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Autopapyrus · Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/mercedes-benz/c-class/front-bumper-removal-and-installation/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203): Front Bumper Removal and Installation

The W203 bumper is held by screws and push pins in the wheel wells, under the hood on both sides of the radiator grille, and by nuts near the fog lights. Two people remove it, pulling it forward, after disconnecting the fog light and parking sensor connectors. The 2.0 CDI engine does not affect the work sequence.

DifficultyMedium Time1-1.5 hours Steps13

Parts

2
№Part
01 none required
02 if broken, bumper and wheel liner mounting clips and push pins, plastic nut hole cover caps

Tools

4
  • lift or jack with jack stands
  • socket set and Torx/Phillips screwdrivers
  • flat plastic trim clip tool
  • helper
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 12 more. See manuals →

Step by step

13 steps
  1. Park the car on a level surface, preferably on a lift. It is best to remove the front wheels, as this makes the fasteners easier to reach. If you are working with a jack, be sure to use jack stands. Open the hood and secure it firmly.
  2. From underneath, remove the screws that hold the plastic engine undercover to the bumper, if one is installed.
  3. Under each front wheel, remove 2 bolts of the plastic splash shield. Turn the steering wheel to the side to get access.
  4. In the wheel wells, remove the screws and pull out the push pins that hold the wheel liner to the bumper, then fold the wheel liner back.
  5. In each wheel well, remove one screw (bolt) that holds the outer end of the bumper to the fender, and remove the mounting brackets, if present.
  6. Under the hood, remove the mounting screws along the top edge of the bumper: one on each side between the radiator and the headlight, 2 upper screws in total; 2 more screws are on the sides of the radiator air intake grille.
  7. Near the fog lights, pop out the plastic cover caps and remove one nut on each side.
  8. Check that nothing has been missed: screws on the top and bottom, at the headlights and in the wheel wells.
  9. With a helper, pull the bumper forward, first freeing the side edges from the guides, and move it forward a short distance without pulling it all the way off.
  10. While the bumper is still supported, disconnect the connectors for the fog lights and side turn signals, if they are in the bumper, and the parking sensor connector (if equipped). If headlight washers are installed, remove the hoses from the nozzles and plug them so fluid does not leak out of the reservoir.
  11. Set the bumper aside on a soft pad. You now have access to the bumper reinforcement, radiator, A/C condenser and headlight mounts.
  12. Install in reverse order: first connect the connectors and hoses, then seat the side edges of the bumper onto the guides, and only then tighten the fasteners. Tighten the threaded fasteners moderately, by hand, without overtightening, so you don't crack the plastic; exact torque values are not strictly specified by the manufacturer.
  13. Check that the gaps with the hood, fenders and headlights are even; if needed, adjust the position before final tightening. Check that the fog lights and parking sensors work.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Plastic clips and push pins on a 20-year-old car are brittle, so stock up on spares
  • Do not pull hard on the edges of the bumper until you have made sure all screws are removed
  • If the bumper has been removed or repainted before, the fastener locations may differ