How easy is it to remove and replace the rear bumper on a 96 E320?

I got smacked in the rear a couple weeks ago, and luckily the only damage was to the chrome strip on top of the rear bumper.
The quote from the MB dealer was $200 to basically just replace the strip by removing the bumper panel assembly.The chrome piece itself is only $45. I don't mind spending 2 or 3 hours to save $150.

Is it just a matter of removing a few fasteners from underneath the bumper panels?

 

You need to remove the clip on the interior of the trunk to access the screws, you'll see what I'm talking about once you get in there. There are also 2 screws holding the front part of the bumper that need to be removed as well. Once the bumper is off, you will see the fasteners that hold the impact strip. Shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. Sorry I couldn't be more exact but I figured it out myself and can't remember everything I did. It's pretty easy though...

 

Thanks for the info.
Where is the clip inside the trunk? Is it in the main compartment, in the spare area, or somewhere else?

 

The clips are on the black plastic part in back on the hinge that the trunk latches on to when you close it. There should be 3 if I remember correctly. There might have been one of those in the top of the spare tire area but I can't remember. You will see them once you stick your head in there...

 

Shame, E-Klasse's last posts had all the diagrams and instructions for this............hey rp, why do ask E-Klasse, he may still have copies of some of the info - very comprehensive

 

That's right, I completely forgot about his posts with the instructions and diagrams...

 

Former pic.

 

Description:

 

A picture tells a thousand words! He who seldom speaks, but when the almighty speaks, it is always with great precision..........Here's a man who doesn't waste time on BS......thanks E-Klasse!

BTW, E-Klasse, remember to update your Sig with your latest mods - it all got wiped out in the recent disaster..........

 

Thanks for the advice, guys.
I replaced the chrome impact strip that sits on top of the bumper myself over the weekend, and it was very simple.
M-B dealer quoted 3.6 hours and $200 incl. parts, and it took me 45 minutes and $50 in parts. Makes me wonder where M-B gets its time estimates.

Here's a step by step.

1. Remove the three nuts that secure the bumper-mounted bolts to the body. One of the nuts you can see right next to the trunk lock mechanism, and one right below each taillight assembly. You do not have to remove any trim pieces inside the trunk.

2. Slide the bumper rearward, away from the car until it is free. You will notice that there is an attachment/alignment point behind each rear wheel.

3. Gently remove the center and one of the corner foam impact cushions (doesn't matter which one).

4. With a needlenose pliers, remove the retaining clips that secure the chrome impact strip to the bumper. You will also need to remove a few of the clips from the side chrome strip on the same side you removed the corner foam in order to free up the center chrome piece enough to remove it. You will also have to remove a nut that is securing the corner piece you loosened.

5. Carefully remove the center chrome piece.

6. Re-installation is opposite of removal. Pay attention to the side bumper attachment points that I pointed out in step 2. The bumper must slide into the grooves of both the top and bottom pieces properly.

 

I could have sold you my chrome strips from my 96 rear bumper. I still have the whole bumper and chrome from when I upgradded to the 2002 E55 rear bumper.