x-tian-230k

I just got the bi-xenon head light assemblies from steve and looking to install them myself. Does anyone have any instructions on removing the bumper? If any one can help with this subject that would be great. I did a search on this subject and came up with nothing.

Thanks
X=tian

Buellwinkle

Come on over and I'll remove it for ya, it takes about 20 minutes. I would come over there but I hear it's cold...

1. Start with a few cold beers as it's a tedious job.
2. remove the 3 hex screws and about 6 push pins that hold the front part of the inner fenders and remove the inner fender from both sides of the car.
3. drink another beer
4. open the hood and remove the four torx (#20) screws that hold the grill to the car (2 in the center and 2 by the edges)
5. drink another beer
6. disconnect the fog lights, side marker lights and temp sensor probe.
7. yes, one more beer
8. remove the 2 hex screws by the fog lights
9. Ok, you had enough beers for now so take a nap
10. remove the push pins on the inner fender closest to the front inner fender you just removed and push it back to look inside and you'll see a 6" long clip that holds the bumper and fender together. Remove the torx screw that holds that in and pry out the clip.
12. now pull the bumper cover out as straight and evenly as possible. Caution, there's a clip at the front of the fender that will pop out when you do this, make sure you don't scratch the fender/bumper with that metal clip.
13. You are done, make sure you rest the bumper on a blanket, you don't want to scratch it up.

One word of caution, drop a screw or tool down the engine compartment and you just doubled the amount of time to do the job as you'll have to jack the car up and remove the belly pan.

x-tian-230k

Thanks so much for the help. Can you tell me what tools i need for this job. Do i need any special MB tools? This would help alot.

thanks in advance.

Buellwinkle

I assume you have basic tools like a torx #20 screwdriver, metric socket set to remove the hex screws (8-10mm should cover you), pliers and flathead screwdriver to pull the pushpins out, foam beer cover to keep the cans cold, flashlight if you are not working in daylight and a large hammer if you get frustrated an want to remove the cover at all cost.

If you drop a screw down the engine compartment you'll need additional beer, a pair of jack stands and a jack (you can use the factory jack if you feel lucky).

Go for it! Takes some pics during the process so one day I can document it on my website for future adventurists.

x-tian-230k

The car needs to be jacked up? I dun have jack stands..but i have an hydrolic jack...hummmmmm......what to do......any ideas?

taylor192

Buellwinkle is being hilarious, I love his replies.

No, you can pull the entire front bumper off without removing the "belly pan" aka "big hunk o' black plastic covering the bottom of the engine compartment".

Buellwinkle

Easy, don't drop anything down the engine compartment. I've been lucky a few times using a telescoping magnet to fetch items. Or just leave the tool/screw down there are ask for it back when you go to the dealer. If you are really, really skinny and can crawl a few feet under your car, then you can remove the belly pan without a jack. Remember, the key is don't drop anything in there. Which means don't rest your tools on top of the engine, use some method of keeping the screw in the socket so it doesn't fall out, and overall, be patient.

electromethod

hey buell... does it help to be drinking german beer?

oggle

I swear, Buellwinkle must moonlight as a comedian during the weekends. Between this and his injured lawn chair incident I'm cracking up like crazy!

Sponger

LMAO, those are awesome instructions. Sounds like me when I'm working on cars Cheers!

x-tian-230k

Buell, Thanks for the laughs and the instructions. Me and my buddies worked on my car yesterday..I got the Bi-xenons in. They look georgous. I didn't get pictures tho because my digi cam was dead out of batteries. I apologize, but me and my buds were saying, thank god for Buells instructions or we would be dead in the water! If I am ever out in cali, i'll look you up and get you a case of Heinny! You instructions were great! Thanks for you help! I will post the pictures of the new Bi-xenons soon!

x-tian-230k

Ohhh yeah, only too 45 minutes to take off the bumper, 20 minutes to replace the assemblies and an hour to put back the bumper! No bad for a rookie! THose darn push pins...my thumb still hurts from those!

Kar don

did u get anyone to change your computer setting to XENON = PRESENT?

Buellwinkle

Not too bad, you are now the east coast bumper removal expert. The toughest part for me is putting the metal bar that holds the bumper to the fender.

x-tian-230k

Buell,

that wasn't too bad...i got those on, the first try....just too a little bit of pressure....

AlBoston

I took your advice and went to chamber motors in somerville. I first just told them that my lights weren't working... 45 minutes later the guy comes out with my list of options and tells me that i didn't have the bi-xenons when i bought the car so i told him that i upgraded them. So he just told me that next time just tell him ahead of time so he won't have to take so much time. I got charged an hour for service. 110 dollars. Well worth it.

Benzer

To set the Xenon on?

Darn !!!! I know Boston is pricey but this is....

Well, never mind.

x-tian-230k

yeah it was pretty expensive. I think it would of been cheaper if i told him ahead of time..but when i brought in the car i played stoopid and just told them that they didn't work. if i were to tell them that theywere an upgrade, they wouldn't of charged me an hour of work, which was 110 per hour.