This wasn't supposed to happen!
I expected the rescued-from-the-junk-yard E320 wagon to provide me with a little DIY tinkering, a mechanical learning experience and a not-too tearful parting after a year or so.

Instead, the beast goes on and on. May even be getting better. Seems to like the new tires. Checked the oil today and it looks like it just came out of the jug.

The only body stuff I've done is replace the front bumper cover and the ABS "impact strips" (when did plumbing material acquire energy-absorbing properties?) with the older soft, black strips from the prior model.

The aftermarket bumper cover did not survive a meeting with a tree stump on Shrine Pass. At $350 for a good paint job on any replacement, I'm hard pressed to spend the money asked for an original Mercedes bumper cover.

SO (FINALLY) HERE'S THE QUESTION
Has anyone had any luck, with specific brands of aftermarket bumper covers (and willing to admit as much in the forum)? At there any primered OEM replacements out there?

Grateful, in advance, for any and all advice, short of going to the dealer.

Here's a source for after market pricing. I've never bought from them so I'm not knowledgeable about the customer service...

EDIT: Not sure why the link won't work but it is for "Parts.com". Drill down to your particular vehicle then keep drilling down to the bumper cover. Simple!

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Dale

I've use 3 of whatever LKQ sells for around $90, I think its Action Crash Brand, on W124s with no bad experiences.

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68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500

Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i

There should be a dense foam pad behind the bumper skin to absorb the impact. The metal reinforcement bar is what attaches to the body.

If I recall correctly these are 2.5mph rated bumpers. Not sure if aftermarket bumpers are the same.

There are ways of fixing the plastic of these bumper covers. Find the best one you can find at the junk yard and fix them up. Your E320 should have the color-coded impact strip (not the unpainted type of earlier models). Chrome strip lies between the bumper and fender too.

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