MB500

I managed to fix the melted bumper on my E350 Bluetec without replacing the bumper cover (and without taking the bumper off the car). I found an excellent PDR guy down in San Diego who also specialized in bumper re-shaping. We spent nearly four hours in his shop and were able to pull the melted lower black paneling off the car, replace one of the melted brackets that held one of the chrome exhaust pieces in place, reshape the melted portion of the bumper cover and replace the black lower paneling with a new one. Total cost for parts ran about $280 (wholesale pricing) and I paid $100 to the guy to perform re-shaping. Not too bad considering that the dealer wanted to replace the entire bumper cover while charging $2500. There is absolutely no visible signs of damage and one would have to pull the bumper off the car to actually see that it was reshaped.

Unfortunately, when the bumper was meted by the exhaust also meted the cable that tuns from left to right blind-spot sensors inside the bumper cover. I managed to pull the damaged cable out and replaced it with a brand new one (cost about $60). After everything was reconnected and put back in place I still got the message alerting me that Pre-Safe features (Blind Spot Assist) were non-operational. Would any of you guys know if the dealer has to do any type of programming to re-set Pre-Safety system? It was way too late tonight to call the dealer as we finished putting the car together after 6pm.

I will post pictures of my new ride soon -- you'll be amazed to see what the guy managed to do. Let me know if anyone is looking for a talented and honest PDR guy in Southern CA. I think the guy who worked on my car is the best around.

newyorktoLA

I'm actually looking for a PDR guy in SoCal to fix a huge dent from a shopping cart I got at Trader Joe's... Please PM me with the contact info if you can

Note: I don't think pre-safe has anything to do with blind spot monitor. There are additional sensors in the rear bumper for pre-safe rather than just the blind spot monitor cable...

MB500

PM sent.

Blind spot monitor is a part of Pre-Safe system. There are two sensors inside the rear bumper cover (on each side -- they look like packs of cigarettes). I get the message on the MFD that Blind Spot system is non-fuctioning. I will try taking the car to dealer tomorrow and see if they can hook it up to the computer. I just read the the system might have to be synchronized to work properly and it's done through STAR system in the dealer.

BM2BZ

$380 instead of $2,500, you did great, mb500 !

MB500

and I am happy to report that my Pre-Safety system also got fixed. The dealer took half of my car apart and kept it for two days only to find out that there was a blown fuse in the trunk. They were so embarrassed that they didn't even charge me for loaner car.