Keng1

Has anyone replaced their front bumper? If so, can I ask how much did it cost you to replace it? Mine is cracked.



I see used ones on ebay for $200-300. Is it an easy...take off and putting on the new one? or do I have to worry about sensors, and tons of wiring? I have brilliant silver so its not exactly a difficult thing to find prepainted.

My car is a lease and I dont really want to claim it through insurance.

jl88

You have to describe the damage with a bit more detail. Cracked, as in you hit an object? Did a piece of the bumper come off?

If it's just a simple crack, then a body shop can repair it pretty easily. Estimated cost will be $350-$500.

I would not go for a full bumper replacement unless you are missing a large chunk of your bumper. You have to factor in the cost of the bumper, paint, and installation.

Since it's a lease, then go for the cheapest repair possible. It the damage is on the lower portion of the bumper, even a bad repair job won't be noticed since it's low to the ground.

Keng1

Didnt realize you could repair the bumper. The lower front has a crack about 5 inches. Yes cracked as in hit something and the bumper cracked. No pieces missing. Its not a crease in the bumper.

I'll take it round to a body shop to get a quote. Anyone can recomend one in the bay area?

Thanks again for your input jl88

jl88

Your best bet would be to call the mercedes dealership near you and ask for a reference. You'll probably end up paying at the high end of the price range.

I've seen body work done on minor cracks. It's ridiculous for what they charge. But then again, I don't have access to a paint room...

LovinMercedes

Replacing the front bumper on a R230 is very easy and can be done with little trouble.

LovinMercedes

If it is cracked it can not be properly repaired.

tiggerfink

This thread is an example of why I do not purchase used cars. I had a Yukon Denali on a GMAC Smart Buy in 1999. I scratched up the bumper really bad. The body shop offered $300 to make it look good enough to pass the inspection when I turn the car in. But the work will not last for more than 5 years. So I paid $500 for the body shop to do it right. Body shop put on a new bumper and painted it with correct factory paint color.

I just feel bad for people purchasing used cars and discover that they have a big repair bill in the future for no reason.

jl88

I don't know where you guys are getting your information. Damage on a polyurethane bumper can be fixed easily. Damage on sheet metal or frame is of course a bit harder.

Further more, you have to break it down into repairing the damage and the actual paint. What commonly happens is that the paint is done poorly, usually because of poor preparation of the surface.

It is almost impossible to replicate a factory paint job. So even if you replace the part and get it repainted, it won't come close to a factory job, in terms of durability.

LovinMercedes

I have never ever heard this from a reputable high-end shop.

Although, I am sure Earl Scheib will do it for $359.95.
.

poppyboy

Just had it done for $950 (lots of damage). See my post under the SL55 AMG forum. Expensive, but looks brand new.