PSA: the CX-5 body panels are super fragile!

[danieljw]

I was reversing out of my narrow driveway this afternoon and barely clipped a snowbank on the driver's side when turning the car. Upon later inspection I found a cracked front body panel just below the fog light. When I was looking at how to try to mend it I noticed how thin and fragile the panel seemed, like very thin metal/plastic. The cold weather probably didn't help it be less brittle, either. In any case, I'll probably tape it up until the snow melts before looking into a proper repair. But hey, don't be a dummy like me. Try not to hit stuff!

Looking at this document, it looks like it might be possible to replace the bumper myself, assuming I can reuse all the clips and screws. What do you guys think? Either way, looks like it will be an expensive oops.

 

[mentalcase]

Is the bumper actually cracked or could it just be the paint? I took delivery on a Mazda 3 back in July 2007 and ran my bumper over a snow mound only a week into ownership. The paint basically spidered and I was going to completely replace the bumper, but decided to just buff the paint out as much as possible.

In the end I barely noticed. If the bumper actually cracked though that's a completely different story.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

Definitely got to be careful of those snowbanks and piles. Most often they are highly compacted or solid ice, which obviously will do damage either way. We have a decent amount of overhang with the front chin, so that doesn't help either. The black plastic WILL scratch as well. It's not rubber as some assume.

Replacing the bumper is simply the matter of clips and screws that one person can do with ease. Could use an extra pair of hands to pull it though. A new bumper could reach nearly $1000 from OEM painted, but of course that guarantees a pristine matching bumper. Whether it needs replacing or not, it's up to you.

 

[danieljw]

Is the bumper actually cracked or could it just be the paint?

Unfortunately, it's most certainly cracked through. Clean break, as they say! I must have hit the snow just right in order to snap/pull the panel away.

 

[ErgoZoom]

Wait.. since when are bumpers and body panels the same thing???

 

[danieljw]

Wait.. since when are bumpers and body panels the same thing???

In this case, the whole front of the car is pretty much all one piece, aside from the mud guard underneath. Sorry if I was confusing before.

 

[xtrailman]

Get it plastic welded.

 

[Surfsup]

Unfortunately, it's most certainly cracked through. Clean break, as they say! I must have hit the snow just right in order to snap/pull the panel away.

Hmmm, thin 1/8" thick plastic vs 3300lbs of metal ...

 

[tibimakai]

I would plastic weld it too.

 

[danieljw]

I would plastic weld it too.

Like J-B, or something else?

 

[halfast3]

Quality auto body repair shops will have the technology for plastic repair. It's not difficult, just a bit time consuming. Suggest you take the car to a few for repair estimates. You may be able to save some $$$ by just taking them the bumper panel and doing the R&I yourself.

Also, if you have an auto auction in your area, check it out. They often attract independent repair specialists who perform repairs on site for the dealers who buy there. Good luck.

 

[danieljw]

Nice to know all of this, thanks!

Quality auto body repair shops will have the technology for plastic repair. It's not difficult, just a bit time consuming. Suggest you take the car to a few for repair estimates. You may be able to save some $$$ by just taking them the bumper panel and doing the R&I yourself.

Also, if you have an auto auction in your area, check it out. They often attract independent repair specialists who perform repairs on site for the dealers who buy there. Good luck.

 

[VanguardX]

I bumped into so much ice this winter while parking and the plastic body panels are still pristine lol.

 

[danieljw]

I bumped into so much ice this winter while parking and the plastic body panels are still pristine lol.

Incredibly helpful, thank you!