Buy BMW 335i Bumper Covers

Summary
A bumper cover-also called a fascia, bumper skin, or bumper shell-is the molded plastic body panel you see at the very front or rear of a BMW 335i. It gives the car its smooth shape, channels air, helps sensors work, and absorbs light bumps. Because it is made of tough plastics like polypropylene (PP) or ABS, the cover often survives hits that would crack metal parts. If it does get cracked or scraped, you can unbolt it and install a primed replacement that is ready for paint.

Overview

The BMW 335i bumper cover is a clip-on plastic panel that hides the steel impact beam underneath. It is shaped to match each body style:

• E90/E91 sedan & wagon (2007-2011 U.S.)
• E92 coupe (2007-2013)
• E93 convertible (2007-2013) (Bimmerforums.com)

BMW also offered M Sport and M3-style covers that swap in place of the standard part for a sportier look. Enthusiast forums note that coupe and sedan covers do not interchange because the headlights and hood lines differ (E90Post).

Compatibility & Fit

Model years

• Pre-facelift (pre-LCI) E90 335i bumpers fit 2006-2008 sedans; facelift (LCI) covers fit 2009-2011 sedans.
• Coupes and convertibles share the same front cover from 2007-2010; the 2011-2013 "335is" gets wider air inlets that still bolt to earlier coupes (E90Post).

Sensor & trim holes

Look at your current cover before ordering. Cars with PDC parking sensors need pre-drilled 18 mm holes; blank covers require drilling and a BMW sensor-mount kit (Bimmerpost). Head-lamp washer jets and tow-hook caps are also option-specific.

Key Functions

1. Impact cushioning. The plastic flexes to absorb low-speed hits before the energy reaches the steel reinforcement  (Wikipedia).
2. Aerodynamics. Openings guide cool air to the intercooler and brakes. Sport covers add a lower lip that reduces lift (E90Post).
3. Safety tech housing. Ultrasonic sensors, fog-lights, and adaptive cruise radars mount in factory pockets (Bimmerpost).
4. Style. The cover defines the "face" of the car, so minor scuffs can hurt resale value.

Materials

Most 335i covers are injection-molded polypropylene (PP) blended with rubber for impact strength and cold-weather flexibility (A&C Plastics). Some reinforcement tabs use ABS plastic, chosen for its rigidity and paintability (Wikipedia). Lab tests show filled PP survives repeated 4 km/h impacts with only minor dents (ScienceDirect).

Regulations & Tests

• U.S. bumper rule. 49 CFR Part 581 requires passenger-car bumpers to resist 2.5 mph front and rear impacts with minimal damage (full text) (eCFR).
• IIHS low-speed crash series. Four barrier tests check how well the cover, brackets, and lamps survive 6 mph hits (protocol PDF) (IIHS HLDI).

Common Damage Signs

• Spider-web cracks or splits at the corners
• Popped clips under the fender liner
• Sensors that beep constantly (often water in cracked mounts)
• Paint scuffs that expose black plastic

Replacement Steps

A step-by-step video shows the whole job takes about 45 minutes with basic Torx bits (YouTube). BMW's service manual lists these main steps (newTIS):

1. Remove six T30 screws along the hood latch.
2. Pop fender-liner clips and two lower 8 mm bolts.
3. Unplug fog-lights and PDC harness.
4. Slide the fascia forward and set it on cardboard.
5. Reverse steps to install the new cover, tightening side screws to 5 Nm.

Tip: have a helper hold each corner so paint does not drag.

Painting & Finish

Replacement covers come "primed." You or a body shop must add base-coat and clear-coat:

• Finding the color code. BMW prints a three-digit paint code on a sticker in the driver-door jamb or on the left strut tower (TouchUpDirect).
• DIY cost. A small scratch kit costs under $50, while a full respray of one cover at a body shop averages $275-$600 depending on color-match work (Fix Auto USA).
• Blend panels. Metallic paints may need blending into the fenders so the sparkle matches.

Upgrades & Styling

• M Sport swap. Enthusiast forums confirm M Sport covers bolt on and add a deeper lip and larger duct openings for cooler intercoolers (E90Post).
• Carbon-fiber rear diffuser. Many owners pair it with the stock rear cover for a sport look (E90Post).
• Front splitters and lips. Clip-on ABS or carbon lips protect the paint and boost downforce.
• Retro-fit PDC. Sensor kits stick inside blank covers with BMW brackets and double-sided tape (Bimmerpost).

Cost & Insurance

• Repair vs. replace. A new unpainted cover runs $100-$450, but labor and paint double the bill. Paintless dent repair can run $50-$200 for small dings (Fix Auto USA).
• Insurance coverage. Collision coverage pays when damage comes from an accident; comprehensive covers tree limbs or road debris (details) (Progressive).
• Warranty note. Factory bumper-to-bumper warranties last 4 years/50 k mi on many BMWs but do not pay for crash damage (J.D. Power).

Care & Maintenance

• Wash with pH-balanced soap; harsh chemicals dry out the clear-coat.
• Wax or apply ceramic spray twice a year to block UV rays.
• Touch up chips quickly so sun does not fade the primer.
• Check sensor seals after winter road-salt drives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the bumper cover made of?
A: Mostly polypropylene plastic mixed with rubber so it bends instead of denting (A&C Plastics).

Q: Does the front sedan bumper fit my coupe?
A: No. Coupes and sedans have different headlights and hood lines, so the covers do not swap (E90Post).

Q: Can I drive with a cracked cover?
A: Small cracks are not unsafe, but they let water reach sensors and rust the steel bar, so plan a repair soon (Wikipedia).

Q: Where do I find my BMW paint code?
A: Look on the VIN sticker inside the driver door or on the left shock tower; it's a three-digit number like "354" (TouchUpDirect).

Q: How much to paint a bumper cover?
A: Body shops quote $275-$600 for one cover, depending on color and blending (Fix Auto USA).

Q: Are bumper covers part of the federal crash test?
A: Yes. U.S. regulations require bumpers to pass a 2.5 mph impact test without major damage (eCFR).

Q: Do parking sensors add holes?
A: Yes. Covers for PDC have 18 mm holes molded in. Blank covers need drilling with the BMW jig and sensor mounts (Bimmerpost).

Q: What plastic is used besides polypropylene?
A: Brackets sometimes use ABS plastic for added stiffness (Wikipedia).

Q: Will insurance cover a scraped bumper?
A: If you carry collision (accidents) or comprehensive (non-crash damage), the policy can pay minus your deductible (Progressive).

Q: How long is the bumper covered under warranty?
A: The standard BMW bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts up to 4 years or 50,000 miles, but it excludes crash damage or normal wear (J.D. Power).

For deeper reading, you can explore the federal bumper standard, the IIHS crash-test protocol, or this polypropylene material guide. These resources offer more technical detail without diving into retailer listings.