I have a '97 e320. The black trim piece that wraps around the back of the car, below the rear bumper is broken. The car is dark green, but this piece is black. I have seen other 96 and 97s of different colors, in which this part is black as well...so I assume it is normally unpainted. I don't think it is part of the rear bumper (although it attaches to it) since most replacement bumpers I've seen for sale do not have this trim piece attached.

Sorry I don't have a picture.

Anyone know of a place to buy it? My local recycler doesn't have it.

Thanks.

 

The black piece is a seperatly attached piece to the front and rear bumpers until the 2000 model year. Since it doesn't need painting I would suggest you get one at the stealer with a set of new clips. OEM wil fit 100% and give that bumper a nice clean look again...

 

I have two rear bumpers in the garage.
One is the regular bumper with the black strip, and the other one is the sport/AMG bumper which doesn't need the strip. However, the AMG one need some repair. If you are in SoCA, and interested, please let me know. I would like to let them go.