Used A4 S-line Front Bumper

[inexorable_end]

I bought a black B7 A4 a few months ago and so far it's been great. Except, somehow the front bumper got damaged and is now half-dangling and needs to be replaced.

I've been thinking about taking this opportunity to upgrade to the S-Line bumper, which looks much sportier. I've researched the parts list on various blogs and forums and I think I understand what I'd need to accomplish this. However, my body shop hasn't done the conversion before and isn't a great resource for information.

I found someone advertising a used OEM setup with everything I'd need to do the conversion (bumper, grill, washers, etc.) for significantly cheaper than even just a new OEM bumper would be.

Would it be a good idea to get a used setup instead of new parts? Does anyone have experience with used parts, body parts in particular? What would I need to look out for if I wanted to look into a used bumper setup? Any other advice for this project? Thanks!

[mpv314]

Definitely get used if it looks good. its not like this is a suspension setup. If that guy has the setup you're looking for, I say jump on it

[Axis]

Make sure the two plastic part at each end where you screw the 10mm nut are not broken/plastic welded.

[617 Bones]

S-line vs non S-line bumpers should connect the same way. If they've done any bodywork to a B7 A4 before, this shouldn't be a problem.
In any case, if you have the parts and just need to do the swap you could probably get this done in your driveway in an hour or so.
I'm local and have the tools needed if you need a hand

[dalmation53]

Make sure the two plastic part at each end where you screw the 10mm nut are not broken/plastic welded.

wait so if they have been plastic welded you can't take off the bumper right? because mine is broken and i need to weld mine but needto do my timing belt soon.

[inexorable_end]

Thanks a ton for the advice, all! I think I'm going to try and go down the used route -- fingers crossed. 617 Bones, thanks a ton for the offer! I do have to get it painted and a few other things checked out, so I think I'll do it through my insurance's local body shop (Susie's in Dorchester), but I really appreciate the offer.

[617 Bones]

wait so if they have been plastic welded you can't take off the bumper right? because mine is broken and i need to weld mine but needto do my timing belt soon.

Axis, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Axis means that if you're buying used, the connection points are where you want to check before paying.
This is a picture from the inside wheel well (borrowed from Fly300kts)


The threaded part should be part of the bumper. Check to make sure they aren't damaged. It doesn't mean that a bumper that's been repaired using plastic weld is "bad", but to ensure OEM fitment, unaltered/undamaged would be best.

And no one should be plastic welding the bumper to the actual fender! If you did that, you'd never be able to take the bumper off ever again.

[eyesolution]

That's correct ^^ the sline bumper bolts up just the same as the non sline. Nothing special about it. Remember your grille will not fit anymore!


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[Axis]

Axis, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Axis means that if you're buying used, the connection points are where you want to check before paying.
This is a picture from the inside wheel well (borrowed from Fly300kts)

The threaded part should be part of the bumper. Check to make sure they aren't damaged. It doesn't mean that a bumper that's been repaired using plastic weld is "bad", but to ensure OEM fitment, unaltered/undamaged would be best.

And no one should be plastic welding the bumper to the actual fender! If you did that, you'd never be able to take the bumper off ever again.

That's exactly what I meant, maybe I wasnt clear enought :( Wanted to take a picture of the bracket of the S5 bumper I have in my dining room but they're not made the same way.

I've seen a bumper that had the bracket with the two 10mm plastic welded to the bumper and the fitment was off.