Someone backed out of a spot and scrapped my bumper down to what appears to be the plastic. Anyone have this repaired or a similar experience? $500 sound reasonable?

 

Yes, that is reasonable if they are painting the entire bumper (which they should). You should expect it to be perfect though. I had to take mine back and have them paint it a second time. There were swirls and imperfections in the paint when they first returned the car to me. The second time they painted it, it looked like a factory finish. I have black and it shows everything. Don't accept poor quality work.

 

It is a lease, but this begs the question if I should take it to MB Manhattan that has a factory owned collision center and pay a premium or take it locally and worry about end results.

 

I had mine done at the only factory authorized repair facility in town. Their lot was full of high end German cars. I found their hourly rate (believe it or not) to be cheaper than some of the larger body shops in town that advertise their low prices and superior work. So, I wouldn't assume you'll pay more at the factory owned collision center. Further, if it is a crappy job and you go to turn it in at lease end, you won't have any issues if you use a certified collision center.

 

$500 is about right for a quality job.