Buy Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bumper Covers

Overview

A bumper cover-also called a bumper skin, fascia, or bumper shell-is the molded plastic panel that you see at the very front or rear of a vehicle. On the Mercedes-Benz ML350, the cover hides the metal impact beam, holds trim like fog-light bezels, and helps direct airflow to the radiators and brakes. It is designed to flex a little in low-speed bumps, then pop back into shape, keeping repair bills down and paint looking good.

Compatibility

• W163 (2003-2005) - First ML350 models. The cover's shape is boxier and uses large hex-head bolts behind the wheel-well liner.
• W164 (2006-2011) - Smoother design with slots for park-assist sensors and washer nozzles on upper trims.
• W166 (2012-2015) - More sculpted fascia, separate openings for LED daytime running lights, radar cruise unit, and head-lamp washer doors. After 2016 the ML became the GLE, so ML350 bumper covers do not fit the newer GLE without major work. (CarBuzz)

Key Features

1. Impact absorption - The flexible polypropylene plastic flexes and spreads energy.
2. Aerodynamics - Integrated air dams guide air under the SUV and cut drag.
3. Mounting points - Tabs along the grille opening, push-pin clips in the fender arch, and Torx screws in the splash shield.
4. Accessory ports - Cut-outs or punched "dimples" for parking sensors, tow-hook doors, head-light washers, and radar modules.

Materials & Finish

Most ML350 covers use PP+EPDM plastic. It resists cracks in hot or cold weather and is easy to prime and paint. Factory units come primed or already color-matched with UV-stable clear coat. Textured black lower valances are often a separate piece that snaps on.

Safety Role

In crash tests, the ML-Class earned "Good" marks, thanks in part to a strong front structure hidden behind the bumper cover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that 2016 GLE models (direct successors to the W166 ML350) achieve top ratings in moderate-overlap frontal impacts. (IIHS)

DIY Installation

Removing the fascia is mostly basic hand-tool work:

1. Turn the steering wheel to expose wheel-liner screws.
2. Pop plastic pins along the lower splash shield.
3. Unplug fog-light, sensor, and washer hoses.
4. With a helper, pull the cover forward to release the top clips.
   A detailed step-by-step with photos is posted on the MBWorld forum ("W166 Front Bumper Lower Chrome Valance Removal"). (MBWorld)

Painting Tips

• Clean with soap, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol.
• Scuff the surface with gray scuff pads.
• Prime using a plastic-adhesion promoter.
• Base-coat in thin, even passes; hold the can 8 inches away.
• Clear-coat within 15 minutes of the last color coat.
  Let the cover cure 24 hours before install to reduce fingerprints.

Cost Factors

Price varies with:

• Model year-W163 covers cost less because they lack sensor holes.
• Finish-Primed units are cheaper than pre-painted ones.
• Extra ports-Radar or Parktronic cut-outs add molding complexity.
• Trim add-ons-AMG skid plates, chrome strips, or brushed-aluminum guards raise the price.

Maintenance

Wash the fascia with pH-neutral soap. For scuffs, use plastic polish or a heat gun (set to low) to re-flow the outer layer. Touch-up chips promptly to stop rust on the metal reinforcement bar behind the skin.

Regulations

U.S. bumpers must meet the 49 CFR Part 581 low-speed impact rule, designed to limit damage in 2.5 mph pole hits. You can read the details in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. See the bumper standard.

Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a 2014 ML350 bumper cover bolt onto my 2010 ML350?
A: No. The 2010 is the W164 generation; its head-lamp and grille shapes differ from the 2014 W166.

Q: Can I install a bumper cover without park sensors on a vehicle that has Parktronic?
A: Yes, but you must drill precise 18 mm holes and transfer the rubber grommets so the sensors sit flush and level.

Q: Does the cover come painted?
A: Some arrive pre-painted in factory codes like 775U Iridium Silver, while "raw" versions ship only in primer. Check the listing details before ordering.

Q: What torque spec do the lower splash-shield bolts need?
A: Tighten the M6 Torx screws to about 10 Nm (hand-tight with a 1/4-inch ratchet).

Q: Why are there scratches under the tow-hook door?
A: The plastic door can flex when pulled; laying painter's tape around the opening before use helps prevent marring.

Q: Is the bumper cover part of the air-bag system?
A: Not directly, but radar units and collision sensors often mount behind it. If alignment is off, safety features may malfunction.

Q: Are aftermarket covers legal?
A: Yes, as long as they allow the vehicle to meet 49 CFR 581 impact requirements and do not block lights or sensors.

Q: How long does a driveway swap take?
A: Plan on 1½ hours for removal and 1 hour to reinstall, assuming no seized fasteners.

Q: Do I need special tools to reset parking sensors after replacement?
A: Usually no. Most sensors self-calibrate once the battery is reconnected, but check for stored fault codes with an OBD-II scanner if warnings stay on.

Q: Where can I see a photo guide?
A: MBWorld has a thread titled "Installing Front Bumper & Lower Engine Cover" with PDF instructions and clear pictures. (MBWorld)