We've had our "E" for 3 great months now but already we have some noticeable dings on both bumpers. Frankly, I'm disappointed at how soft and easily scratched they are. There are two deep pock marks on the front and back from hitting license plate frames during tight parking manuevers. Any tips on how to buff it out and fill in the pits and make it less noticeable? I currently use Meguiars on the plastic panels to keep them nice and new looking.

We've had our "E" for 3 great months now but already we have some noticeable dings on both bumpers. Frankly, I'm disappointed at how soft and easily scratched they are. There are two deep pock marks on the front and back from hitting license plate frames during tight parking manuevers. Any tips on how to buff it out and fill in the pits and make it less noticeable? I currently use Meguiars on the plastic panels to keep them nice and new looking.
No tips on buffing or filling in pits...but do have some advice...don't hit other peoples cars :) But, then again, you are in S.F...so I guess I can't begin to understand the parking situation there...

There are two deep pock marks on the front and back from hitting license plate...
I imagine if you had a metal bumper then it would be scratched all to hell also.
The 2 parts can be easily swapped out in a few minutes for about $29.99 a piece. #3 and #11

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Element&catcgry2=2005&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD+SIDE+SRS&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=BUMPERS
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/catimgs/14scv01_b46.gif

great research Empire :)

No tips on buffing or filling in pits...but do have some advice...don't hit other peoples cars :) But, then again, you are in S.F...so I guess I can't begin to understand the parking situation there...

Easier said than done in SF. Try parallel parking on a steep hill with a manual. I'm good but not that good:-) I'm really, really okay with it. After all, what are bumpers for if not to be bumped? It's the perfectionist in me and wanting my sweet "E" to keep looking good as new.

I imagine if you had a metal bumper then it would be scratched all to hell also.
The 2 parts can be easily swapped out in a few minutes for about $29.99 a piece. #3 and #11

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Element&catcgry2=2005&catcgry3=5DR+EX+4WD+SIDE+SRS&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=BUMPERS
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/catimgs/14scv01_b46.gif

Thanks for the link Empire! As I said earlier, I'm feeling okay about the dings now. I guess the first few dings on a brand new car take awhile to accept. I've gotten over it.

It's the perfectionist in me and wanting my sweet "E" to keep looking good as new.
I feel ya there...I still do a walk over every time I come out of the grocery store making sure there arent any dings or scratches...oh well, the 1st one is gonna really hurt...

I parallel park everyday in one of the most populated neighborhoods in Chicago. My rear bumper is dinged EVERYWHERE. They add character to my E- I see alot of cars on the road with metal bumpers where the paint is scratched and that will be much more expensive to replace. I figure I will just replace the bumper cover when my lease ends (less than $100).

I see alot of cars on the road with metal bumpers where the paint is scratched and that will be much more expensive to replace.

You know, on my drive home from work, I noticed how badly scratched and dinged other cars bumbpers were and I didn't feel so bad. I'm going to have to expect it especially in a city like San Francisco.

What you might want to do to give the bumpers actual "bumpability" (yes it's a real word.......maybe) is to look into ordering a certain length of rubber body side molding. Most suppliers carry rolls of it in certain lengths with various widths and usually with an adhessive backing. Maybe a 3" wide piece should cover the face of the front and rear bumpers and you can trim it to whatever length you like. I know Murdock recently offered a set of bumper pads but most folks didn't care for them because they looked like, well, pads. Do a google search for side molding and see what you can find. Most kits are going to be more expensive than just replacing the parts but the same dings will still happen unless the bumpers have an actual protective strip across them.

Here's one I found:
http://www.customautotrim.com/products/moldings/body_3in.htm