ML320 - V reg 22k

[Michael Abro]

Thanks to Andy and Colin for their replies and assistance.
Yesterday I bought a V reg ML320 with the luxury pack and 22k miles on it for just under £23k so I think I have got a decent deal.
Manufacturers warranty until November this year.

I am considering having the bumpers colour keyed with the bodywork (metallic silver)

Would anybody out there receommend me doing this and if so what should I be expecting to pay ?

Many thanks

Michael

 

[Colin Tigwell]

ML320

It certainly makes the car look "softer" and more finished, it also makes the area to clean.

I think that you could save some money, if you removed and replaced the bumbers yourself.  I would ask the paint shop to give you a quote both ways.

To do the job in a proper manner the bars will need to be painted off the car.

Also you need someone who is used to painting "plastic" parts, because it is important that the finish is good. Or it will look like an add on.

I can give you no valid price, but down here, for a good paint shop the cost would be around sterling 400.

Yes you can get the cost down by cutting down on the preparation, undercoat quality, and of course finish coat quality, but the job will not be up the 2002 standards.

My email is clydet@chariot.net.au

if you ever want to talk back channel.

Regards

Col

 

[Guy]

ML320

Can I just sound a note of caution?

I agree that cosmetically colour keyed bumpers can soften the cars appearance - but don't expect them to be / remain EXACTLY the same colour as the rest of the car.

There is something to be said for  treating them so they appear deep black (as opposed to a  miserable powdery gray colour) - see how you feel when they are the 'right' colour, before spending your money.

Maybe they're black now and you're going to go ahead - so here's my point - the same paint often looks different on plastic.

When we got a 300TD in Azurite blue, after the initial elation, I actually took it back because of the difference in the bumper/body colour -  to complain. The response was basically - 'that's how they all are'. I'd never noticed it before until I was critically inspecting my own car...when I did look at other cars, I noticed they were all much the same as my own - there was a variation.

I've posted a picture so you can see what I mean. It may be worse on dark blue than silver - but I guess I'm saying if you have it done, don't expect it to be perfect.

Good luck either way.

 

[Michael Abro]

ML320

Thanks Colin and Guy

I think I will just leave the bumpers for now and see how the grayish colour grows on me.

Also spending any more money on the car may cause the wife to have a coniption fit

Thanks again for both your advice

Michael

 

[Matt Crooke]

ML320

Black bumpers can look nice with a bit of Silicon on them, finishes them off nicely i think....beweare the slip though!

 

[Andy]

ML320

Hi all,

Since reading this post. I have seen a number of ML'S with there bumpers painted and gleaming just as well as the body work. I would have a chat with your local body shop, to get the low down on what can be expected when a bumper is painted.

Regards
Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com