Front end damage - repair or replace?

[Wmzorba09]

Family member backed into my car .. repair or replace? Must be something behind here. Strange marking.

[claykin]

If the plastic is torn or dented on a ridge/edge, replace it for sure. BMW body shop can give good advice.

I'm sure the family member feels awful and at same time you want to do this as inexpensively as possible. That said, what's your tolerance for a repair that may be noticeable? Meaning if the shop cannot return the bumper plastic back to original shape.

[Burrcold]

Replace. Plastic repairs never look good.

[Poochie]

That could be repaired..

If you pay to replace it, the bodyshop will just sell that bumper anyway and make back half what they already charge you to replace it.

It's up to you but it's 2020, plastic body repair have came a long way..

[VipinLJ]

That can be repaired easily. I’ve seen worse “injuries” on the bumper that were repaired to perfection.

[Wmzorba09]

Thanks. I've consulted a body shop. Will see. I'd think it could be repaired

[Burrcold]

If you get it repaired, you will end up with a wavy reflection where that area is. Plastic never forms back perfectly. If you are okay with that, go ahead and have it repaired. I've seen it so many times...some people can live with it and some can't stand it (especially on darker cars that, when clean, have a mirror effect).

[Wmzorba09]

Anyone have any idea how someone would repair this?

[Burrcold]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

Anyone have any idea how someone would repair this?

They'll usually warm up the area around to "pop out" as much of the plastic as possible, then use a plastic filler (similar to any other filler). Sand, sand, sand some more and then paint.

[Wmzorba09]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

They'll usually warm up the area around to "pop out" as much of the plastic as possible, then use a plastic filler (similar to any other filler). Sand, sand, sand some more and then paint.

Thanks. Sounds simple enough

[Poochie]

I scratched up a loaner car and painted it in my backyard, with a aerosol spray can and the dealer never noticed..

A professional with right tools and experience can repair that and you'll never notice the difference.

[Wmzorba09]

Originally Posted by Poochie

I scratched up a loaner car and painted it in my backyard, with a aerosol spray can and the dealer never noticed..

A professional with right tools and experience can repair that and you'll never notice the difference.

Thanks. This may be a bit more complicated because there us a sharp protrusion where the damage is. It's not a flush scratch. It's cracked and protruding.

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

Thanks. This may be a bit more complicated because there us a sharp protrusion where the damage is. It's not a flush scratch. It's cracked and protruding.

When it is sanded, primed and painted, it will be factory smooth. I worked in a bodyshop when I was younger, I've seen worst brought back.

If the mounting tabs for the bumper didn't snap, anything can be restored.

The original bumper has a VIN plate attached to it, a replacement wouldn't. It's more ideal to preserve the original bumper, if possible.

If I was the shop and you pushed me to replace that, I would charge you for full replacement, repair and give it back to you. Everyone is happy.

[Wmzorba09]

Originally Posted by Poochie

When it is sanded, primed and painted, it will be factory smooth. I worked in a bodyshop when I was younger, I've seen worst brought back.

If the mounting tabs for the bumper didn't snap, anything can be restored.

The original bumper has a VIN plate attached to it, a replacement wouldn't. It more ideal to preserve the original bumper, if possible.

If I was the shop and you pushed me to replace that, I would charge you for full replacement, repair and give it back to you. Everyone is happy.

Interesting. thx for the feedback 🙏 - bumper is sitting slightly crooked as a result. Hope none of the clips are broken/damaged.

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

Anyone have any idea how someone would repair this?

Body filler a.k.a Bondo or other brand plastic filler. This is exactly the type of damage it's made for. If done properly for a small imperfection like this, the bumper should look flawless. You usually get waviness on larger or poorly done repairs.

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by Poochie

I scratched up a loaner car and painted it in my backyard, with a aerosol spray can and the dealer never noticed..

A professional with right tools and experience can repair that and you'll never notice the difference.

They will now!!

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Andybird

They will now!!

That was in June 2019. By now they sold that car certified pre-owned, no prior damage to some sucker.. And that's how the game goes..

[Wmzorba09]

Got an estimated $760

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

Got an estimated $760

That sounds like a decent price to fix and color blend the adjacent panels, a replacement bumper would of cost upwards of $2,000.

[Burrcold]

What are they doing for $760?

[Poochie]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

What are they doing for $760?

A new, unpainted bumper is like $800, so that's obviously a repair quote.

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by Poochie

I scratched up a loaner car and painted it in my backyard, with a aerosol spray can and the dealer never noticed..

A professional with right tools and experience can repair that and you'll never notice the difference.

Give it to Poochie the shade tree body repairman...