gth824p

Hello all!!

I am a newbie here and have a question about front bumper conversion from luxury to sport.

I just sold my A6 and got a used 2008 C300 luxury from RBM of Atlanta in Oct. 23rd.

Can I just buy the bumper cover to switch or do I need to get all other related components (fog lams, bolts, nuts, etc) along with the cover?
How much do you think it would cost me?
If you live in Atlanta area, do you know any shops who can trade-in my luxury bumper and install sport bumper with some charge?

Well, in fact, here is my story.
I did not know much difference between luxury and sport at the time I bought mine, but I knew that C class has two different looks.
I did not like luxury look so I wanted to get sport edition.

I saw one black sport look C300 on RBM of Atlanta web. and autotrader.com, so I visited there. However, the ad. pics were all wrong. The car was not sport but luxury. I guess they messed up between two cars by mistake.
Anyway, I test-drove the car since I was already there and talked with the dealer about the drive out price. I did that although I did not want to buy that one because she was very nice and I did not find any good excuse to leave quick. finally, I gave her my excuse saying that the car was out of my budget. Then, she told me she has another white luxury C300 for $1000 cheaper. I just told her to see the car (I did not tend to buy anyway since it was luxury), and she went to the car, came back and said "oh, it is actually sport". Yes, the white C300 had sport grill and hood, and I liked the car. After dealing with the final drive out price, I bought the car.

Then, after I came back home, I realized that the car has sport grill and hood and luxury front bumper, side skirt, and rear bumper. What??? It is a kinda mixed version.... I emailed the dealer and asked her to identify the vehicle and why the car has sport grill and hood. (The car has clean car fax history and has been local traded in, and she told me it is accident free car).
She came back to me saying that the car is luxury and original owner replaced hood and grill with upcharge of $400 when the owner purchased.

That luxury front bumper is very annoying now so I asked her if she can replace my bumper to sport bumper. Now she replied with following quote.

parts: $1,827.94

labor: $ 248.40

paint: $ 250.00

total: $ 2,326.34


Wow,,, I think I can even buy nice body kit with that $$$$..

stm

1. Get the parts here for $595.
2. Have it paint to match your color code in a body shop. (Approx $300-400 for some quality work)
3. Follow the instruction here to replace front bumper.

To install it yourself, you are looking at about $1000. And I wouldn't expect that much more even if you have someone mount it for you.

Edit: You should able to re-use all the screw/bolts for your new bumper.

gth824p

Thanks, stm.

It is good to know that all the bolts and screws can be reused.

I guess the link you provided sells only the bumper part, right?
Do I need to buy the lower grill mesh separately then?
I do not think the bumper cover comes with the mesh.
Thanks

Ron Jr

You will also need the fog lights. They are different size and shape.

stm

Yes, it is the front bumper only. Sorry, I didn't not mention it earlier. Also, do not forget the fog light assembly mentioned above.

Fog Lamps can be found here. They are $60 a piece.
Not sure if this is the right mesh of not. Double check it with your dealer or call MileOneParts.

jctevere

Personally, I would just buy a new front grille from luxury to sport grille (can be found cheap on eBay, and then just get the flat hood badge). 99% of the people who see your car on the road won't even realize that your car used to be a luxury (except for us here on the mbworld forums). The Fogs are indeed different, but like I said, I would just change the grille and hood emblem and be done. You can change everything out yourself within 15-20 minutes, and be on your way with a completely new look, all for much, MUCH cheaper...

gth824p

Thanks all!!

@jctevere
Mine already has sport grill and hood emblem... Like you said, I did not even realize the luxury look bumper before I got this one.. Now I know of it, and it is bothering me...

FrankW

luxury sedan for US market difference is not just looks. suspension is also different.

if it's me, this is a perfect chance to set yourself apart from the rest. Carlsson add-ons, Brabus or Lorinser. pick your poison.

zankok

what frank said

I think carlsson is a good alternative



I have a w204 with luxury package but sports grill came from factory, its just how our mercedes are in here, im opting for full c63 conversion though

Samieee

I want those quad fogs