The MINI was in a minor accident. Driver behind was reaching for something on the other side of the car and let off the break. Result is a nice dimple and bumper rub on my just washed and waxed MINI. (Side note: nothing looks better than a Blk/Blk MINI just waxed). Of course their going to cover it. The question is should I just let a body shop repair the dent and re-shoot the paint or should I push for a replaced bumper cover. The dealer has already looked it over and determined there is nothing wrong beyond the cosmetic blemish. So do I play the "nice guy" and let them go the cheaper route or do I try and get a replacement?

 

Honestly i don't know how a shop could repair a real dent in the plastic that will last - as far as I know from prior experiences with the plastic bumper covers and repairs a good shop will replace it since the dented plastic is deformed permanently and any filler will just come out or easily show damage if any impact. Check with a really good bodyshop and see what they say though (and see if they warranty their work).

 

^^ as above, a filled plastic bumper tend to crack easily.

i'd get a new bumper.

 

New bumper.

No reputable shop will offer to repair a damaged Plastic or urethane bumper.

 

I 2nd the last post. I had the same thing happen to me, different circumstance (half my fault, parking lot.) Bumper covers are not that expensive. Talk to your dealer and find out who paints and installs aero kits, and if your insurance company says it's a good company go for it! Lots of post-aero kit rear bumper covers lying around gathering dust, just match the paint and reinstall, using your current black grille work. That's what the shop did for me, got me a brand new CR bumper cover off an aero kit install, repainted it anyway, and reinstalled, good as new! Jimbo

 

Thanks for the input. I've not delt with dents in a plastic bumper before so I didn't know that filler wouldn't hold well. Although, I was thinking of trying for the replacement just because I would always know that filler was used. Thanks again!