Going Euro - soliciting opinions

[jharkin]

Looking at quality of BudsBenz vs Group Harrington for Euro Bumpers
BudsBenz   $1754
Harington   $ 923 including shipping to the US
Based on price, Group Harrington would win hands down, but would like to know if any one who has them would recommend them for quality and ease of fitting. Have seen some comments that aftermarket bumpers could be difficult to fit, and one comment from 2015 post that

Looking at Classic Center vs BudsBenz for Euro lights.
Classic Center $4025  for headlights and chrome bezels + $30 for bulbs  = $4055 vs.
BudsBenz       $1690  for headlights and chrome bezels + $70 for bulbs =  $1760

So no brainer on cost but what about quality? Any reason that BudsBenz would be any less than Classic Center? Although i have no way to compare quality, it's hard to understand how CC prices are so much higher (especially after MBCUSA member discount) than BudBenz. Have said as much to CC parts dept, hoping for answer.


          
             

[jharkin]

reply from Classic Center re Euro Lights:

QUOTE
171-classicparts@mbusa.com
12:41 PM (4 minutes ago)

to me

THAT’S A GREAT DEAL YOU SHOULD BUY FROM THEM MY COST IS HIGHER THAT WHAT THEY ARE SELLING FOR THEY MUST GET THEM DIRECT FROM BOSCH US BOSCH SELL THEM TO DAIMLER THEY SELL TO MERCEDES THEY SELL TO US WE SELL TO YOU TO MANY HANDS IN THE PIE
UNQUOTE

[dirkbalter]

Are you sure the Headlights from BB are Bosch and not aftermarket?

[jharkin]

The flat face has BOSCH in the glass in the center, and the round face has GBC in a circle at the bottom with something else below it - Could GBC be German acronym?

[doitwright]

If you are willing to go aftermarket there are numerous sellers out there offering euro style headlights starting at around $600 each. I’ve even seen them for less. Bosch is OEM. GBC is aftermarket. I cannot attest to the quality of the aftermarket headlights, but I have not heard any complaints. Lenses ca be purchased separately but I do not know if a Bosch will fit an aftermarket assembly.

Aftermarket bumpers are usually easy to spot because they are not painted a beige color on the back side. At the prices you mentioned, both suppliers are offering aftermarket. If you are interested in a set of aftermarket euro style front and rear bumpers, I can offer you my briefly used set for around half of the Harrington price you mentioned.

[jharkin]

Frank, do you have some pics of the bumpers? I presume they're polished steel, not chrome. A full set of front and rear chrome bumpers  would probably be $4k to $5k.
Are they painted/rustproofed in the back? Mind if I ask why you're selling them? What would be total cost with shipping to AZ 85286?

 


 

[mnahon]

Markings on the glass tell you little about who manufactured the headlight unit itself. Almost certainly, the Bud's units are aftermarket units, not Bosch.

[doitwright]

The Bosch headlights normally have a sticker or other identifying indicators on the back side.

[jharkin]

Would Bosch lights from the CC be worth twice what BB wants for aftermarket lights?

I'll probably be long gone before the lights on the car go out, so my inclination is to go aftermarket   and let the family curse me for any negative effect on market value..I'll put the 2000 I save on the lights towards the A/C she needs 

[JamesL]

Member IXLR8 has Harrington bumpers. He’s  had them a while and was recommending them but you might want to pm him and get an update on how they are ageing. Although a post of an update would be handy in case the question is asked again.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=7603.msg91428#msg91428

[PeterPortugal]

Have a look at this ebay link for Jaguar stainless steel bumpers and read the description. It might be worth researching this seller too.

[jharkin]

PeterPortugal
link missing, please re-post, thanks

[PeterPortugal]

Schoolboy Error !!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-XK150-stainless-steel-bumper-set/143473713712?hash=item2167b32230:g:~XgAAOSwaBJd97TB

[jharkin]

no worries. took a look, lovely stuff, afraid a lot more expensive than other possibilities.
thanks for the suggestion.

[Benz Dr.]

My advice to anyone looking for bumpers is to find good used ones and get them plated.

 I kind of question how someone would want those little insignificant notches by the headlights and matching numbers yet not be bothered by cheap aftermarket parts. 

[neelyrc]

Another European bumper supplier:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=29958.msg216997#msg216997

[Anthony]

Another European bumper supplier:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=29958.msg216997#msg216997

Stainless steel at the same price as chrome repros... Get real chrome bumpers its going to be night and day difference...