If you’re looking to remove the front bumper cover on your CLS450, you’ve come to the right place. While this might seem like a confusing task, I can assure you that it’s actually quite simple as long as you have access to the correct tools and follow the instructions carefully. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps on how to remove the front bumper. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to make the process easier. Just make sure you are working in a well-lit area where you have enough space to move around freely.
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather a few tools. These include a 10mm socket wrench, T25 Torx bit, plastic trim removal tool, and gloves. It’s also a good idea to have a helper on hand to assist you with the removal process. Once you have everything you need, you can follow these steps to remove the front bumper cover:
1. Open the hood and remove the four 10mm bolts that secure the bumper cover to the radiator support.
2. Remove the two T25 Torx bit screws that are located on the bottom of the bumper cover, near the wheel wells.
3. Carefully detach the plastic trim piece that runs along the bottom of the bumper cover. You can use a plastic trim removal tool to help you pry it loose.
4. Grip the bumper cover firmly on both sides and pull it straight towards you to detach it from the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the electrical connectors that are attached to the bumper cover.
6. Remove the bumper cover from the vehicle.
Materials and Tools Required
Before you begin the process of removing the front bumper cover on your CLS450, it is essential to gather the necessary materials and tools. Ensuring you have everything you need on hand will help ensure a smooth and efficient removal process.
The following is a list of materials and tools you will need:
- 10mm socket wrench
- 13mm socket wrench
- Screwdriver with a T25 Torx bit
- Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
- Plastic pry tools or a trim removal kit
- Clean rags or microfiber cloths
- Safety glasses
Additional Tips for Gathering Materials:
- It is recommended to use a socket wrench with a swivel head for easier access and maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Consider having a helper assist you during the removal process to provide support and additional hands when necessary.
- Gather all the materials and tools before starting the removal process to avoid interruptions and delays.
- If you are working in a dimly lit area, ensure adequate lighting to see the bolts and clips clearly.
- Always refer to the specific user manual or repair guide for your CLS450 model for exact details and any additional tools or materials that may be required.
Safety Precautions
Before beginning any work on your vehicle, it is essential to take the following safety precautions:
1. Park on a Level Surface
Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level and stable surface to prevent it from rolling or moving while you are working.
2. Engage the Parking Brake
Engage the parking brake to secure your vehicle and prevent it from moving unexpectedly. This step is crucial to ensure your safety and the stability of the vehicle while working on the front bumper cover.
3. Disconnect the Battery
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical shorts or accidental starts. This precaution is especially important when working around electrical components in the front bumper area.
4. Wear Safety Gear
Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, to protect yourself from any potential hazards while working on the bumper cover.
5. Use Proper Tools
Use the correct tools and equipment for the job. Avoid using inappropriate tools that may damage the vehicle or pose a safety risk.
6. Seek Professional Assistance if Needed
If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any aspect of the procedure, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic.
Opening the Hood
Begin by locating the hood release lever, which is usually found on the left side of the driver’s footwell. Pull the lever upwards to release the hood latch.
Once the latch is released, proceed to the front of the vehicle. Grip the hood’s edges and lift it slightly. You will feel some resistance as it is held down by gas struts.
Locate the safety catch located in the center of the hood. Press the catch upwards to release the hood completely. Carefully lift the hood to its fully open position, being mindful of the gas struts that assist in lifting.
Secure the hood in the open position by inserting the provided prop rod into the designated slot. This will prevent the hood from accidentally closing while you are working on the vehicle.
Locating the Bumper Cover Clips
The bumper cover clips used to hold the bumper cover in place are tucked away in various locations beneath the bumper cover and along the edges. To locate the clips:
1. Position yourself under the front of the vehicle and locate the bottom edge of the bumper cover.
2. Feel along the bottom edge for small rectangular clips, usually with a circular hole in the center. These are the bottom clips.
3. Move to the sides of the bumper cover and feel along the inside edge for similar clips. These are the side clips.
4. On each side of the bumper cover, there are two additional clips located behind the plastic fender liners. To access these clips, turn the steering wheel fully to the side corresponding to the clip you are trying to locate (right turn for right-side clip, left turn for left-side clip). Reach into the wheel well and feel behind the fender liner for a plastic clip. This is the hidden clip.
Here’s a table summarizing the clip locations:
| Location | Number of Clips |
|---|---|
| Bottom Edge | 6 |
| Sides | 4 |
| Hidden (behind fender liners) | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
Releasing the Bumper Cover Clips
With the bolts and screws removed, you can now begin releasing the bumper cover clips. These clips are located along the top and sides of the bumper cover and hold it in place. To release them, you will need a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver.
Insert the trim removal tool or screwdriver into the slot on the side of the clip and gently pry it outward. The clip should pop out easily. Once you have released all of the clips, the bumper cover will be free to remove.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for releasing the bumper cover clips:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the trim removal tool or screwdriver into the slot on the side of the clip. |
| 2 | Gently pry the clip outward until it pops out. |
| 3 | Repeat steps 1 and 2 for all of the clips along the top and sides of the bumper cover. |
Removing the Bumper Cover
To remove the front bumper cover from a CLS450, follow these steps:
1. Remove the Bolt Underneath the Bumper
Locate the bolt located in the center of the bumper, underneath it. Remove the bolt using a wrench or ratchet.
2. Remove the Bumper Cover Screws
Open the hood and locate the screws at the top of the bumper cover, near the headlights. Remove these screws using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Remove the Push Pins
Locate the push pins along the bottom edge of the bumper cover. Use a flat-head screwdriver or a trim removal tool to pry them out and release the bumper cover.
4. Disconnect the Electrical Connectors
Reach underneath the bumper cover and locate the electrical connectors for the fog lights and other sensors. Disconnect these connectors by pressing on the release tabs.
5. Lift the Bumper Cover Off
Position yourself in front of the car and carefully lift the bumper cover straight up and away from the vehicle. Support it with one hand while you remove it completely.
6. Removing the Bumper Cover (Detailed)
a. Remove the Fender Liner Screws:
– Open the front wheel wells by removing the screws along the fender liner.
– Locate the screws attaching the bumper cover to the fender liner and remove them.
b. Disconnect the Headlight Washers:
– If your CLS450 has headlight washers, you’ll need to disconnect the hoses by pulling them apart.
– Secure the hoses to prevent fluid spillage.
c. Unclip the Bumper Cover:
– Locate the clips along the upper edge of the bumper cover, where it meets the grille.
– Use a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry out the clips and separate the bumper cover from the grille.
Disconnecting the Electrical Connections
Once you’ve removed the bumper cover’s lower bolts, you can proceed to disconnect the electrical connections. This step is crucial to avoid any damage or short circuits when removing the bumper cover completely.
Locate the electrical harnesses that are connected to the back of the bumper cover. These harnesses typically contain wires for headlights, fog lights, and sensors. Carefully unplug each harness by pressing on the retaining clips and gently pulling them apart.
It’s important to note that there may be multiple harnesses connected to the bumper cover. Make sure to disconnect all of them before attempting to remove the bumper cover. If you encounter any resistance or difficulty while disconnecting the harnesses, don’t force it. Double-check that you’re pressing the retaining clips correctly and that there are no obstructions.
Additional Tips for Disconnecting Electrical Connections:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a flashlight | Provide better visibility for locating and disconnecting harnesses. |
| Wear gloves | Protect your hands from potential debris or sharp edges. |
| Take photos | Document the location of the harnesses for easier reinstallation. |
| Avoid pulling on wires | Always pull on the connectors, not the wires, to prevent damage. |
Removing the Grille
To remove the grille, follow these steps:
1. Open the hood and locate the two plastic clips holding the grille in place at the top.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool to carefully pry up the clips and release the grille.
3. Once the clips are released, carefully pull the grille forward to detach it from the bumper cover.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors for the grille lights, if equipped.
5. Set the grille aside in a safe place.
Detaching the Bumper Cover
Now that the grille is removed, you can proceed to detach the bumper cover:
| Steps | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 6. | Locate the plastic rivets along the top edge of the bumper cover. Use a trim removal tool or a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry up the rivets and release them. |
| 7. | Once the top rivets are removed, carefully pull the bumper cover forward to detach it from the bumper mounting brackets. |
| 8. | Remove the electrical connectors for the fog lights, if equipped, and any other sensors or components attached to the bumper cover.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of step 8:
|
| 9. | Set the bumper cover aside in a safe place. |
Reinstalling the Bumper Cover
9. Start by aligning the bumper cover to the frame. The front edge of the bumper cover is the first part that needs to be aligned in place. Use the holes on the underside of the bumper cover and insert the bolts through them. Ensure that the bolts line up with the corresponding holes on the frame.
10. Once the front edge is secure, you can move on to aligning the sides. Repeat step 9 for both sides, making sure that the bolts are tightened properly.
11. Finally, align the rear edge of the bumper cover and insert the remaining bolts. Tighten all the bolts once the bumper cover is in place.
12. Reattach the grille and fog lights to the bumper cover.
13. Secure the lower air dam to the bumper cover.
14. Install the license plate bracket.
15. Check that all the bolts are tightened properly and that the bumper cover is securely attached.
Tightening the Bumper Cover Clips
Tightening the bumper cover clips is the final step in the removal process. It’s important to make sure that the clips are properly tightened to ensure the bumper cover is securely attached to the vehicle.
- Locate the bumper cover clips around the perimeter of the bumper.
- Use a screwdriver or socket wrench to tighten the clips by turning them clockwise.
- Tighten the clips until they are snug but not overtightened.
- Check the clips to make sure they are evenly tightened.
- If any clips are loose, tighten them further.
The following table provides a guideline for the tightening torque of the bumper cover clips:
| Bumper Cover Clip Type | Tightening Torque |
|---|---|
| Push-in Clips | 2 N·m (1.5 ft-lb) |
| Screw-in Clips | 4 N·m (3 ft-lb) |
| Bolt-on Clips | 8 N·m (6 ft-lb) |
Once the clips are tightened, the bumper cover should be securely attached to the vehicle. Double-check the fit and alignment of the bumper cover before moving on to the next step.
How To Remove Cls450 Front Bumper Cover Removal
**Step 1: Disconnect the Battery**
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical accidents.
Step 2: Remove the Underbody Panel
- Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts holding the underbody panel in place.
- Carefully lower the panel and set it aside.
Step 3: Remove the Fender Liners
- On each side, remove the bolts holding the fender liners to the bumper cover.
- Pull the fenders away from the bumper to access the bolts behind them.
Step 4: Remove the Top Bolts
- Open the hood and locate the bolts holding the bumper cover to the frame rails.
- Remove these bolts using a socket wrench.
Step 5: Remove the Side Bolts
- Behind the fender liners, locate the bolts holding the sides of the bumper cover to the fenders.
- Remove these bolts using a socket wrench.
Step 6: Disconnect the Electrical Connectors
- Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the bumper cover, such as fog lights or parking sensors.
Step 7: Pull the Bumper Cover Away
- Carefully pull the bumper cover away from the vehicle.
- It may be necessary to slightly wiggle the bumper to release it from any clips.
**Remember to follow these steps in reverse order to reinstall the bumper cover.**
People Also Ask
How long will it take to remove the CLS450 front bumper cover?
The removal process usually takes around 1-2 hours, depending on your experience level.
Do I need special tools to remove the front bumper cover?
You will need a socket wrench, a Phillips screwdriver, and a flat-head screwdriver.
Can I remove the front bumper cover by myself?
Yes, it is possible to remove the front bumper cover yourself, but it is recommended to have a helper to assist you.
