Front Bumper Replacement

[QQQ]

I'm replacing my damaged front bumper and didn't see any how-to or caveats on it in my searches. My stock replacement bumper should be here on Monday. If anyone has done it, please drop me a message. I understand I need to remove the fenders to get to the front bumper as well. I need to remove one of the fenders to get it repainted anyway. Thanks in advance.

Edit: Would a moderator move this thread to Paint and Body? Thanks.

[QQQ]

Well, I have some pictures of the bumper removal. In order to remove the front bumper, you have to remove the quarter panels with it. It wasn't that difficult but there were alot of screws to contend with. I also purchased an ebay bumper. It's ok (see last picture for two issues) but I made two mistakes: 1) I purchased a prepainted bumper and 2) it cracked when I installed the passenger side marker lamp. Not sure if two was totally my fault because I installed the other side with no problem. I'm wondering if there was a fitment issue because it did seem a little tighter than the other side. As for the paint, it's crap. I was going to get it repainted but with the crack, I decided not to now. As for the two issues, one is for the screw to old the fender well cover and the other is for the temp sensor. In my opinion, both not a big deal at all. If I had to buy a new bumper on the cheap...very cheap, I would still consider this bumper. However, I'll probably look for a better one next time. I would rate this bumper as C+.

Here's the short version on the steps:

1. Remove fender well cover
2. Remove headlamp and side marker lamp
3. Disconnect temp sensor (near driver's foglamp)
4. Disconnect foglamp (leave lamp attached to bumper)
5. Remove screws for fender and bumper (leave 10 screws holding bumper and fender together, you remove them after they are off the car)
6. Remove three plastic pins on the underside of bumper (I had to rip these to shreds to get it out)

Follow reverse for installation. I also left out a several screws (see last picture) so I can remove the bumper without taking the fender off.

[SMG]

Those crappy eBay bumpers aren't even worthy of getting painted. Do it right the first time.