dougm213

Well, I damaged the back right rear corner of my '14 GS 350 w park assist. A couple of scraps and minor deforming. I found on Sewell parts I can get a finished replacement for $820 including shipping. A nice $330 discount from in-store thanks to the CL discount.

How difficult is it to replace just the bumper DIY? Anything tricky or just screws and clips? And has anyone had experience with the color matching of the Sewell parts with the factory finish (liquid platinum)? Anyone have a link to the removal diagram? Earlier this year someone posted removing the front bumper cowling.

Rather avoid paying a shop to put it on if it is easy.

yardie876

Sorry to hear... Post up some pics. Maybe you can sand down and pop out the dent.
Aside from placing the parking assist sensors in and carefully removing the BSM sensors before taking the bumper fully off (if so equipped) it's a fairly straight forward process.

ItzFilyO

There should be 2 screws inside the wheel well next to the rear wheels and some clips under the bumper and then u can just pry it off slowly I believe.

Afrosheen

Why not just claim it on insurance? If your deductible is 500 bucks, let them eat it and get it replaced at the dealer. No worries and cheaper.

dougm213

Don't think it can be repaired. $1000 deductible. Some other paint scrap off to black base.

dchar

That's actually not that bad. I think that definitely can be repaired at a reputable body shop. More likely to have it match because they'll blend the bumper with the rear fenders. Having a bumper painted without matching might be noticeable. I was told once that silver is the hardest to get right, so I find it hard to believe if the pre-painted bumper will match.

mesomike

Not to get off topic, but seriously how can you roll around with that dealership decal on your car?

SW17LS

I was about to say the same thing. That's hideous!

As for the bumper, normally I would agree that the prepainted one from Sewell would not match. BUT...ItsFilyO replaced his front one on his LP GS with the Sewell pre-painted bumper and it matched great. I was very surprised.

Search for "Sewell Bumper" in this forum and it will come up, he posted lots of pics. I'd roll the dice on it.

ItzFilyO

I'm here!

This is the new bumper, can u spot the difference?



How about now?



Now?

SW17LS

Did you do the removal and install yourself? How involved was it?

dougm213

I guess I am not as picky as you guys.

ItzFilyO

Yea I did and it isn't hard once u see where clips and screws are. The only pain is removing the add ons, like the fog light trim, the fog lights, grilles and the parking sensors. Just make sure u remember which part goes where and take pics first when in doubt!

Also the little wings on the bottom part of the bumper need to be tucked in before screwing it back on, they should be behind the splash guard, easy to miss that one.

TonyCarson

Wow you make me want to order one from Sewell so I don't have to look at rock chips and other scuffs! Looks great!

dougm213

Went for an estimate, got 2. One for repairing the existing bumper (will heat and reform the dents) - $900'. Other a new rear bumper- $1200. For me to order from Sewell and install - $820. Although unlikely it is possible some parts underneath the cover could be damaged. Deductible is $1000.

Thoughts?

SW17LS

I wouldn't have them repair/reform the existing bumper. I've never seen that done to my satisfaction with damage as extensive as that, there is always a wave or some evidence that the damage was there. To me its a decision between the Sewell bumper and the shop painting a new bumper cover.

The pro of the Sewell bumper is that its cheaper, and that it doesn't involve being without your car. Negative is that if it doesn't match to your satisfaction, you're hosed as I don't think Sewell will take it back.

The shop's job may also not match the first time, but the benefit there is that you can have them do it over and over until its right. I wouldn't file a claim to save $200, so to me its cash either way.

Thats a tough one. I've done some other Googling about Sewell bumpers and everybody seems happy...but I know I am very picky.

If I could return the Sewell bumper, even with a restocking fee I'd give that a shot for sure.