How can I repair a crack in the front bumper?

Zut · 01-14-2007

Crikey!

This morning, as I was washing my car, I noticed a ±10cm/4" crack in the lower part of the front bumper on the passenger side, between the fog light and the centre grille. It is not just a scratch. It is really cracked. I don't know how I did it. I suppose I parked too close to one fo those stupid low concrete blocks some time ago. What is the best way to repair this? I should like to do it myself if possible. I already have the paint touch-up kit to cover up the scar afterwards.

**alroumi** · 01-14-2007

I am not sure about this, But I heard they can remove your Bumper and place a mold between the two seperated parts (crack) and then touch it up and install it back and it will turn 90% like new.

Try talking to a professional bodyshop.

DansSlk · 01-14-2007

Really if its cracked you will wanna drill it to stop it spreading any more then fill it all up front and back to repair the current one.

Best thing to do as alroumi says take it to a bodyshop an MB one if possible just because they will have more experience working with merc parts.

Zut · 01-14-2007

I shall call my MB representative first thing tomorrow morning. Of course, I don't want any further spreading. I think the crack was made a month ago and it only showed up yesterday due to the cold temperature. When returned to my heated interior garage, the crack became almost unnoticeable, more like a hairline. Why is this bumper so fragile? My other car had a low bumper too and it would bend whenever it came in contact with something. I certainly don't want to worry about this issue each time I park in close to a concrete block.

**etyu** · 01-14-2007

It seems like the type of plastic used is more brittle and less flexible. Even the family's Honda Odyssey suffers from the same -- I thought they were supposed to bend and give a little and return back to their original shape (to a certain extent).

Zut · 01-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

It seems like the type of plastic used is more brittle and less flexible. Even the family's Honda Odyssey suffers from the same -- I thought they were supposed to bend and give a little and return back to their original shape (to a certain extent).

I know. I can see a lot of cars with cracked or chipped bumpers, sometimes with large pieces missing. My crack is really minor (I checked again earlier today and it is now back to the hairline level) but I am still quite upset about it. I am not a happy banana right now...

**FishtailnZ** · 01-14-2007

Sorry to hear it Zut. I'm not sure what our bumpers are made of, but on a previous car (after hitting one of those damn concrete blocks myself) the dealer was able to use a type of plastic weld to do the repair. Again, I'm not sure if the materials are similar, but it was an inexpensive quick repair.

Zut · 01-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishtailnZ

Sorry to hear it Zut. I'm not sure what our bumpers are made of, but on a previous car (after hitting one of those damn concrete blocks myself) the dealer was able to use a type of plastic weld to do the repair. Again, I'm not sure if the materials are similar, but it was an inexpensive quick repair.

Well, I am hoping this will be an inexpensive quick repair. The damage is apparently very minor. I just hope they will not use Crazy Glue and charge me 200$ for it!

**FishtailnZ** · 01-14-2007

Nawwww, the Crazy Glue fix is only 190 bucks!

Zut · 01-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishtailnZ

Nawwww, the Crazy Glue fix is only 190 bucks!

You have

in the belfry!

**Duo-Art** · 01-14-2007

These reports make me long for the nice heavy chrome bumpers that my 1969 Dodge Charger R/T had. You could hit something fairly hard without any damage.

N4PWJ · 01-15-2007

think the bumpers are made with a slightly more solid polyurethane plastic. (as i said i THINK that it correct).
THey will probably plastic weld then rub down and put a slight bit of dolphin glaze over it to smooth it then spray the area. quite an easy job and im sure repairs like these are very common, so your MB dealer should have plenty of experience.
still annoying however as i get annoyed when i have a stone chip, just plays on your mind until it's fixed. good luck getting it sorted.

Zut · 01-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duo-Art

These reports make me long for the nice heavy chrome bumpers that my 1969 Dodge Charger R/T had. You could hit something fairly hard without any damage.

As a matter of fact, bumpers were chiefly made for absorbing impacts at low speeds (while parking, mostly). Now, you can damage your bumpers by merely touching a wall or a concrete block. And I am sure the plastic bumpers are made of can crack in extremely cold temperatures. That' crazy!

Zut · 01-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by N4PWJ

think the bumpers are made with a slightly more solid polyurethane plastic. (as i said i THINK that it correct).
THey will probably plastic weld then rub down and put a slight bit of dolphin glaze over it to smooth it then spray the area. quite an easy job and im sure repairs like these are very common, so your MB dealer should have plenty of experience.
still annoying however as i get annoyed when i have a stone chip, just plays on your mind until it's fixed. good luck getting it sorted.

I sure hope you are right! Thanks for the encouragement.

Zut · 01-15-2007

The MB Bodyshop rep called me back this afternoon. She suggested that I show her the damage so she can advise me. She says this problem is extremely common and I should not go to MB for body repairs unless the damage is extensive (if I go for a little scratch, they are likely to change or repaint the entire spoiler and it will cost me an arm and a leg). I shall keep you posted.

TerisGR · 01-16-2007

yep thats MB's usual tactic...they will remove the whole spoiler and repaint it no matter how small the scratch is

DansSlk · 01-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zut

The MB Bodyshop rep called me back this afternoon. She suggested that I show her the damage so she can advise me. She says this problem is extremely common and I should not go to MB for body repairs unless the damage is extensive (if I go for a little scratch, they are likely to change or repaint the entire spoiler and it will cost me an arm and a leg). I shall keep you posted.

Well i gotta be honest i prefer doing a whole thing from scratch compared with a quick fix and for a split that might be the best option.

At the end of the day its your call mate, won't it be covered by insurance anyways?

Zut · 01-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

At the end of the day its your call mate, won't it be covered by insurance anyways?

I doubt this will be covered by my insurance (I don't even know how and when the crack happened). Besides, the applicable insurance excess is quite high and don't think it is worth getting into all the paperwork only to get a higher premium next year. Before anything else, I shall hear what the lady from MB has to say about this (she is very honest and she won't give me any B.S.). If a complete replacement is absolutely necessary, I shall go for a quick fix now and wait for the spring for the big "operation". What really bothers me is that other cracks such as that one are likely to happen again whenever I park close to these bloody concrete blocks.

DansSlk · 01-16-2007

OK mate.

I was just thinking about it growing thats all

Zut · 01-16-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

OK mate.

I was just thinking about it growing thats all

You are absolutely right.

This is my main concern too. This is why I shall change the spoiler entirely sooner or later if my MB expert tells me the risk of the crack growing is too high. Ah, I wish they made concrete spoilers!

01-14-2007	#1 (permalink)
Zut Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montréal QC Vehicle: 2006 SLK350 Posts: 805 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	How can I repair a crack in the front bumper? Crikey! This morning, as I was washing my car, I noticed a ±10cm/4" crack in the lower part of the front bumper on the passenger side, between the fog light and the centre grille. It is not just a scratch. It is really cracked. I don't know how I did it. I suppose I parked too close to one fo those stupid low concrete blocks some time ago. What is the best way to repair this? I should like to do it myself if possible. I already have the paint touch-up kit to cover up the scar afterwards.

01-14-2007	#2 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	I am not sure about this, But I heard they can remove your Bumper and place a mold between the two seperated parts (crack) and then touch it up and install it back and it will turn 90% like new. Try talking to a professional bodyshop. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

01-14-2007	#3 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Really if its cracked you will wanna drill it to stop it spreading any more then fill it all up front and back to repair the current one. Best thing to do as alroumi says take it to a bodyshop an MB one if possible just because they will have more experience working with merc parts. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

01-14-2007	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	It seems like the type of plastic used is more brittle and less flexible. Even the family's Honda Odyssey suffers from the same -- I thought they were supposed to bend and give a little and return back to their original shape (to a certain extent). __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

01-14-2007	#7 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	Sorry to hear it Zut. I'm not sure what our bumpers are made of, but on a previous car (after hitting one of those damn concrete blocks myself) the dealer was able to use a type of plastic weld to do the repair. Again, I'm not sure if the materials are similar, but it was an inexpensive quick repair. __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

01-14-2007	#4 (permalink)
Zut Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montréal QC Vehicle: 2006 SLK350 Posts: 805 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I shall call my MB representative first thing tomorrow morning. Of course, I don't want any further spreading. I think the crack was made a month ago and it only showed up yesterday due to the cold temperature. When returned to my heated interior garage, the crack became almost unnoticeable, more like a hairline. Why is this bumper so fragile? My other car had a low bumper too and it would bend whenever it came in contact with something. I certainly don't want to worry about this issue each time I park in close to a concrete block.

01-14-2007	#9 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	Nawwww, the Crazy Glue fix is only 190 bucks! __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

01-14-2007	#11 (permalink)
Duo-Art Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 544 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts	These reports make me long for the nice heavy chrome bumpers that my 1969 Dodge Charger R/T had. You could hit something fairly hard without any damage.

01-15-2007	#12 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,417 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	think the bumpers are made with a slightly more solid polyurethane plastic. (as i said i THINK that it correct). THey will probably plastic weld then rub down and put a slight bit of dolphin glaze over it to smooth it then spray the area. quite an easy job and im sure repairs like these are very common, so your MB dealer should have plenty of experience. still annoying however as i get annoyed when i have a stone chip, just plays on your mind until it's fixed. good luck getting it sorted.

01-15-2007	#15 (permalink)
Zut Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montréal QC Vehicle: 2006 SLK350 Posts: 805 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The MB Bodyshop rep called me back this afternoon. She suggested that I show her the damage so she can advise me. She says this problem is extremely common and I should not go to MB for body repairs unless the damage is extensive (if I go for a little scratch, they are likely to change or repaint the entire spoiler and it will cost me an arm and a leg). I shall keep you posted.

01-16-2007	#16 (permalink)
TerisGR SLK World Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 11 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	yep thats MB's usual tactic...they will remove the whole spoiler and repaint it no matter how small the scratch is

01-16-2007	#19 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	OK mate. I was just thinking about it growing thats all __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.