Bumper/ Bodywork/ Scratchpad issue

[RokleM]

Hey guys/gals, need your help. This is the only problem I've found (so far) on my used 330 I did not see. I guess next time I buy a used from MAG I'll get the sucker up in the air in a garage. In short, it looks like the guy/gal who had it in front of me and took REALLY good care of it (mint condition as far as I can tell except for this) just has a VERY hard time parking. It looks like he/she pulled forward one too many times, and even tore part of the front bumper out of the plastic mounts.

I found this a week or so back, and put the car up on a jack tonight to look at it. It appears as though the far left and right side is held on by a few screws/bolts, but the center section is held on by (for lack of a better term) two plastic rivets. If it was a screw or bolt, I was just going to try to re-attach it or put a larger washer or something on to hold it in place.

When I was at the dealer, MAG quoted me about $1200 for a new "bumper" which is necessary to replace this piece. So two things:

1) Do you guys know of a FIX for this. I don't have an issue pulling up to far, so I won't be scratching the crap out of the front like the previous owner did. You can't really see this unless you're looking at the bottom front of the car at a distance, but still with as sweet as the rest of the car looks, this sucks.

2) If there is no easy fix, is the $1200 quote in the right ballpark? Are there multiple pieces to the front end that I might just be able to replace this bottom section for significantly less?

Looking for any help at all. Here are some pictures so you know what I'm talking about. I wouldn't be surprised if a number of you look and have the same issue. It seems like it would be WAY too easy to pull in too far and rip that plastic piece right out of the plastic rivet.

Sorry for the silly blue, but I wanted to make sure you guys know what I'm talking about. And yes, the car is jacked up on the right side (only easy way to get to the nuts while it's on the ground):

Another angle a little lower:

A shot from underneath, looking forward so you'll REALLY see what I mean. Circled is the plastic rivet. All it would take is a very minor force of pulling too far onto the curb, and backing out. That section would tear right through the rivet.

 

[Section_8]

Hmm, I was thinking you were talking about just some bumper scrapes until I saw the pics. Looks like it's slightly cracked as well. It would seem that he/she parked and drove over something that was high up, then reversed out and 'snagged' it, pulling the bumper out and down in the middle (ouch).

I'd think about a new bumper - repair bill will suck, and it won't be 100%. Really all they could do would be to sand it down, bend or 'fill' in the part thats cracked, and then replace the bolt that appears to be missing that holds it in the center. (and paint it of course)

A new front bumper - 600-800 painted, brand new (Depending on if you go OEM, or get something a little different aftermarket). Labor to put it on, 100 or so... I wouldn't pay anything over $1k and it better be professional for 1k. Then again Atlanta is the city of the bimmer (and body shops..), shops to work on them are a dime a dozen here compared to some places around the country, so your findings may vary.

Lastly: That is for the entire bumper to be replaced. The bottom 'skirt' part that you have that is damaged can be painted, replaced and mounted for $600-700 anydealer USA (It's like a $400 OEM part).. Yes it can be replaced seperately (Sometimes folks change this out for an aftermarket one that is 'lower' or has airfoils, etc etc..)

Good luck with the repair, I'd stop talking to MAG by the sounds if it.. Find a local BMW repair shop that you can trust (shop around, ask other local bmw nuts). Or heck just a good local body shop for this kinda stuff.

(mho's for the record!)

 

[320de46m47]

well, if it was my motor i'd take the bumper off, straighten it out as best I could, lay a one or two strips of fiberglass on the inner surface across the tear. Then once it had cured I'd sand the outer surface, a bit of filler, a bit more sanding and give it a quick spray and bobs your uncle fannys your aunt e basta!

 

[RokleM]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll start hitting some places up for prices on just the skirt to see how things look. I had a hard time believing the entire front bumper had to be replaced, especially as I was feeling around that I could tell it was separate parts.

As for the repair, I wouldn't mind giving that a try as well. The problem lies in the plastic rivets. I was thinking about trying to disassemble the front to look/work on it, but that's a bit further than I've ever gone with a car. Does anyone have any assembly/detail instructions for that front section or should I just wing it if I get around to it?