but not a whole lot...that looked odd to me as was the rear which was not modified correctly. Even with 8 or 8.5'' wheels on a 500E there's plenty of room in the wheel wells...I've even heard of 9'' rims on the front with no clearance problems. I think you are opening a can of worms on your 124...if it were me, and its not, I'd look for a tuner bumper to change the looks or just go a find that special 500E in the classifieds...I'll bet you can pick up a nice one for $20-25K. I bet if you sell the 500E bumper you got...it could quite possibly cover the cost of a tuner bumper...shop around. I remember when people used to put a Rolls Royce grill on VW bugs. You may be the subject of ridicule after your mod but this is a free country the last time I checked. Happy motoring.

Jim
1992 500E

Sorry FA22, have to agree with Jim & Mike here. Also, I'd think fender 'spacers' would then create an unsightly gap along the lenght of the hoodline, just a thought.

Jim's got the perfect idea about buying it and selling it to defray the cost for a tuner bumper. Or simply put the $$$ into something not 'all look / no go' if you know what I mean. Good luck, though, to each their own right?

__________________

Paul

'02 ML320 3rd row - wife's
'01 //S8 Alumi*****
'87 930 Sport Seats / LSD
'58 TR3A commuter

previous

'95 //S6 6gang
'87 190E 2.3-16
'88 ///M5
'98 ML320
'93 300E 2.8
'90 300E 3.0

http://blogs.europeancarweb.com/index.html (Sgt. Schultz)
http://randomstupidity.tumblr.com/
http://www.sfest.com/gallery/

Here's how the Brabus front & rear spoilers look installed and painted black, and having the impact strip also smoothed out and painted black. Bumpers cost about $675/each, and need to be prepped and painted (about $370/each).

I haven't taken a picture yet, but I installed Hella driving lights in the spoiler recess, with "city lights".

Enjoy.

:-) neil

PS: if you want to sell you 500E bumper, let me know. I have plans for another car . . .

More pictures (before & after) at: http://www.silcom.com/~neilv/sportline/index.htm

I think i saw a set of front and rear tuner covers in my warehouse, I seem to recall buying a set when I bought some other items, let me check.

If you are interested in me digging them out, let me know

jeff
88 300CE 3.6 brabus
92 300CE-24
93 300CE-24 SPORTLINE

Sure, if you could please find out for me.

Thanks!