Changing my bumpers to the older, smaller style.
 

I have a 76 280C, my car has the large, rubber at the sides bumper that stick out. This was due, I believe to the passing of the 5 mph crash laws.
I'd like to change those bumpers to the older C cars, i.e the 250Cs and the older C cars with the tight wrap around bumpers.
Is this a simple swap, is it a simple matter of bolt off-bolt on?

I've been told there are differences, however I have never had a set of the small bumpers in-hand. I'm sure if you are good at making brackets anything would be possible.

Heck I'd like it if I could just snug my big bumpers in tighter.

Whatever it takes, it'd be worth it.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...s/DSC01181.jpg

Please let me know if anyone finds this to be feasible--I've got '73 bumpers I'd like to install on a '75.

Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
Four M110's

This is an easy swap. You need the Euro brackets as well. If you can't find the brackets in the USA, you can always get them thru MB in Germany or a wrecking yard anywhere in Europe, such as the UK.

I know the small US bumpers are different than the true euro bumpers, or I think I know that anyway. I think the euro's don't have the under-riders like the one I posted, and the vertical pair of guards toward the center. Don't know how the mounts differ but I'm sure they do, mine are just loops of steel that presumably spring a little when you bump something. In front anyway.

I heard the body was a bit different on the 75/76 cars to accommodate the 5mph bumpers. I could be wrong though.

-J

The early bumpers used a horizontal bolt that comes in from the outside of the bracket perpendicular to the front/rear axis of the car.

Since the bigger bumpers (74-76) use a impact cushion as a bracket, I suspect they mount using a flat bracket with the mount 90 degrees from the early mount.

I further suspect the euro brackets (if different from early) will not resemble the crash mounting plate.

It's been years since I have dropped a w114/W115 crash bumper, but I've got several pairs of small, early bumpers.

Jim

Addendum 1: The 73 bumpers are the same as the early bumpers EXCEPT the front brackets are about an inch longer, to step the bumper away from the body.

Addendum 2: The early bumpers, if mounted with late (ribbed) tail lights, will prevent the lense from being removed.

Changing Bumpers
 

HI, funny this should come up as right now I have a 1974 280c in my shop right now and a bumper from a 1968 250/8 sitting right next to it. The mounts are very different just like Jim has discribed.Don't know much about the Euro models but the switch is not impossible if you are crafty.I find it is much eazier to move the existing bumpers in buy modifing the shocks. Depressureizing them ,tearing them apart and cutting them down. I can move a bumper on a 116 in about 2.5 inches. You must be very carefull because of the high pressure, I have built a fixture so I can do this safely. Will pictures if anyone is interested. BW

Yes, please. I'd like to see pictures of the set up. Thanks

I just threw out this bumper and mounting plates. It's probably still in the "trash pile"
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...DSCF3303-1.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...DSCF3304-1.jpg
http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/r...DSCF3305-1.jpg

I don't recall what model it came off of; it's obviously not perfect. Should I grab the mounting brackets???

Yeah, why not. Is that front or rear? How much?

I'm pretty sure it was a rear bumper; free. Come get it.

At this time, due to my schedule, it is not possible for me to drive down. I live in OH. I do thank you very much, I know that shipping those would be a PITA. Once again, thank you, very, very much.

smaller bumpers
 

Hi, sorry that it has been awhile but I'm very busy this time of year and I have had problem with my photo program,windows 7 and the e-mail picture program.I just don't have the experience to do this smoothly yet. Well any way I have been down to the shop and took pictures and did some research. I looks like Mercedes just welded a bracket over the existing holes on the frame and if you remove this bracket a older bumper can just bolt on. Not 100% sure will look at it more tomorrow my day off. Also I took pictures of my 300SD with the shock mounts modified and of some shocks apart ready to be modified. There is also a picture of my cure for a solex carb on a engine stand. Will have post again cause of th 5 picture limit. Bob