Buy BMW 328i Bumper Covers

Modern BMW 328i bumper covers-also called the front fascia, bumper skin, or outer shell-do more than just look good. They form the first line of defense in low-speed bumps, channel air to the radiator, hold fog-lamp grilles and parking-sensor rings, and give the car its signature 3-Series style across four generations (E36, E46, E90/E91/E92/E93, and F30). Most covers are molded from flexible polypropylene or PC/ABS plastics that spring back after a 5 mph tap yet weigh less than 12 lb, helping fuel economy.

What It Does

A bumper cover is the painted plastic panel you see; the real impact work is handled by a hidden reinforcement bar and foam absorber behind it. The cover smooths airflow, reduces pedestrian leg injuries, and provides mounting spots for headlight-washers and tow-hook caps. (Fender Bender, mechanics.stackexchange.com)

Materials

Most 328i covers use thermoplastic polypropylene or PC/ABS blends that flex instead of cracking. These plastics bond well with primer and resist UV rays for 10 + years when properly painted. (Amazon, Wikipedia)

Fit Years

• E36 (1996-1998) - slim skin with separate lower valance.
• E46 (1999-2006) - integrated fog-lamp bezels; two versions for sedan/wagon vs. coupe.
• E90-E93 (2007-2013) - larger kidneys, eight T30 screws across the top edge. (E90Post, M3Post)
• F30 (2012-2016) - wider grille, optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensor rings; inner PDC holes are larger than outer ones. (Bimmerpost, BimmerWorld)

Design Details

Vent grilles snap into pre-molded slots; fog-lamp doors twist-lock in seconds. A pop-out tow-hook cap hides the threaded recovery point. Front covers average 74 in long, 22 in wide, and ship primed in gray so painters can match Alpine White or Jet Black easily. (bumpersthatdeliver.com)

Safety Tech

Parking sensors, adaptive-cruise radar, and even blind-spot radars sit just behind the plastic. BMW warns that extra paint or body filler in those spots can block signals, so keep film build under 120 µm. (I-CAR Tech Support Portal)

Legal Rules

U.S. cars must withstand 2.5 mph front and rear hits with no safety-system damage under FMVSS 581. (, NHTSA)

Installation Steps

1. Disconnect negative battery cable (air-bag safety).
2. Remove eight T30 top screws and two 10 mm side bolts. (E90Post)
3. Release lower push-pins.
4. Slide cover forward; unplug fog lamps and PDC harness.
5. Transfer grills, marker lights, and impact-absorber foam to the new shell. A detailed video guide for 2009-2013 sedans shows every clip. (YouTube)

Paint Prep

Wash with soap, scuff with gray Scotch-Brite, wipe with isopropyl, apply plastic adhesion promoter, prime, sand 600-grit, base-coat, and clear-coat. This short how-to video covers the full prep.

Care Tips

Wax the painted fascia twice a year, clear leaves from the lower mesh to keep air flow, and fix rock chips early to stop plastic creep. If a PDC sensor feels loose, reglue its inner mount before it falls out. (Bimmerpost)

Recycling

Cracked covers are 100 % recyclable; programs now shred and pelletize PP skins for reuse in new parts. An industry pilot diverted over 50,000 covers in 2024 alone. (Recycling Today)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between a bumper and a bumper cover?
A: The bumper is the metal or composite beam that absorbs energy; the cover is the plastic shell that you see. (CarParts.com)

Q: Will a 2014 cover fit my 2012 F30?
A: Yes-F30 sedan covers interchange 2012-2016 if sensor and trim options match. (Bimmerpost)

Q: Can I reuse my fog lights?
A: Yes, swap the brackets and bulbs; screw patterns are identical. (bumpersthatdeliver.com)

Q: Do I need special screws?
A: Use factory T30 Torx screws with captive washers on the top edge. (E90Post)

Q: How thick can the paint be over radar sensors?
A: Keep total build below 120 microns; extra filler can block radar. (I-CAR Tech Support Portal)

Q: Is it okay to drive without the cover for a while?
A: No-the reinforcement bar and wiring are exposed to rust and debris.

Q: Can a cracked cover pass inspection?
A: Cosmetic cracks usually pass, but holes near lights or sensors may fail safety checks.

Q: Why are inner PDC holes larger?
A: They use different clip rings to angle the sensors toward the road centerline. (Bimmerpost)

Q: Does the cover help with aerodynamics?
A: Yes-the smooth shell lowers drag compared with the bare beam. (Wikipedia)

Q: Are bumper covers recyclable?
A: Yes, most are polypropylene and can be ground and reused. (Recycling Today)

Q: How do I find the paint code?
A: Check the driver-side door jamb sticker; BMW lists colour under "Paint."

Q: What law protects the bumper?
A: FMVSS 581 sets U.S. impact standards. (eCFR)