[plasma23]

hi guys,

I've just bought an Audi A3 2.0 TDI SE (140bhp). its a 2006 with 160,000 with full service history. I'm just using this car as a daily commuter/motorway car. Of course I still have my BMW 330i M Sport (272ps) with performance exhaust and performance intake (will get ecu remap next month).

I have quite a few scratches/marks and some rust spots around the Audi that I would like to sort out myself (at the cheapest possible price). I don't have any special tools like a sander etc. I have posted up 2 pictures of the front bumper that has quite a badly damaged paint area, with rust and mold.

Any suggestions of the easiest/cheapest solution?

[plasma23]

also like to add that I generally dislike audi's and audi drivers. Complete posers car. I only got this as I was offered an ocean bottom price

[pepsih]

i would check ebay for a used bumper

[smallseafishie]

Plastic bumpers from the looks of it it so it shouldn't rust. I wouldn't worry about it if you don't care about the cosmetics. Otherwise, it needs to be sanded down and repainted. As for the greenish stuff on the chrome plating, try a a mild cleaner with a sponge.

[pk_]

if you're bored, buy yourself the tools and just fix and paint it yourself. It wont be perfect but if I read this correctly this is your beater anyway? A new bumper even a replica isn't all that cheap.

[plasma23]

I don't think I would have the budget to get another bumper. Should I be worried about the integrity of the front bumper if it gets into a crash? I hope the current damage pictured above wouldn't effect the crumple zone during a crash.
Even though it's my commuter/motorway car I still do care about its cosmetic looks. i saw a rust primer "kurust" on amazon and some audi silver touch up paint for scratches. I can usw this for all the rust spots and marks around the car but not sure what to use for plastic bumper?

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by plasma23

I don't think I would have the budget to get another bumper. Should I be worried about the integrity of the front bumper if it gets into a crash? I hope the current damage pictured above wouldn't effect the crumple zone during a crash.
Even though it's my commuter/motorway car I still do care about its cosmetic looks. i saw a rust primer "kurust" on amazon and some audi silver touch up paint for scratches. I can usw this for all the rust spots and marks around the car but not sure what to use for plastic bumper?

On modern cars the bumpers are just cosmetic pieces, and wouldn't affect the outcome of a crash. If it bothers you get it repainted by a shop or diy.

[Turb0Surge]

Originally Posted by pepsih

i would check ebay for a used bumper

Why? Nothing wrong with his bumper... Just needs paint.

[pepsih]

Originally Posted by Turb0Surge

Why? Nothing wrong with his bumper... Just needs paint.

I dont know the price for a paint job in uk but check ebay.co.uk and you can find a painted bumper for a good price and try to resell this one.

[///M3NACE]

Four options
1.Get it painted ( if you want to cheap out some shops will paint just where it needs to and try to blend it as much as possible)
2.Get a black bra
3. Leave it as/is because its not even that bad
4. Get touch up paint and do the best you can and wet sand when needed. I would do this option for a beater.

[plasma23]

thanks for the suggestions.

I am also having trouble opening my boot. sometimes it works but most of the times it does not. also my spare key does not work at all, even when tried manually (the alarm goes off). it still makes a noise (like some actuator is moving) but I press the unlock and lock button on the spare key however the car doesn't actually open/close. what shall I do?

[techietaichi]

If it's a beater, beat that Audi up! Oh and get a vanity plate that says "Auwi".

[plasma23]

Oh one more other thing. The car came with a towbar. I'm going to get that removed on my next visit to the garage. Will it leave any holes underneath the car or would I be better off leaving it on?