Typical damages to a bumper that would be considered acceptable as a core would include dents in the metal, scratches, extra holes, mild rust, bent tabs, ripples, and hammer marks as shown in the examples below for both front and rear bumpers.

Rear Bumpers

Front Bumpers

WE ADD A CORE CHARGE TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR THE CUSTOMER TO RETURN THEIR OLD BUMPER TO US. BUT DON'T FRET… THE CORE CHARGE IS REFUNDED UPON RECEIPT AND INSPECTION, SO LONG AS YOUR BUMPER CORE MEETS THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

1. ONLY ORIGINAL BMW OEM BUMPER PIECES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

2. BUMPER CORES MUST NOT HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST; IF THERE IS NO GOOD METAL TO WHICH TO PLATE, WE CAN'T USE IT.

3. CORE PARTS MUST NOT BE BENT OR DAMAGED SO BADLY THAT IT CAN'T BE REPAIRED.

4. CORES MUST BE "LIKE FOR LIKE," MEANING THAT WE MUST RECEIVE THE SAME PIECES ORDERED (MODEL/YEAR). FOR THOSE ATTEMPTING TO COMPLETE A BUMPER CONVERSION TO A '74, '75, '76, A FULL FERROUS CORE IS REQUIRED.

If incomplete or partially acceptable core bumpers are returned to us, we will offer a partial refund of the core charge paid. Contact us to discuss if this situation applies. To avoid a core charge, a customer may send a used bumper to us in advance of purchasing the restored bumper.

Cores that are too rusty, cracked, modified, or bent may not be considered usable. If you have questions on the usability of your core please send us pictures. Cores that are determined to be unusable will not receive core credit. Unusable cores can be returned to the customer, but shipping will be the customer’s responsibility. To read more about core returns please see our Returns & Exchanges page.