Smashed Bumper...Suggestions?

Guys,

2002 330i, sport package.

About a year ago I hit a raccoon on the highway. It cracked my bumper, sent my fog light covers flying into the ditch, and busted up the brake duct tunnel and part of the wheel well.

I ordered new parts for everything except the bumper. All installed, all looks/works fine.

I tried to fix the bumper...used an epoxy to fix a long, 12" crack. Then I dabbed some steelblau touch-up paint to the rest of the crack.

Of course it was a poor job, after a few months the epoxy cracked, and I just have one side of the otherwise perfect bimmer's bumper hanging down a cm or so.

I hate to buy a new bumper, then take it to a shop for painting. I could install it all myself in a flash...but I certainly can't paint it.

I looked at aftermarket bumpers, everything is fine until I think about the time/money of a paint job.

Perhaps I'm venting more than anything else...just hate to spend $1000+ for a cosmetic repair on a car worth <$8000.

Maybe somebody has a E46 steelblau sport bumper they can throw on eBay for me?

I recently replaced my front bumper, and one of the options that I was considering was OEMBumpers.com. They sell refurbished OEM bumper covers, and will paint to match your paint code for an additional $175. I ended up just going to a local shop to replace, as I wanted to get a few dings on my front quarter repaired also, and just bit the bullet on the bumper cover. You're right... it was about 1000 bucks. I think the refurbished option, including paint was in the neighborhood of $400, and the install looked pretty straightforward.

I'll check out that site. One problem is the bumper also has a lot of other attached parts, like plastic grills which don't seem to snap off very easily...just a pain in the ass.

Originally Posted by jsconway

I recently replaced my front bumper, and one of the options that I was considering was OEMBumpers.com. They sell refurbished OEM bumper covers, and will paint to match your paint code for an additional $175. I ended up just going to a local shop to replace, as I wanted to get a few dings on my front quarter repaired also, and just bit the bullet on the bumper cover. You're right... it was about 1000 bucks. I think the refurbished option, including paint was in the neighborhood of $400, and the install looked pretty straightforward.

What is a front quarter?

To the OP, try car-part.com for a used bumper.

Keep your eyes open for part outs or bumpers for sale on the classifieds and Craigslist

Sent from the middle of nowhere

Thanks guys.

all of those plastic pieces will snap out and can be reused on the new/refurbished cover. I didn't have too much trouble removing all of that stuff...just take your time and work carefully so you don't damage anything you need to re-use. I know I read some DIY's before I started that were helpful.

[QUOTE=prostock;7121894]What is a front quarter?

I was referring to the front quarter panel, or front fender.

Well, I took a middle route again. I took off the bumper and dropped it at a body shop to try and mend the cracks. They did a pretty decent job, no painting required. $160 for the body work. I wouldn't suggest it for a newer car, but 10+ years and 115k, $160 was the right price.