The rear bumper panel on My Smart Passion Coupe is taking quite a beating. Whenever I parallel park next to someone else, the bolts from their license plate frame tends to put indentations and scratches in my rear bumper panel -- the panel directly above the black lower section. The plastic panel doesn't offer any protection whatsoever.
I checked on the replacement part and for about $150, I can buy a whole new panel. On the schematic listing all of the panels, its part A451 647 0001. It looks like it goes in with four simple bolts.
Two questions.
Question One: Has anyone replaced their bumper panel and how hard was it to do it yourself?
Question Two: The young man at my Smart dealership suggested putting an "after market" bumper strip onto the panel that would act as a shock absorber so when you or someone behind you taps your bumper in the future, it doesn't cause the small dents, dings and indentations in the plastic.
All suggestions and ideas welcome!
Today
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