Re-Painting / Replaceing Front bumper

[Mishikwest]

My 128 only has 22k, but looks like 20k of that has been behind a gravel truck. I hear the "better" way to bring the front end back to life is replace the entire front bumper, as compared sanding/filling/etc. Also the hood has some nicks. Full respray or is fading-in even an option?

Anyone else resolve similar issues? Which way, and what was the cost and outcome?

[Xios135]

You and I must drive the same roads....my bumper/hood is not looking so good.

[Killswitch]

Originally Posted by Xios135

You and I must drive the same roads....my bumper/hood is not looking so good.

+1

I find the paint of our cars to be extremely soft compared to other cars I have own. In the same situation plus lower part of both sides of my car are showing signs of chipping. I wouldn't replace the front bumper for that reason. That would be wasteful and extremely expensive. Any legit body shop should be able to prep block sand, etc... and paint the bumper and hood properly. Added you might want to ask it to be colored sanded if you really want a mirror finish. But might not match rest of the car since we have a good amount of orange peel throughout. Blended paint is possible given if not metallic but in either case I wouldn't recommend it as paint matching is never 100%. I would spray the whole bumper and hood and even the fenders. In my case I'm going to wait for my bumper and hood ...well my whole car paint goes to shit before I respray the whole thing. If you were to respray just front bumper should cost at least $400 +. Price is dependent on color plus if they were to remove the bumper from the car. Most places give free estimate so I would ask around. I suggest 3m clearbra or their ventureshield a little later after respraying which is costly as well but at least it would protect that new paint.