Buy Scion iM Bumper Covers

Quick Summary

A bumper cover-also called a bumper skin or bumper fascia-is the molded plastic shell you see at the front or back of a car. On the 2016-2018 Scion iM (later renamed Toyota Corolla iM), the cover hides the metal bumper beam, helps manage crash energy at low speeds, and gives the hatchback its smooth style. It is usually made of flexible polypropylene, arrives un-painted, and must meet U.S. bumper rules that limit damage in 2.5 mph impacts. Replacing one is a bolt-on job that most do-it-yourself owners can finish with basic hand tools, though color-matching paint work is best left to a body shop or an experienced DIY painter. Typical costs run from about $300 for a small scuff repair to $1,000 + for a fully painted replacement, depending on labor rates and hidden damage. (Polyvance, Valley Collision UT, YouTube)

Part Basics

• Vehicle fit: Works with 2016 Scion iM and 2017-2018 Corolla iM models that share the same 170.5-inch body. (Edmunds)
• Material: Most covers use polypropylene or TPO plastic; it bends without cracking and can be plastic-welded if torn. (Polyvance, Polyvance)
• Job of the cover:
  • Adds style and directs airflow.
  • Shields headlights, grille, and sheet metal from parking scrapes.
  • Houses license lights, fog lamps, and parking sensors when equipped. (Wikipedia)

Safety Role

The iM earned top "Good" crash scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, thanks in part to energy-absorbing front and rear modules behind the cover. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Legal Standards

• U.S. bumper law (49 CFR Part 581) says the cover and beam must survive 1.5-2.5 mph pendulum and barrier hits with only small, easy-to-fix damage. (eCFR, NHTSA)
• NHTSA also limits bumper height to 20 inches on passenger cars to keep impacts lined up. (NHTSA)

Common Features

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Installation Steps

1. Unclip fasteners along the wheel-well liner and lower splash shield. (YouTube)
2. Remove top radiator-cover screws.
3. Slide cover forward, unplugging fog-light or sensor wires.
4. Swap parts (grille, emblems, lamps) to the new skin.
5. Test-fit, then bolt up. Aim for even gaps all around.

Tip: Lay the painted cover face-down on clean cardboard to avoid scratches during assembly.

Paint & Finish

Professional shops scuff, clean with plastic prep, spray primer-sealer, basecoat, then clear. Wetsanding between coats gives a factory shine. (Popular Mechanics, YouTube)
DIY painters need good light, patience, and several thin coats to avoid runs. (Family Handyman)

Upkeep Tips

• Wash by hand-high-pressure wands can force water behind the fascia.
• Wax every 3 months to protect clearcoat.
• Touch up chips early to stop peeling. (Family Handyman, Popular Mechanics)

Costs & Insurance

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Troubleshooting

• Loose corner: Check broken clips or missing screws in the fender liner.
• Parking sensor error: Dirt or paint clogging the bumper sensor port. Clean and retest. (Toyota Nation)
• Peeling paint: Improper surface prep; sand, prime, and repaint. (Popular Mechanics)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between a bumper cover and the bumper itself?
A: The cover is the thin plastic outer shell. The bumper is the hidden metal beam that absorbs energy in a crash. (Family Handyman)

Q: Will a Corolla iM cover fit my 2016 Scion iM?
A: Yes-Toyota kept the body panels the same when the name changed in 2017. (Edmunds)

Q: Does the cover come painted?
A: New covers ship in gray primer. They must be painted to match your VIN paint code. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: Can I drive without the cover?
A: Technically yes, but you expose wiring and lights to road debris and may violate local equipment laws. (Toyota Nation)

Q: What plastic is it made of?
A: Most Scion iM skins are stamped from polypropylene (PP), marked ">PP<" on the inside. (Polyvance)

Q: How long does a DIY swap take?
A: About 1-2 hours for removal and refit, plus extra time for painting. (YouTube)

Q: Do I need to replace foam and brackets after a small tap?
A: Inspect them; crushed foam or bent mounts should be replaced to keep the next impact safe. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Q: What prep steps stop paint from peeling later?
A: Clean with plastic prep, use adhesion promoter, spray even primer coats, allow full cure between layers. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: Are aftermarket covers legal?
A: They must let the car still meet the 2.5 mph bumper standard; quality varies, so verify fit and material. (eCFR)

All facts are sourced from safety agencies, repair manuals, or well-regarded automotive publications to ensure accuracy.