Removal of front bumper on my 2002 Allroad C5

[Hobartian]

I have just removed and replaced the front bumper on my 2002 Allroad C5 for the first time to allow me to remove the headlamp units for restoration.

I made hard work of the task but it will be much easier next time around as I now know the best way to access the the three bolts on each side that seem so inaccessible.

I noticed that these studs have plastic locating washers which in my case were mangled or missing. Are these important and can they be purchased?

I also found that one of two long bolts that run vertically and which are accessed at the top of the front air vents would not tighten and I assume the female thread on the car must be stripped. Now I have the car reassembled I don't know if this part can be replaced.

Other parts that I found to be missing were a rubber seal that fastens to the top of the headlamp unit and a long plastic trim that mounts vertically on each side of the air conditioning radiator to restrict side ways movement of air.
The rubber seal is available for purchase for about ninety dollars plus the cost of postage which just seems to be too much for me.

[4rings2turbos]

Lots of info here so I'll organize with bullets.

•bumper removal isn't required for headlight removal. Just for future reference.
•are you referring to the three nuts that hold the bottom outer sides of the bumper to the fender? Best way is to remove front wheels or at least turn them in opposite direction to the side being worked on then peel fender liner back and use about a 6-8" extension on a ratchet.
•look for a partout to find the washers you need, 3 per side is overkill so if you have a couple per side I don't think it will make any difference. (I think it would function without them altogether but I know I like to have all the appropriate nuts and bolts, etc)
•those bolts are finicky and can have trouble threading. It's an awkward location and they tend to catch on various objects before reaching the threads. Go back at it when you're feeling patient and rested with good lighting and look up there, make sure it's aligned correctly and the the bolt is reaching the threads. That bolt is probably near impossible to strip.
•headlight seals get crumbly after a while and you're right, quite pricey and not too many people replace them. As for the shrouds on either side of the radiator, again find a 2.7T or 30v 2.8L partout.

Good luck!

[Hobartian]

Thanks 4rings2turbos for your response.

Go back at it when you're feeling patient and rested with good lighting and look up there, make sure it's aligned correctly and the the bolt is reaching the threads.

You are right. After a night's rest and with a relaxed frame of mind difficult jobs become much easier!

[4rings2turbos]

Hope it all worked out/will work out for you!