Buy Mercedes-Benz E550 Bumper Covers

Below is a practical, reader-friendly guide about the Mercedes-Benz E550 bumper cover-also called the bumper fascia, bumper skin, front valance, or front bumper shell. It explains where the part fits, what it's made of, how to install and care for it, and answers the questions drivers most often ask.

Fit & Years

The E550 badge appeared on three E-Class generations:

• W211 sedan (2007-2009 facelift)-first U.S. cars to use the E550 name. (Edmunds)
• W212 sedan (2010-2013) and 4MATIC variants-received a new twin-turbo V-8 in 2012. (MotorTrend)
• C207/A207 coupe & cabrio (2010-2017)-shared most front-end sheet-metal with the sedan but use different bumper mounting tabs.
  Because each chassis mounts lights, grilles, and parking sensors differently, always match the bumper cover to the exact body code and trim (Sport, Luxury, or AMG styling). The VIN and build sheet list the right chassis code.

Construction

Modern E-Class bumper skins use injection-molded polypropylene (PP) or PP-EPDM blends. The plastic is light, flexible, and rebounds after low-speed hits. (ScienceDirect) It clips over an aluminum or steel beam and an inner foam absorber. This outer shell mainly shapes airflow and hides safety parts; the metal beam behind it handles crash energy. (Wikipedia)

Key Features

• Aerodynamics & cooling - Large center and side intakes channel air to radiators and brakes, trimming drag at highway speed.
• Sensor pockets - Pre-cut holes hold PARKTRONIC ultrasonic sensors and, on some cars, a long-range radar for DISTRONIC® adaptive cruise tucked behind the Star or lower grille. (W220 Wiki)
• Mounting points - Torx screws along the fender liners, push-pin rivets underneath, and tabs along the upper slam panel secure the cover. A few hidden 8 mm bolts sit behind the wheel-well splash shields. (YouTube)
• Tow-hook door - A removable plastic flap lets you thread in the factory tie-down eye.

Common Damage

Low-speed bumps often leave scratches, scuffs, and spider-cracks in the paint or plastic. (Reddit) Deeper hits may tear mounting tabs or break sensor brackets, but the underlying beam usually survives impacts under 5 mph thanks to U.S. bumper rules. (eCFR)

DIY Removal

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable (safety for parking-sensor circuits).
2. Remove 3-4 Torx screws in each fender liner.
3. Unclip the lower splash shield and under-tray pins.
4. Undo the top screws along the hood latch support.
5. Slide the cover forward a few inches, then unplug fog lights and sensor harnesses.
6. Lift the fascia away-best with two people to avoid flexing the paint.
   A step-by-step video for the 2006-09 sedan shows the process clearly. (YouTube)

Paint & Finish

New covers arrive in raw PP or in a light gray primed finish that must be scuffed, cleaned with plastic prep, and sprayed with flexible urethane primer before color. A short tutorial covers sanding, adhesion-promoter, base-coat, and clear-coat steps. (YouTube)
Tip: The three-digit Mercedes paint code sits on the driver-door B-pillar sticker. (MB World)

Care & Cleaning

Wash with pH-neutral soap; avoid harsh solvents that dry out the clear coat. Wait 60-90 days before waxing fresh paint so solvents can escape. Regular washing and a coat of polymer sealant protect the finish from bug acids, road salt, and UV. A basic exterior-care checklist is available from the Car Care Council. CarCare.org maintenance guide

Rules & Safety

In the U.S., passenger-car bumpers must withstand 2.5 mph corner hits and 5 mph direct hits without letting safety parts be damaged, per 49 CFR Part 581. See the regulation text . Europe follows UN-ECE Reg 42 with similar limits. (Wikipedia)

Environment

Automotive PP can be ground, cleaned, and remolded into new fascias or wheel-well liners, keeping roughly one billion pounds of bumper plastic out of landfills each year. (US EPA) The U.S. EPA promotes "extended product responsibility" programs that turn end-of-life bumper skins into raw polymer for new parts.

Upgrades

• AMG-style covers add larger air intakes and lip spoilers that improve airflow and refresh the car's look.
• Front splitters or carbon lips bolt to the lower edge but may reduce road-clearance by 1-2 inches.
• Clear paint-protection film (PPF) guards against rock chips without altering color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a W212 bumper fit my older W211 E550?
A: No-mounting tabs, grille shape, and headlamp contour changed with the 2010 body update. Match the chassis code. (Edmunds)

Q: Is the bumper cover a structural safety part?
A: The plastic shell itself is not; the steel or aluminum beam and the energy absorber behind it manage crash forces. The skin mainly guides air and holds trim. (Wikipedia)

Q: What plastic is it made from?
A: Mostly polypropylene blended for impact strength and cold-weather flexibility. (ScienceDirect)

Q: Can I reuse my old parking sensors?
A: Yes, gently twist them out of the old fascia and snap them into the new one; be careful not to mix up left- and right-side angle brackets needed for proper aiming. (YouTube)

Q: How do I find my paint code?
A: Open the driver door; the three-digit code sits on the tire-pressure sticker (for example, 775 for Iridium Silver). (MB World)

Q: Do I need special primer?
A: Use an adhesion promoter made for PP plastics before regular primer to prevent peeling. (YouTube)

Q: Is waxing safe on freshly painted parts?
A: Wait about two months so the clear coat fully cures, then use a non-abrasive wax.

Q: What torque spec applies to the metal reinforcement bolts?
A: 25 N·m (18 lb-ft) on W211/W212 E-Class per the Mercedes workshop manual.

Q: Why does my adaptive cruise stop working after a bumper replacement?
A: The radar sensor must be re-aligned with a calibration target after any fascia change; a dealership or shop with a radar alignment rig will do this. (W220 Wiki)

Q: Are aftermarket "sport" bumper skins legal?
A: Yes, as long as they do not move crash beams, block airbags, or protrude sharp edges; they must still meet bumper-height rules in your state. Check local regulations.

By understanding how the E550 bumper fascia works, you can choose the right replacement, install it correctly, keep it looking sharp, and even recycle the old one-all while staying compliant with safety rules.