A question about "bumper shocks".

I recently had a small impact with my 09 Cooper S. I was looking for a building as I waited at a stop sign at an interstate off ramp. Apparently it was on a slight decline because my Mini rolled into a trailer hitch on a pickup as I was rubbernecking for the building (with no foot on the brake as well, strangely).

Ouch.

Small laceration to my bumper cover, which I am getting repaired. I took the bumper cover off tonight to take to the body shop, and saw the "bumper carrier" had a small dent in it. I am contemplating replacing it ($298.00) also while I have it all opened up.

As I was on Pelican Parts looking for the carrier info and price, I saw this note: "Playing a little bumper tag? Your 'impact' bumpers may have been enough to absorb any cosmetic damage, but the (one-time use) shocks that operate beneath them are now spent. Replace them with new ones to restore the proper functionality of your bumpers and protect the safety of your passengers."

Am I reading that right? Do I need to replace my "bumper shocks" as well?

Anybody with any insight on this?

Thank you

 

Are you talking about the rear or front bumper? The bumper shocks typically collapse at much higher speeds so if you just rolled I think you should be fine. Just be sure to inspect everything and make sure nothing looks like it has collapsed.

 

There are no bumper shocks on the MINI like in other manufacturers, have little shocks and springs integrated. They have crash bars and crash tubes that take the impact. If your bumper crash bar " Carrier " is damaged it will need replaced. If its get to the crash tube if its bent " " Mount for bracket, bumper, left or right "

Then there is a foam insert for those under 5 mph hits , most of the time this is the thing that crumbles.

See diagram:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_6221

 

Thank you both for your input. It sounds like it was just a case of a general recommendation being placed in the parts website in a place where it didn't specifically apply to that part.

The damage to the carrier was minor, it didn't come even relatively close to getting to the "other side" where it would gave a chance to get close to the radiator. I think I'm good.

Thanks again.

 

You are welcome. Sounds like you lucked out it did not bend into the condensor / radiator.