ThatsMyDawg

Hello all. My factory front bumper is pretty messed up down where the grill insert would go. All kinds of cracks and scrapes, etc from prior owner.All of those vertical tabs are broken as well. (They probably hit a curb stop).

Anyway, I was planning on replacing the front bumper anyway but found a new OEM bumper that has a 2 or 3" crack on the corner. Other than that it is a perfect new bumper. (Unpainted).

I don't know body work cost at all and was trying to get a ball park on having the fiberglass crack repaired. The bumper is $200 as is but if the cost to fix is to much then I can just get a undamaged new one. $200 is pretty good for what I have seen online for new bumpers but others may know more.

Thanks for any help.

Redw20855amg

I own a shop from the description anywhere from 75-150 plus paint

ThatsMyDawg

Decided to pull the trigger and buy it. Was able to talk him down a little more because of the crack, so pretty happy. After the part you mailed me arrives I'll get the work done.

Thanks for the reply.

Redw20855amg

Should have it Tuesday

ThatsMyDawg

Ok, good.

Picked up the bumper and the crack is not as bad as I thought but still every bit of 3 inches. At least it's in the garage now.

allenjdmb

no disrespect intended, but anyone who thinks they can work on one of these bumpers for 75-150 has not spent any time on one. They are the biggest pain to fill, prep, and paint of just about anything I have tried. They are very, very difficult to work with and get right. If you can find one that's together, that's your best bet, and it still won't look perfect. If you love your car and are going to keep it forever, then you'll want to buy a new one. Very expensive.
Sorry, just my experience.

ThatsMyDawg

Will post pics of the finished results. I am an optimistic kinda guy, all will be we'll no matter what the final cost.

Serndipity

Doe to a minor accident to the left front corner (cosmetic) car is in the shop now having the front bumper replaced.

Following are the back of the envelope numbers the insurance company adjuster and shop agreed on, for the repair.

Parts and materials

$ 505 Bumper cover (new oem reconditioned not available).
$ 288 Valance panel (new oem reconditioned not available).
$ 192 Filler, Front Bumper
$ 67 Misc brackets, clips
$ 294 Paint materials including flex additive, adhesion promoter

Labor

$ 968 Disassemble, assembly, alignment, preparation, refinish etc.

Note: Labor rate used above is $38/hr except painting at $18/hr

allenjdmb

that's more reality, and keep in mind the 320 cover is cheaper than the 430.

Serndipity

FWIW, the 320 Cabrio trim (e.g. bumper, rocker panels etc.) is not the same as the 320 Coupe (e.g. more sporty).

mint

Are you comparing non-AMG vs AMG kit? Because I'm pretty sure that the exterior parts on a non-AMG & AMG kits will fit on both coupes and cabs.

Now if you're talking about non-AMG vs AMG, that's different and not based on coupe/cab as both can be fitted with either option.

Serndipity

No, I was only referring to how they were equipped from the factory (e.g. OEM).

ThatsMyDawg

I'm still waiting on one part then I will get the work done on the bumper. It will be in a different ball park than what an insurance claim would detail.

I'm replacing the cover only.

Will post a pic after the work has been done.

Thanks.

RickTheRuler727

Jeez $2400 for a new bumper cover...lol!! I need to be in the auto body biz...
For what it's worth, I had the screw holes for the front plate filled on mine, and re-sprayed for $250.. Looks perfect....