Hi all, my wife drove up on a parking curb and caught a bit of rebar sticking up. It ripped a nice hole in the bumper lip about 2"x2". It was an easy but long and boring removal due to all the little screws. Only had to unplug the fwd sensors to remove it.


I repaired it with some metal screen and JB Weld epoxy. I've still got some touch up to do once the cure is done. It won't be perfect but will be fine and strong and mostly unseen.


What surprised me was the blocked left intake. WTF? You would think that you have value of air coming in and it could be used rather than acting like a air brake. Flow would be better. Anyone know why they wouldn't use this flow? Why not just leave it open to vent toward the wheel, cool brakes, push out dust, something....
I'm tempted to remove the blocking cup panel. Maybe duct the flow somewhere in there? Anyone played with this or modded it?


Also, what is this oval black plastic thing? It snaps into the bottom slpash guard on each side. Sensor of some sort?


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The sensor is for the tire pressure system, the blocked vent was due to a change in design. I believe the earlier cars used the right side for the oil cooler and the left was for something else, after a redesign the left side was no longer needed. I have not read about anyone using it for another purpose.

 

Tire pressure? Must be antennas to pick up the signal?

Yes, right side (left in photo) has the oil cooler.

 

While the front bumper was off I luckily remembered to make a template for a future splitter.

 

I guess you haven't seen these new grills with shutters that close automatically when less air is needed so they get better gas mileage and increased performance from better aero.

Active Grille Shutters Are Latest Way To Improve Fuel Efficiency | Edmunds.com

You're better off leaving the car engineering to car engineers than WTF'ing what they do.

 

Well, all done and it went together easily. Lots of little bolts/screws though. I tried the rustoleum brand of spray-on clear bra. BAD product. Hazy and rough. I peeled it all off. That product test cost me about 3 hours. Good idea. Bad product. I wonder if the 3M one is really any better.
Damage is barely visible now. Certainly better than replacing the bumper cover.

 

Nice job

 

Nice job. Putting on a carbon fiber splitter would look awesome. Just be sure to make two so that you can replace the first if it gets too beat up on the parking lot stops and curbs.

 

Yes, agreed. Now that I have the template....I'm eyeballing the online splitter. ;-)


Jaguar XFR Carbon Fiber Front Apron Splitter (2007-2011 models) - Mina Gallery Inc

 

Just an FYI, the Mina splitters are just two pieces that stick to the bottom of the bumper cover. So not a true splitter that goes all the way across.

Waiting to get my bumper cover repainted then will install. Debating whether to paint it or leave it carbon though.