DIY removing the front bumper cover?

[S Jones]

Hi List-
Working on a 99 SL500-
I'm looking at having the front bumper cover replaced- The dealer I bought it from, another state, had me get a bid and sent me a check to have it done. That's a good dealer !
I do a bit of stuff on cars on my own, and enjoy it-
Are there instructions or guidence that can show me how to remove the front bumper cover. I see ones ( claim new OEM ) on Ebay for like 500 bucks. HMM. The MB dealer wanted 1370.
if I get that one AND can remove and replace the old one, I can have a local shop paint it and reinstall it myself, saving enough clams to add towards a new set of tires or whatever.
Anyone have experience with buying one ( primed ready to paint) on Ebay
AND can a backyard mechanic do the work- ME ! ?
Skill Level: I don't do brakes, but have on other cars in the past, change generators, rebuild old carbs, replace fuel pumps, mostly old antique stuff.
A bit limited on tools but get by, more time than money !
Thanks for any pointers etc.
sj

[SunGuy]

Steve,
If this upload works you should see a picture or file attachment that is numbered to correspond to the notes below. Job is simple and straight forward, so much so, that it may be a false economy to do it yourself as opposed to the body shop.

Remember to disconnect the external temp sensor!!

Bob


Plug connector for fog lights
disconnect (from below).

Screw (1)
screw out of nut (2).

Clips (3)
unclip on cover (4).

Cover (4)
remove.

Nut (5)
screw off on frame cross member.

Mount (6) for outdoor temperature sensor with wedge
unclip (from front).

Bumper
remove toward front.

Install in reverse order.

[S Jones]

Bob, thanks-
Looks like the wheels have to come off, inside shrouds, then the bumper cover. I'd like to try the whole operation myself, get a new cover, have it painted, R&R the old one as a learning process.
This project is #2 on the list of priorities right now.
appreciate the advice and how-to download-
Sandy ( nickname )




that it may be a false economy to do it yourself as opposed to the body shop.

Remember to disconnect the external temp sensor!!

Bob

[SunGuy]

Looks like the wheels have to come off

Sandy,

The wheels do NOT have to come off-

Bob

[S Jones]

Bob,
Have you done this on your 99 sl? Let me ask this if I could-
Since I can't get under it to even see ( had the same problem with my 54 Hudson Hornet) my plan is to jack the front end up, 2 jack stands, then with an extender on my socket set, go up thru the bottom plastic shroud openings and have at it.
When the 6 or so bolts are off and the 4 or so bottom clips/screws are out, remove the bumper cover straight out, AFTER unhooking the temp sensor.
Have to mess with the fogs? anything else ?
I'm a classic break it to fix it guy, so I move these days with great caution & fright ! lol.
thanks-
Sandy



The wheels do NOT have to come off-

Bob[/quote]

[SunGuy]

Sandy,
I drove mine up small ramps, trans in Park, parking brake on. I think you've got all the steps correct, and you'll see once under the front clip/bumper cover how ingeniously simple it is to remove. Just follow the drawing and steps and you've got it.

Bob

[S Jones]

Just sounds to easy, like working on my 30s cars-
Will go forward- thanks for your time and all- Great site here too.
sj



I drove mine up small ramps, trans in Park, parking brake on. I think you've got all the steps correct, and you'll see once under the front clip/bumper cover how ingeniously simple it is to remove. Just follow the drawing and steps and you've got it.

Bob[/quote]

[whunter]

This looks like a good DIY.
I am alerting webmaster@peachparts.com for adding this to MercedesShopWiki : DoItYourSelf
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf



Have a great day.

[SunGuy]

Sandy, whunter,

You can thank the MB 129 DVD and alldataDIY, same pix/steps. All I added was the ramps!

Bob