rumsbeard

I just backed out of my parking space and damaged the left corner of my bumper. I have considerable scuff marks and paint missing on the corner of the bumper trim piece that contains the chrome accent. To give some context to what I am describing - it looks like there are three separate bumper trim pieces on the rear bumper.

Does anyone know how much a replacement part would cost? Is this repair a DIY?

Glyn M Ruck

Can't comment on cost. The rubbing strip can be replaced DIY. You would need to have it painted though.

Glyn M Ruck

Here
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/191128-bumper-removal.html

bumpnzx3

if yours is the same as my '06 sedan- there's not really three pieces to the bumper/trim. there's the chrome strip and then the rest of the painted bumber. it's not like the front- which has the bumper, impact strips, and the chrome trim. the chrome just pops off with a plastic pry-bar or rag covered screw driver.

rumsbeard

Bump, are you sure about that? I did some searching online, and you can buy unpainted aftermarket molding strips, which leads me to believe that these strips are independently detachable from the car.

On another note, does anyone know how much it would cost for a body shop to do this relatively minor repair by refinishing and painting?

bumpnzx3

i'll check again tonight when i get home. i'm pretty sure they won't come off the same as the fronts and sides. i was thinking of wrapping the entire moulding in matte black vinyl. since it appeared as though the chrome was the only thing that would come off in the back- i wrapped the entire chrome trim all the way around the car instead.

BF_JC230

The rear bumper has "Impact Strips" as well - they are designed for such a time - they are easy to remove and cheaper to repair.

One...
Protect paintwork with tape, adhesive strips...
Two...
Look INSIDE the wheel well - Remove screw
Three...
Using a soft tool / non marring tool (Or a THIN mechanics metal ruler) - begin to split the impact strip from the bumper along their mating seam, looking for the "snaps" and releasing them...
Three...
Pay attention to the hooks at the end
Four...
Remove damaged side impact strip
Five...
ALWAYS REFERENCE THE GOOD PART YOU ARE ABOUT TO INSTALL!

Good Luck,
Easy job,
Jake

(I am also including a picture of the front strip...)

bumpnzx3

i stand corrected. makes sense why i was unable to get my plastic pry tools under there though- i was unaware of the screws/bolts holding it on

Glyn M Ruck

Bump, that's why the Parktronic strip can be substituted

Original poster. These dent magic type companies can do a patch repair for you that you would never notice.

rumsbeard

Thanks for all your comments everyone.

I think it might be most economical to just buy the OEM part pre-painted. My local dealer has an online parts inventory. For the rear bumper, it lists an Avantgarde outer molding, and a Classic Elegance outer molding. There's a $30 price difference.

Avantgarde, Elegance, and Classic are categories used in Europe, right? From what I remember, the Avantgarde and Elegance have chrome, and the Classic does not. Is that correct?

Does the "Classic Elegance" molding have chrome and fit on a 2005 C230K Sport Sedan?

Glyn M Ruck

They all fit - Classic = no chrome - Elegance or Avantgarde = with chrome.

There is no such thing as a Classic Elegance?? - You are lucky you can get them pre painted - we can't & we have the factory here!!

W202_NY

tks