shahedC

Hi all,

Any tips of repairing/removing this scratch on the lower bumper area?

(see attached pics)

Car ran over a rogue tire that was lying on the highway.

Attached Images

	scratch1.jpg (693.5 KB, 26 views)
	scratch2.jpg (553.1 KB, 20 views)
	scratch3.jpg (471.5 KB, 14 views)

webslinger

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if those scratches are into the plastic you're looking at a re-shoot with the groves needing to be filled.

If they are just on the surface you may be able to rub them out with some sort of polish.

I'll defer to the group for what product to use.

-Webslinger

bobsquad7

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The marks appear deep enough to require repair & refinish. To accomplish this, the bumper cover needs to be removed from the vehicle. This is necessary to perform the "cosmetic" part of repair process. Refinishing would also necessitate removal. The damage area (color coat) can be blended but, the bumper needs to be re-clear coated complete. This is almost impossibe to do (properly) on the vehicle.
I would expect repairs to cost aprox $350 to $450 in the US.

shahedC

thanks for the quick responses.

given that I just got the wheels done (bent), and new tires (worn), and a new antenna (mine was stolen)... I have been spending quite a lot for a 2007 SLK!

if I were to defer this bumper repair, will I face any major rust issues? I would rather fix it sooner rather than later...

~shahedc
.

dsb

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Let me tell you... This will probably be the first of several times you scratch that lower spoiler. I would hold off on getting it repainted professionally.

First step. Try to buff it out like recommended. That will take care of the majority of scratches.

Next. If you still have deeper scratches, go buy some touch up paint from the dealership. Paint it yourself. It wont be a pro job by any means but I don't think it will matter much. Since it is so low, most people will never notice it. Also, due to the angle, the lower spoiler will reflect the dark asphalt. That makes it even harder to notice. I bet you will only see it if you bend at the knees and look closely.

Lastly, if it still looks bad. Have it painted by a pro. Like mentioned, it will probably cost $350 or so. Worse case scenarion, you bought some touchup paint at a cost of $20 that was unnecessary. Personally, I've now scraped mine a few times. I've painted it several times over using the touchup paint. No one would even know unless they got within 2 feet or if I told them about it. I figure I'll have it professionally painted at some point. Maybe if/when I sell the car.

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etyu

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I agree with dsb's assessment.

Clean it up first with car wash shampoo. Dry completely. Use touch-up paint from MB, but use a different fine pointed brush (not the one that came with the touch-up paint). Do it in several sessions/days (let paint dry completely overnight)so you build up layers of paint until it is near level with the OEM paint. Wax the area thereafter.

If you're not satisfied with the appearance, you can have it painted professionally later.

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alroumi

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Dont worry its easy to fix, personally I wouldnt care about it since its so small and down at a curve.

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SLKCop

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I agree with all these suggestions, as this is an area of the vehicle which, unfortunately, gets beat up quite often.

Mike

shahedC

You're right, I already scratched the other lower side back in 2006 after I had just gotten the 07 model! There was a concrete (perpendicular) parking strip at the head of my parking spot, and it was too high for the SLK!

May seem like a silly question, but can I get step-by-step instructions and list of supplies I need?

Any suggestions for brands and products? Is this going to be a spray-paint can?

Again, any tips/suggestions?

Not a bad idea, I may have to go this route.... as long as it's not rusting away!

dsb

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Buy MB touchup paint from the dealership. They will most likely have your exact color in stock. Then, use Etyu's suggestion regarding a smaller tip brush. I don't have any specific recommendations on how to paint it. You'll be making short brush strokes and don't worry if you're not an expert. Again, it will probably be hidden due to it's location and angle.

Rust would take some time and besides... does plastic rust anyways? I don't think you have to worry about that.

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shahedC

ok, sounds good.. will try the paint first, and will get a new bumper if it comes to that.

etyu

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It's a plastic bumper cover and this can be reconditioned and painted professionally by a competent body shop, if needed. I think your own efforts will work well.

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A toothpick often does wonders.

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I used auto visuals paint pens, it's easy to use and matches OEM perfectly. http://www.autovisuals.com/ type in e46 for the coupon code and you'll get 10% off.

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SLKman

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Man, I see those 18 wheeler treads all the time!

Those retread tires should be outlawed!!

Saving a couple $100 here or there on new tires causes big bucks damage to cars that insurance companies have to usually pay to fix. You would think the insurance companies would lobby against retreads. Not to mention all the litter on the highways and accidents they cause.

I have seen a tire come apart and land on the windshield of the car in front of me that was driving next to the 18 wheeler. The truck kept going and the car pulled off the road with a busted windshield.

I got truck info and took it back to the guy. He was pretty shook up.

OK...I'll get off my rant about retreads!!!GRRRRRR!

Hope your car is taken care of to your satisfaction.

SLKman

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Dolebludger

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It is difficult to tell from the pics how much damage is really scratching and how much is "rub-off" of the thing that hit it. Before I did anything else, I would get (or borrow) a random orbital buffer (ROB) and get some medium to mild abrasive polish, and have at it. I have seen worse looking blemishes than this just buff right off to the usual viewing distance.