W114 to W115 bumper swap

[blakeF]

Hi gang,

I have done a search and have found related topics but not a solid answer.

I have a 1975 W115 240D with the "mega bumpers". There is a local U-Pull-It junk yard that has an older W114 with the smaller and nicer looking front bumper I could have for cheap. It does look much more appealing. It would "bastardize" the car in some small way I know, but, hey it's my car.

Is this a direct swap? Anything I should be aware of such as the black rubber "skirt" that fits betwen the bumper and body? The 240D so far has been an interesting project car.

Thanks in advance,

Blake

'86 300E
'75 240D

[300SDog]

Here are parts of the older style small front bumper - notice the "Y" shaped bracket mount.

[300SDog]

Here are parts of the newer style shock-absorber bumper with millions of parts the older version doesnt have.

General rule on retro-upgrades is that older parts will fit newer cars, but the opposite is not necessarily true.

[nachi11744]

Hello,
AFAIK, all the mounting parts are required and even then there may be problems aligning the *solid* bracket mountings as the later style were on cylinderical rams.
You can see in the parts list that the openings in the lower apron are completely different.
My advice is just leave it alone.

[joshhol]

I don't know why everyone is so against those battering rams. They look good to me. I also like the Euro style as well. Guess I'm just open minded.