
Whether a cracked BMW bumper needs to be repaired depends on the extent of the damage. It is recommended that the owner proceed with repairs. If the impact on the car's bumper is not severe and only very small cracks appear, a touch-up pen can be used for repair. If the bumper is severely impacted, it is advised that the owner opt for panel beating and repainting. Automotive panel beating is a technical method for repairing cars, referring to the restoration of the car body through panel beating techniques after a collision. As long as the car has suffered a very severe collision and the components on the car are seriously deformed, they can be repaired through panel beating. BMW pursues the goals of high quality, high performance, and high technology in its cars. Although the production volume is not high, BMW enjoys the same reputation as Mercedes-Benz in the global automotive industry and among users.

Last time I scratched and cracked the bumper while reversing, so I specifically asked the master technician at the 4S dealership. He said that if the crack is larger than a fingernail, it's recommended to repair it, especially if the crack is near the radar or sensors as it could affect the assist functions. Plastic parts will gradually deteriorate if left unrepaired, and it's extremely dangerous if a whole piece flies off while driving on the highway. For cars like ours with automatic emergency braking, a damaged bumper might even trigger false alarms. If the scratch is severe enough to damage the internal radar bracket, the repair cost would be much more than just a simple paint touch-up.

My neighbor Lao Wang complained about his 5 Series, saying the dealership quoted 8,000 yuan for an OEM bumper replacement without even including paintwork. Later, he went to a professional repair shop where they performed plastic welding, reinforced it from inside with heat fusion after sanding, filled the surface with color-matched resin, and finished with polishing and clear coat. It cost just over 2,000 yuan, and you'd have to squat down and inspect closely to spot the repair line. After three years of driving, it hasn't deformed at all and fits better than aftermarket parts. The key is choosing a certified shop—they even test radar wave reflection post-repair.

My best friend's MINI had a cracked rear bumper that she insisted on not repairing. As a result, rainwater seeped in during a storm and ruined the reverse radar module. Towing and repairs ended up costing an extra 4,000 yuan. Now, every time she washes her car, she diligently dries the bumper seams with a cloth, lamenting that applying epoxy resin earlier would have prevented this. Actually, for minor scratches like those from tree branches, using a dedicated touch-up pen to layer on some paint can prevent rust and water seepage. However, deeper cracks require professional plastic welding, especially around areas with adaptive cruise control sensors.


