adf111

New to this S550 flagship (which is really a ship in length), I was stupid enough to be on the phone, while driving in a tiny little alley, and when attempting to turn right, watched the sides of the car, the backup camera (a few reverse attempts), and foolishly IGNORED the front sensors, which were screaming!!!

I drove over a 12 inch post, that was anchored to the ground. Hearing the noise, it felt like someone is taring a part of my body...

See the results in the photos. The bottom left side of the bumper, including the fog light and some internal part (plastic or aluminum, can't really tell), are damaged

Do you think it can be fixed, or do I need a new bumper (insurance, carfax, etc.)?

AD

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fbracer

It looks like it could be fixed. If not, depending on your insurance deductible it might be more beneficial t just replace the bumper without going through insurance as it might jack up your premium, and report to carfax.

If you're in to upgrading, you could go with sports looking ones. If not, you can used OEM ones pretty cheap on ebay.


One example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2004-20...lWeJhu&vxp=mtr

adf111

Thanks fbracer.
My deductible is $500, but I'm willing to pay a $1K out of pocket to prevent it from going to insurance/carfax.

I found a wreck yard in our area, with 2 undamaged standard (no sport/EMG/Facelift) front bumpers, with the fog lamps in it, @ $300, which means I'll have to pay labor & paint...

I'm still contemplating...

BTW, my car is W221; your link is to W220...

tx170754

I don't think the bumper could be saved, it is either the insurance ( deductible high ?) or try to find another one from a salvage yard, then paint it and install it at a certain body shop. My wife damaged the rear bumper on our, now departed, Phaeton and the insurance paid for a new one w/o increasing my rates, but I guess it depends on the insurance and eventually your record. I remember that only the new unpainted rear bumper was something like $2500, add the paint and the installation and you ( or the insurance ) will end up with a bill of $4000 or more....

sloanbj

Bumper fix on a ten year old vehicle? Unless your car is an ultralow mileage museum piece, just consider it a badge of honor and keep on driving.

T.H.Carrera

nice opportunity to trade it in for a w222.

KNBS550

Sorry for your 'loss'. I think it can be fixed. I had the bumper on my car repainted for road chips and it cost about $600. This damage looks like it'll kick in your deductible. Your insurance premium would go up but I don't think it will go up as much as you think. I had an accident with my other car and after $7k of repairs I pay an extra couple hundred a year for premiums. Just doing the basic math says I'll probably be dead before they recover the repair cost in the additional premium. Not worth the hassle of going out of pocket to avoid the record on insurance.

alx

It all depends how it will pull out. If it pops into original shape- it can be filled, filed, polished and blended. Problem is the opening for the fog light- it might never look "right" again.

Check junk yard search web sites. Car is generic so you might find direct replacement for $500 or thereabouts.

adf111

So Here's the outcome. Dealers wanted $2,000-3,000, from which $980 the bumper, $220 fog light AND $38(!!!!!!) for a bulb...

I my search, I stumbled upon a guy, who does facelifts for our cars (from 07-09 to 10-13, to AMG, etc.). Interestingly, he offered me:
Acomplete facelift for $2,800, outta door.
Just the front for $1,280

While I was contemplating in my mind, he came with a 3rd suggestion; since he's swamped with the original undamaged bumpers of people who did the facelift, he'll sell me a bumper WITH fog lamps for $275 + $430 paint & polish....

Although the facelift is kinda tempting, I don't really have any problem with the pre-facelift looks, except maybe the tail lights...

Going with the original, slightly more than my deductible, but no premiums hike and most importantly, no carfax "stains"...

HOWEVER, to prevent anything like that from happening again, does anyone know anything about front camera (I have the night vision, so I mean much lower, like in the back)?

fbracer

One of the posters has a solution for front cameras.
Please contact him through the information he has posted here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post6829574

Edit: Also check that thread out.

1bad540

pretty sure any decent body shop can heat that and pull it back out. Doesnt look cracked. heat and a paint blend should be fine.

tx170754

$600 for a freshly painted one with fog lamps looks like no brainer, even if somebody needs to remove yours and install that one.

james1911

Who is the guy that performs facelifts? Im very interested... Can you please provide his info?

The Thomas J

Rubber mallet solution. Bang that **** out.

adf111

For some reason, that guy in the thread doesn't get back with me...

adf111

James, I PM'ed you...

james1911

Thank you!