Quality & Fit on Front aftermarket Bumper Cover [Archive]

Ron

03-09-2011, 01:59 PM

I'm considering purchasing an aftermarket Bumper Cover.
Were you happy w/ the fit & quality ??

Bobmiddle

03-09-2011, 04:42 PM

I have no experience with aftermarket mm bumpers. But I manage a body shop and would say stay away from after market because of fitment issues.

FordNut

03-09-2011, 05:00 PM

I have used one, it is fine. The only thing that needs special attention is the little bit of excess material (flash?) that comes out of the seams of the mold needs to be sanded. It's only up next to the corner by the fenderwell and marker lights.

sanco

03-09-2011, 05:28 PM

i just ordered mine a couple of days ago, i am also getting it painted by the seller, so stay tuned and i will let you know how it turns out

guspech750

03-09-2011, 05:51 PM

i just ordered mine a couple of days ago, i am also getting it painted by the seller, so stay tuned and i will let you know how it turns out

Are you putting it on the front of your BMW? :)

Sent from my iPhone
Go White Sox!!!

sanco

03-09-2011, 11:00 PM

Are you putting it on the front of your BMW? :)

Sent from my iPhone
Go White Sox!!!

HAHA SMARTASS!!! Lol why yes, yes I am :D

Mercguy04

03-10-2011, 08:58 AM

What the does this look like, and is it make in the USA?

Ron

03-10-2011, 09:22 AM

What the does this look like, and is it make in the USA?

I was learning towards Carmen Lincoln Mercury a large dealership to do the repair due to the factory parts, they tell me they can get a OEM cover. List is $1384.00

I know the local body shop & their estimate was about same $$$ to do the repair. I like the more personable relationship.

They turned me on to a company called Keystone (www.orderkeystone.com) their telling me it is aftermarket & is a direct fit ??
They have 3 in a warehouse in Pennsauken about 30 miles away. I'm taking a ride to look @ the cover today, their list is $975.00. I told them I was w/ the body shop & quoted me I think was $535.00.

We'll see.

kariamack

03-10-2011, 10:09 AM

Take some pics of the bumper including fog light mounts

rayjay

03-10-2011, 10:47 AM

I'm curious if the OEMs are still available? If so they probably won't be for long. I know GEICO was not happy when they had to use OEM parts to repair mine after I hit a Giant Horned Forest Rat several years ago. Dopes had no idea what a Marauder was and that they couldn't interchange parts with a GM.

BODYMAN

03-10-2011, 10:59 AM

I have used one in my Body Shop (Ins Made us) we were able to make it fit fair after quite some time. But I noticed around fog lamp openings it was pretty poor quality. A good bodyman can get one to fit fair. As for were there made it is ussually China or Korea most all of Keystones parts are made in one of those places.

FordNut

03-10-2011, 05:35 PM

I got one on ebay for $389 plus about $80-90 for shipping. With it on the car, nobody has ever noticed it wasn't OEM.

kariamack

03-10-2011, 06:20 PM

I've. Seen one that only has 2 holes drilled for the fog lights to be mounted instead of 4

Ron

03-12-2011, 07:57 AM

Take some pics of the bumper including fog light mounts

I picked up the cover, I'll unpackage it & take photos. If you could PM me your email as I'm not sure how to post the photos here. I may need your help to post pics on this thread.

The car goes to the shop on Monday, I told the shop if they didn't like the fit & quality that I'll pursue an OEM Cover.

Keystone stated I could return it any time If I was not satisfied w/ it.

Ron

03-15-2011, 05:10 PM

After unpacking the aftermarket front cover, I am pretty satisfied in the quality, although it is made in Taiwan.

The only deference is that the OEM cover is a little thicker & more flexible.

I took the cover to my body shop, they had the OEM cover already removed & tried the aftermarket for fit. It fit just fine w/ no issues.

When I was first shopping for a cover a met a Gentleman that owned a few junk yards, he said he could get me a new aftermarket cover for $100.00.
I shied away thinking what would I be getting for the money ???
How many companies out they are making the bumper cover ??? and does the quality vary???

Anyhow what is an American Consumer to do, I saved over $800.00.

I have photos, I need help posting them here, send me a pm if you want to see them.

BigCars4Ever

03-16-2011, 06:24 PM

I got one on ebay for $389 plus about $80-90 for shipping. With it on the car, nobody has ever noticed it wasn't OEM.

How can they see it through all of the tire smoke????

LilCop2002

03-16-2011, 06:33 PM

After unpacking the aftermarket front cover, I am pretty satisfied in the quality, although it is made in Taiwan.

The only deference is that the OEM cover is a little thicker & more flexible.

I took the cover to my body shop, they had the OEM cover already removed & tried the aftermarket for fit. It fit just fine w/ no issues.

When I was first shopping for a cover a met a Gentleman that owned a few junk yards, he said he could get me a new aftermarket cover for $100.00.
I shied away thinking what would I be getting for the money ???
How many companies out they are making the bumper cover ??? and does the quality vary???

Anyhow what is an American Consumer to do, I saved over $800.00.

I have photos, I need help posting them here, send me a pm if you want to see them.

PM Sent about posting your pics.