Bumpers

[Leester]

I am looking to buy new bumpers for my '70 280SL but I don't plan to put bumper guards on. Does anyone know, if I order these from MB if they come drilled for the bumper guards or not? Would prefer they NOT be drilled.

Thanks in advance, Lee

[Benz Dr.]

Why not find a good used set and have them plated?

[TJMart]

The bumpers were drilled when the guards were installed so the bumpers would not be sold drilled by MB. I would suggest costing out a used set plus the cost of plating against a new set from MB if they are even available. A good chrome plating shop could make them better than new IMHO.

[Leester]

Many thanks for your helpful replies.  Lee

[mdsalemi]

Having had bumpers re-plated, 20 years ago, and taking advantage of a favorable exchange rate with Canada, it was well over $1000 to plate my original bumpers. I would imagine today the cost might be at least 2 to 3 times that. And yes a re-plated bumper will be significantly better than factory chrome.

One front bumper part, original, from Mercedes Benz, is still available and they are nearly $2000 each.

There are a very large number of both new and used bumpers available on eBay. It is difficult to tell from the listings whether or not they are factory OEM or reproductions. I would imagine in some cases the seller doesn’t even know.

[johnk]

Good chrome shops are back-logged. Grafton custom chrome out by me is one of the best in the country but their waiting list is a year now.

[john.mancini]

Twenty years ago I took the original bumpers off of my low mileage 69 280SL. They were in near perfect condition, including the original paint on the inner surfaces. I did not want to risk them getting damaged so I put them away and bought a full set of repro front and rear bumpers. They fit and look great. You may want to try the repro route. Put the originals away and have them plated in the future.

[SEB]

I think, to buy a good quality replica bumpers will be much cheaper and faster,  than to purchase used one and than to plate it with new chrome

[Leester]

Thanks everyone. Just to close the loop I can confirm what TJMart posted, new bumpers come un-drilled. By sheer coincidence, the day after I posted I was able to acquire NOS rear bumpers at a favorable price. There was only one set available. Now on to fronts.

I have always heard that original chrome holds up better than re-chrome. From your postings it appears that this may not be correct.

Thanks as always.