Need Recs: Bumper 300E Benz, local repair (Charlotte, Huntersville: rental, home)

[anifani821]

Here's the problem. Took my old (but pristine) 300E Benz in for a car wash. When it came out, a piece front the left center of the skirt underneath the front bumper was missing! Upon pointing this out to the manager of the carwash, we located it on the floor of the carwash, in the middle, halfway through. He says not his fault. That's another debate for another day.

So I am trying to figure out what I need to replace. I am looking online and have called two local Benz dealerships and they keep telling me I would have to replace the entire bumper.

This is the skirt that goes underneath the bumper, same color as my car. I keep referring to it as a skirt and no one seems to get what I am talking about. Surely this is not one molded piece? I have looked online and when I try to find anything related to "bumper" it pulls up the rubber piece that fits into the front bumper.

Any suggestions? How do I find an exploded diagram that points out exactly what piece I am referring to? Or what is the right term for that "skirt" that goes underneath the front bumper?

Any ideas on who I can call here in Charlotte who can help me? Or a website? All help is appreciated.

[ctribucher]

What a bummer, ani, that your car was damaged in the car wash.

I don't know anything about local mechanics around here yet, so I don't have anyone to recommend.

Have you tried looking through your owner's manual to see what the name of the part is? Or maybe there's a picture of it in there?

[mullman]

Brothers Foreign Car Service (do not have number handy, in Matthews).

Goose Creek Autowerks: About Us | Goose Creek Auto Werks

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by mullman

Brothers Foreign Car Service (do not have number handy, in Matthews).

Goose Creek Autowerks: About Us | Goose Creek Auto Werks

Thank you, Mullman! I am sure glad you checked in on the forum. I am wondering if this "skirt" is called a valance or maybe - undershield.

At least I know if I go to these guys they will be able to tell me what the options are. Really appreciate it!!!!

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by ctribucher

What a bummer, ani, that your car was damaged in the car wash.

I don't know anything about local mechanics around here yet, so I don't have anyone to recommend.

Have you tried looking through your owner's manual to see what the name of the part is? Or maybe there's a picture of it in there?

Thanks, Ctri! Looking at manual but still can't figure this one out. Looks like I will need to make a trip to the guys that Mullman recommended and see what they say. My Benz is old, yes, but she only has 127,000 miles on her and anyone who has worked on her says she is good for at least another 100,000 miles. It distresses me terribly to have her messed up = kind of like a classy lady w/ dirty clothes on.

[ctribucher]

^^ Poor car. I hope Mullman's recommendation can help you.

It sounds like you are as attached to her as I am to my car. I had a rental in NJ over the weekend (it was a Mustang and it was soooo much fun!) but I felt like I had "cheated" on my own car when I got back. LOL

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by ctribucher

^^ Poor car. I hope Mullman's recommendation can help you.

It sounds like you are as attached to her as I am to my car. I had a rental in NJ over the weekend (it was a Mustang and it was soooo much fun!) but I felt like I had "cheated" on my own car when I got back. LOL

Hee Hee. Yes, I am very attached to this car. I bought her new and have had no problems at all - ever - w/this vehicle. Other than routine maintenance and replacing belts and some other rubber parts (and a relay switch - but that was a recall - so N/C) . . . the only "big" repair work has been replacing a water pump about 10 years ago. Now I think that is rather remarkable. How many people can say that about a vehicle that is 17 years old? Still drives like a dream. I started to trade her in - 1998 - but one of the mechanics took me aside and said - "Are you sure you want to do this? Your car is one of the most reliable Benzes out there." So I backed out.

[QC Misfit]

There is a place here in Huntersville that works on older Mercedes. I can't think of the name though. I'll drive by on the way home and let you know.

[anifani821]

Originally Posted by QC Misfit

There is a place here in Huntersville that works on older Mercedes. I can't think of the name though. I'll drive by on the way home and let you know.

Thank you, QCM! You are really kind to do that. I appreciate it. I know someone out there can help me and will do it at a good price. Once I figure out what the actual piece is called, I can even order a used or salvaged piece, but then of course, I will need someone to attach it. And if I find the right people who don't mind my ordering my own parts, etc . . . might just have some other deluxing done on the vehicle.

I am still fried about the way the guy at the carwash acted and of course, no call back from the regional manager. You know - even if they would just say - hey - we don't feel like we are responsible but be NICE about it - I would feel better. But the car has only been driven once in three weeks, LOL. And how I could damage it where one triangular piece just falls out - beyond my imagination. Something got caught on that underskirting and snapped the piece off. But again . . . proving that is a whole different thing.

Just for good customer relations, I would have said - hey - here are some free car washes or - SOMETHING!!! LOL . But that is just me.

[MJPost32]

Let me know how you make out..I have an old Benz too well 8-9 yrs. old and I think that thing will last for another 100,000 as well. I love it! We are having a problem with the air conditioning though and I would love to find a reasonable dealer that will fix it without it costing so much! Gosh to get my oil change the other day it was $80 at the dealership!