Front Bumper Woes

[AudiSportB5S4]

Guys,

Earlier this year I bought some new fender clips to hold my bumper on because I wanted to re-align it to the fender as it had gotten pretty out of whack over the years from trying to rip it off... Since replacing these clips, another forum member has graciously helped me twice now try to get everything back together, but over some bumps on my commute the bumper has been popping off the clips. Where is the best place to throw some screws to avoid this from happening? I have these quik-latches that this guy is going to die if I install, but I am moments away if this keeps happening :)

Thanks for any tips!

[christianb5s4]

If you replaced the clips that the fender attaches to, the next place to look is what shape the actual 'hooks' on the bumper itself that attach to the clips look like. These also wear out and create a poor connection with the clip.

[vavJETTAw36]

yea not a whole lot you can do once the bumper side clips get worn out. I would say give the car side clips another go first. Get your gaps right and see how that goes. If all else fails, you can look into the quick disconnect latch system. works really well. Ill sell you my kit I never used.

[AudiSportB5S4]

^ Right, the clips on the bumper are attached to the frame of the bumper itself, right? It doesn't look like those can get replaced. That would make sense that those wear down too, I didn't think of that.

I already have the Qwik Latches, just never installed them... However, this is making me want to! I may just do it because I don't personally think it's a terrible look and the function of them is hard to beat.

[CELison]

The clips on the bumper are molded into the bumper aren't they? It's been a while.

[AudiSportB5S4]

The clips on the bumper are molded into the bumper aren't they? It's been a while.

Yeah, looks like that's the case. I am actually happy that the best bet considering I have them in my possession already may be going to Qwik latches. I might as well use them since I bought them. Just something about drilling through the bumper that sends chills down your spine, but at this point whatever!

[CELison]

For whatever reason the hoods always look crooked on these cars. The pass side looks high than the driver. Anyone else notice that?

[Calif_Kid]

If you replaced the clips that the fender attaches to, the next place to look is what shape the actual 'hooks' on the bumper itself that attach to the clips look like. These also wear out and create a poor connection with the clip.

Are these the things that are attached to the bumper cover? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ht/8d0807284a/ I've pulled my bumper off a few times, but never had to replace them. Anyway, I think that they're bolted to the bumper cover right? - Jim

[cjt671]

For whatever reason the hoods always look crooked on these cars. The pass side looks high than the driver. Anyone else notice that?

You can adjust the hood height


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[warrenzo]

Try pulling the bumper further forward on the two allen bolts under the front grill guards, pulling it forward seems to help keep those clips tight. If it's pushed too far back, the bumper cover wants to bow out and push back forwards.

[oppositelock]

Those go on the fenders. They clip onto other pieces plastic welded to the bumper cover. I don't see those available separately from ECS.

Are these the things that are attached to the bumper cover? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ht/8d0807284a/ I've pulled my bumper off a few times, but never had to replace them. Anyway, I think that they're bolted to the bumper cover right? - Jim

[Seerlah]

What's wrong with quik latch? Been running them on my bumper for a few years now, albeit A4.

Ripped the bumper off from driving the front over those cement curb blocks. Backed out and it destroyed the bumper clips. Quik Latch worked for me. Bonus, push two buttons and bumper comes right off (stays just fine without stock hardware that bolts to bumper shocks).

[ElementR]

FWIW - it can be tricky to get the bumper to stay put on the factory clips in the fender area...my experience is that it's best to have the headlights out while install the bumper. Be sure you get the lower clips to latch and then the upper clips. If I ever tried to seat the upper clips first, the lowers wouldn't latch and the bumper would not stay attached.

[PwrWgn]

What's wrong with quik latch? Been running them on my bumper for a few years now, albeit A4.

Ripped the bumper off from driving the front over those cement curb blocks. Backed out and it destroyed the bumper clips. Quik Latch worked for me. Bonus, push two buttons and bumper comes right off (stays just fine without stock hardware that bolts to bumper shocks).

Just like my seatbelts! I couldn't find the bolts to reattach them so I just zip-tied them in! Nobody can even tell the difference

[slowSfaux]

Just like my seatbelts! I couldn't find the bolts to reattach them so I just zip-tied them in! Nobody can even tell the difference

This reminds me of an episode of roadkill. They seriously used a zip tie to keep their steering wheel from coming off the splined shaft, and it actually slipped through tech inspection!

[warrenzo]

I hope those guys don't kill themselves one day - because roadkill

[Isaac313]

The big molded slides on the bumper side of things can be replaced. They are effectively glued in with some tabs. You'll have to cut the glue out of the slots but it should come out alright. I can check on one of my bumpers when I'm home but you should be able to find a busted bumper for zero monies and steal the slides.

[oppositelock]

What did you glue them with?

[Nollywood]

If the claw part of the bumper brackets are worn, they will keep popping off the plastic fender retainers.

Rather than fix quick release bits to keep the bumper in place, I would rather buy a bust S4 bumper, remove the claws, and bond them to your existing bumper. Failing that, I would replace the entire bumper.

[jaychen]

If the claw part of the bumper brackets are worn, they will keep popping off the plastic fender retainers.

Rather than fix quick release bits to keep the bumper in place, I would rather buy a bust S4 bumper, remove the claws, and bond them to your existing bumper. Failing that, I would replace the entire bumper.

I'd use quiklatches before shelling out 800 for a new bumper. That's just me though.

[Nollywood]

I'd use quiklatches before shelling out 800 for a new bumper. That's just me though.

If you like your bumper fastenings visible, sure. To me, it looks too much like a road car with rally car looks, sans the rest.

[Isaac313]

We can't be too picky when bumpers are up to $1100 and backordered anyway....

@oppositelock if you take them apart you can see the tabs and you'll have to cut the glue out and then use some sort of epoxy to put them back in. It's not super hard. Still looks oem without putting in visible quik latches which I definitely don't prefer personally.