Gen1 euro bumpers are still out there stateside, gen2, not so much. Only thing you can do is swap to a euro, but then you’ll have to shorten and graft the AMG spoiler on to the bumper. Not the easiest task. Good thing is that in black the length of the bumper not so pronounced as in a lighter color. The first thing I’d change are the awful US headlights though.

 

I should note I have a 1989, so that would be Gen 2..

I am not the biggest fan of the AMG lip, and it was damaged during shipping, so wouldn't mind losing it.

Can Gen 1 bumpers fit on Gen 2 cars easy (little/no modification)?

 

Gen1 bumper will be what you need to do. It's been done on here before many times.

 

Is aftermarket not recommended at all, from any manufacturer?

 

Nope .

Personally the Jay Leno chin look is quite attractive , I’d leave it alone

 

If you decide to lose the AMG lip, I would be interested.

 

If you can help me source a euro front bumper, I would entertain that!!

Also, are the 560 SEL / W126 euro front bumpers interchangeable with the 560 SEC / C126, or are they different?

 

How about this? Just missing the chrome: Mercedes-Benz 380 560SEC C126 1989 Front bumper 1268850801 1268800305 PUM18898 | eBay

 

How about this? Just missing the chrome: Mercedes-Benz 380 560SEC C126 1989 Front bumper 1268850801 1268800305 PUM18898 | eBay

I plan to black out all chrome, shouldn't be an issue...

However, it looks very odd with the grille slats, almost like it is damaged, you could fit an egg through the middle, whats up with that?

 

For comparision, this is a euro bumper my guy in Germany sent me a pictur of when he had one for sale, but I missed it, sold it within 3 days...

 

81-85 Mercedes W126 GEN 1 Coupe Front Euro Bumper 380SEC 500SEC | eBay

It will fit and work for the later Gen 2 (86-91) cars as well. It is complete and rust free. The paint on the plastic section has many scratches but no cuts or tear. International; Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico could be considered international.

www.ebay.com

I did find that one, in USA as well, but it is about double the price. Also, it says it is "grey market, with federally mandated reinforcement bar" -- what is the difference between that an a standard euro bumper? Will that have a chin?

 

This one looks pretty good. Big ding in the chrome but after repair and blackout, it might be fine. And it has the tow hook door.

That one with the widely spaced slats is just broken. I'm not experienced with plastic repair so I can't say what it would take to fix that. I notice both bumpers are in San Jose. Interesting. Maybe contact the seller about specifically what you want?

That one with the reinforcement bar just looks like they added a heavy steel bar. It's still a euro, just stronger in the event of a collision. Mind you, I'm no expert, just sharing opinion after watching these things over the years.

 

Sounds good.

I will keep you posted, should have a response from a couple of sellers shortly,

Thanks for everyones help!

 

The sel bumpers don’t have the fog light holes that the sec does . If you want oem fog lights you need a sec bumper

 

I cut and sectioned my diving board bumpers to tuck them more than the euro ones.

 

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!


Those are modified US Spec bumpers?!?! Do you have a How-To or Build Thread on it?

Also, thanks for the tips on blacking out the chrome, the car is getting vinyl wrap on ALL chrome tomorrow, before the 25k audio system overhaul begins!

 

Send baronyoungman a lm. He might be able to help on the bumper

 

The rear bumper is pretty easy to section, not so one the front,

 

Ironically enough my USA rear bumper recently saved my Euro SEC from total destruction. The USA bumpers are super-strong compared to the Euro counterparts.

 

There is a seller in for sale section selling euro bumpers

 

Euro set available here: W126 related items for sale & wanted to buy