560 SEC Chrome bumper capping removal.

[Mikesmerc]

The quarter capping of my 560 bumper is rusting badly and I saw a similar if not the same capping on a 4 door S class in a scrappy. The question is are they the same part and if so how do I go about removing it as it is surrounded by plastic and dosen't look like it could lift off easily.
Regards
Mike

 

[jaques2k]

Is it the rear or the front bumper? It should be the same bumpers. Anyway, to remove the chrome inlay on the bumper is a bit difficult. Did this for about a week ago (restoring a 126 right now, and wanted to paint the plastic parts of the bumper, and therefore wanted to remove the chrome). This is the only thing that is really stupid made on the W126... You need to remove the whole bumper first of all (four nuts from the back - very simple). When you´ve got out the bumper you´ll see how the chrome is fitted - with some tiny bolts and they are (probably) rusted stuck. The heads on the bolts are very tiny and low (can´t get a good grip on them because you aren´t able to fit in any tougher keys or wrenches). You can try to get them loose with a good 6-sided 8:mm key (not an ordinary key, because then you´ll have them round in no time), but most likely you´ll round the bolts anyway or don´t get a good grip on the nut on the backside (wich spins, and you can´t reach it). It´s a few bolts, but they are difficult to remove if they´re rusty. If you can get hold of the WHOLE bumper - try to swap that instead if the plastic´s not too scrappy. Otherwise you´ll maybe have to cut the bolts/screws off with a grinder (my next try) and put in new screws. But don´t let my story scare you off - take out the bumper first and check if you can get those screws out! If you can - then it´s simple to change the chrome. Good luck!

 

[guydewdney]

126 885 21 74 fender skirt bumper panelling, left (SEC and SEL front)

no idea how to get it off - hope the pic helps

 

[Mikesmerc]

Cheers Guy
Very helpful info. Will buy the whole bumper and go from there.
Will let you know how I get on.
Regards
Mike
Its the front.

 

[30260]

I have done this to both front and rear bumpers. Do the back first as its the easy one to remove with no foglights or temp sensor. I purchased the special captive nuts from the dealer, but made brass spacers and used stainless steel nuts and bolts. I also sprayed everything with waxoyl before and after assembly. The fixings were so rusted that they all had to be ground off. Its not a difficult job once the old chrome is hacked off.

 

[talbir]

Given it's a 560, it's a post 85 car.

Post 85 cars had different bumpers with wider chrome pieces, front and rear.

So if you are looking to replace just the quarter section at the front then you'll need to make sure it comes from a post 85 W126.

The quarter chrome sections are the same on the front bumpers across the W126 model range post 85 - so coupe and saloon quarter sections are the same. The only difference is the centre chrome section - the saloon has a trough in this section to accomodate the large grille.

Rear bumpers are exactly the same.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Better take a few measurments before buying because there is no reg or engine in the donor car.
Regards
Mike

 

[Mikesmerc]

Better take a few measurments before buying because there is no reg or engine in the donor car.
Regards
Mike

 

[talbir]

You'll be able to tell from the bumper itself - the bumpers were different in that the late bumpers had a thin recessed groove all the way round, and the early ones had a raised beading all the way round.

Also, early bumpers had 4 vanes in the plastic grilling in the bumper and tow hook cover - late ones only have 3 vanes.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Cheers Talbir