So, five days in with my new to me 2016 CPO E350 wagon and my neighbor scratched the rear pass side of the bumper
Quite minor, but I want it repaired right, not 'touched up' as he offered to do.
My better half estimated $1500. I thought she was crazy and I said it's a $500 repair. Took it to an independent shop and got a quote for $800. Was feeling pretty good that my number was closer than the wife's. She insisted I take it to an MB dealer for a second opinion, arguing the independent might not know all the ins and outs. It does have blind side assistance, sensors for trunk lid open/close, and lane assist. So, lots of lasers and sensors. Dealer quote is as close to $3,000 as you can get without going over (and leaving the door open for additional hidden damage)! Apparently, to meet CPO requirements the original dealer painted the bumper and you can only have two coats max or the paint thickness will adversely affect the sensors. Needless to say, neighbor thinks I'm crazy. Not sure who is madder, me or my neighbor.

I throw this out as an FYI should anyone run into a similar situation. I'm also curious to hear if anyone has any experience along these lines. Finally, it's a cautionary tale to not gloat to the wife before having all the information. I'm pretty sure one of these days I'll be right, but so far my batting average against her is well below the Mendosa Line.

 

I had to replace (at my option) my rear bumper and left tail light due to a "minor" rear end accident. The dealer did it for $2,600 and did an awesome job. Too many electrical issues to contend when you are dealing with these late model cars and it is best to let them do it. My car is 2019 CLS 450. The OEM bumper alone was about $1,500 plus labor and materials. My other MB dealer wanted $3,200. The other option was to have it repaired but since the car was almost a few months old and the dealership would not guarantee that the repair of the bumper would be 100% to my satisfaction. Good luck with your repair.

 

Thanks for confirming I'm not living in some twilight zone

 

For the life of Brian, I can't see the scratch you write about. Certainly not enough to worry about.

Last time at my dealer, they backed my car into something and spider-webbed the rear bumper. If course they refinished the bumper, perfectly.

Three weeks later, one of my open end wrenches -- poorly perched by me atop a tall cabinet -- fell off and nicked that very same bumper, leaving a 1/8" chip in the finish. Oh well, I said... I knew it was too good to last. Three deep breaths and I'm moving along. If that's all the car gets in the future, I will feel blessed.

 

I agree with Dude. I don’t see the scratch. Throw some Dr colorchip on there and move on.

 

I don't see the scratch

 

And... If it's just a smudge or light scrape or abrasion, Google search for any scratch remover. I've been using GS27 for many years, and it works miracles... Wipey on, wipey off, in seconds, and no need for a dealer loaner car... or $2,000+

 

Interesting thoughts - thanks for the feedback.

 

Can you get a close up picture of the scratch? Is it all the way through the paint? Tough to see anything other than a lot of red from your photo. You may be able to compound and then polish the scratch to the point of not being able to notice it. You could also take it to a high end auto salon and have them cut and polish if you don't have the tools available to do it. Or as someone else mentioned order a Dr. Colorchip kit for $65.

 

Go on line and buy the dr color chip kit. Fill in with the paint they give you then rub it out with the liquid they provide. This should get rid of at least 90% of the scratch or even 100%. I have done this many times and it really works.

 

I'm not completely opposed to that option. My concern is messing up the sensors as it appears the damage is directly over them. That's the reason the dealer is saying it needs to be replaced, not just painted as it was previously painted to meet CPO standards. I'm probably a bit too sensitive since I've had the car less than a week and this is it's first injury. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I have d-loaded your picture to examine close up, and I do not see any sensors visible. If you have sensors in the bumper cover, they would be obvious round buttons. See the three "Buttons" in my RR bumper cover. They are beyond obvious, ugly even.. If you do not have these, then your dealer is really lying to you about sensors you don't have.. NONE of the options you quoted in your original post require sensor buttons in the bumper cover.



In any case, your dealer is not being truthful with you about replacing the bumper. At worst, the sensors can be removed temporarilly (from behind) to buff out the imperfection in the bumper cover without need for a new bumper cover at all.

If the sensor is severely scratched, the sensor will not work. (Put the car in reverse -- braked of course -- and have someone walk (closely) behind and block the bruised sensor with a hand or leg. If you get the lights/beeps, then the sensor is working.)

If it's working properly, then a light buff of GS27 will remove the smudging without disassembly... certainly no need for the dealer. If you are really worried, you can apply a round masking tape button over the sensor, then buff out the scratch in the bumper cover around the sensor with GS27. Remove masking tape and you're done.

GS27 is not an aggressive agent, like a rubbing compound. It's the consistency of a liquid wax. It will not harm the base paint finish, or even the clear coat. It just "fills-in" the scratches. That is why I would recommend this approach, first. You can apply and then rub a little, let dry to a haze then wipe off. Repeat if needed. It's worth a try before going to more aggressive paint repairs.

The newer tubes of GS27 may be green color. Check any Walmart, or order online. It will not remove dents, but I have used it several times to remove imbedded paint transfers (in dents) from other vehicles.

All of this advice is pretty worthless, though, without a better close-up picture. Can't see any damage (or sensors) at all in your OP.

 

Dude, I think he is talking about the blind spot proximity sensors BEHIND the bumper.

Personally, I would not do another complete repaint, or bumper replacement as there is too much that can go wrong. Touch up in that area is in no way going to affect the sensors. Lots of surface dirt, snow, rain, etc collect on that bumper surface and never affect the operation of the sensor. I have never had any warning for that. Dealer is blowing major smoke to get the job.

 

DFWdude / KEY08 - thanks for your valuable insight. Here are some closer shots that, hopefully, show the location and degree of scratching. Trust me, I'm struggling to rationalize 3k regardless who pays for it (insurance or otherwise). I'm just trying to make the best decision for both the long and short term.

Any thoughts on GS27 vs Dr color?

Thanks!

 

I understand that the blind spot sensor is in the outside rear-view mirrors. I've studied the parts diagram for the bumper/sensors for other reasons, and there is no sensor/wiring behind, only for the ones that poke through as in my pic above. Lane keeping is camera in windshield, and remote trunk opening is a single sensor centered below the rear bumper cover (not associated with bumper at all).
Agree completely and whole-heartedly. This bumper blemish does not warrant what the Indy or Dealer suggest. If OP has ever used car wax, he can get out the blemish himself in less than 5 minutes.

 

Much better pics. Looks just like scratches/smudge in the clear coat.

GS27 (or similar) all the way! Maybe the neighbor offered because he already has some (You should have a tube yourself, anyway. You'll find all manner of uses for it, not just cars...)

Think about this incrementally and in small steps. Try the scratch Removers first, then Dr. Color if still not satisfied.

It'll be worth imagining the big grin on your face when you see how well it works.

 

Thanks everyone - gonna grab some GS27 today and give it a shot. Have a great one.

 

Any skilled high end detailer can polish that out. It requires using a heat gun, that's why I say skilled. I rather go that route any day. Your whole car will look great at a fraction of the price. You keep the quality factory paint, no one is all up in your car tearing it apart and maybe you pocket a little money

 

Sorry, but that is wrong. The blind spot sensor is in the rear bumper. It’s behind it and the size of a couple packs of cigarettes. All modern cars use the same technology. And to the OP, the BS sensor location is well ahead of this scrape, so no potential for any misfires on it.

 

My fellow designo cardinal red owner - I second everyone who said get this done without repaint, without involving a body shop or dealer. That damage is superficial.

Also - yes, those sensors are in the rear bumper and apparently not well protected from the elements.

 

Always willing to learn, I see what you say, now, thanks.

At least behind the bumper is out of range of scratch remover used on the bumper's outside.

 

Hope the OP doesn't mind me asking here since we're on the same subject...
I came out from work one day a couple weeks ago and found 2 scratches on my car - one in the driver's side rear door and one on the hood. Really really bummed as you can imagine. Thinking of using this 'Carfidant' stuff I found on Amazon, but remember using the GS27 in the past. Has anyone tried the Carfidant? I also found/purchased a nano technology scratch repair cloth. Anyone try one of those?





Hood scratch is ~1.5" long. Rear door scratch is 3~4" long.

 

I bought the GS27 at least 20 years ago. It's lasted all these years and I used it on my wife's car a couple months ago. Still works great, but after all this time it's almost gone. Time to buy more. The amount of material in this link appears to be a misprint, as the details show 6.4oz...
All those years ago, GS27 was among the first of the DIY scratch removers, IIRC. Now, there are a dozen or more different brands available. I have some "Formula 1 ScratchOut," too, but don't like it as much as the GS27.

I imagine all of them work about the same, so there's to harm trying Carfidant or any of the newer stuff. Might be even better than GS27. Let us know how it works

 

Dealer is quoting $3000 because they want to replace the bumper. There are specific manufacturer related procedures they have to follow in order to 100% guarantee the repair. The concern is that if too much body filler is applied within a certain distance of the blind spot monitoring system, you'll end up getting a false positive blind spot detection which could potentially cause an accident or it may just be completely inoperable as a whole. Your scratches do not look deep from the photos, your shop might be able to get away without using any body filler, just using only primer and paint to keep the thickness of the bumper+material as minimal as possible. $800 is a pretty solid quote to repair a bumper, as least it is here in California.

I'd just stick with everyone else here and suggest a Dr Color chip or a similar touch up paint bottle and call it a day.

 

Hi Mountain - as OP I'm glad you asked. Best parts of mbworld are the community and the involuntary education! Everyone's input is appreciated.