NOTE: Below is a recovered post from a member who no longer exists...
Hey guys,
After a lot of debate I decided to make the dive for changing out the 2006 Infiniti M45 bumper with the 2008 Infiniti M45 SPORT bumper. There are only a few people out there that have done that and nobody has posted a real description of what needs to be changed with documentation, so I've dedicated this thread for that.
I'm going to post pictures of everything here and describe the entire changeout so everyone can get a feeling for the process.
My first order of business was to go to my local Infiniti dealership to get their prices and part numbers for all the required changeout parts. Obviously their prices were outrageously high, but the part numbers allowed me to find the items easily on InfinitiPartsUSA.com (go here for the best Infiniti part prices).
So far my costs are:
2008 Infiniti M45 Sport Bumper - $275 (From a nearby shop - very good deal, the actual bumper usually goes for $330+)
Right Fog Light Lens [Part Number# 62256-EJ90C] - $45.51 (Quoted $89.20 from dealership)
Left Fog Light Lens [Part Number# 62257-EJ90C] - $47.73 (Quoted $93.54 from dealership)
2008 Infiniti M45 Grille [Part Number# 62310-EJ90B] - $235.98 (Quoted $332.50 from dealership)
2008 Infiniti M45 BOTTOM Grille [Part Number# 62254-EJ90A] - $93.22 (Quoted $156.62 from dealership)
2008 Grille Emblem - W/ Sport Package - $32.85
These parts can all be purchased off of
http://www.InfinitiPartsUSA.com !!
Simply copy & paste the part numbers listed above into the search function on their website and they will pop up in their database.
And, as always, search eBay first to find potentially better prices.
My Preliminary Final Cost Breakdown:
All parts for bumper & actual bumper component $730.29
Cost for painting the 2008-2010 Sport bumper $320
Body shop installation fee/labor charges $141.20 (this cost can be removed if you choose to install the bumper yourself)
Total Cost: $1,191.49
I have been told by users on NICO that a new energy absorber is needed, but was told by the Infiniti dealership that a new absorber is not needed for the fit. Of course, this is the same dealership that said that the fuel system filters out additives (and therefore diesel fuel)..so we'll see
Once I receive the bumper and all the pieces I will post pictures, then the bumper is going to go for painting. From there I will post pictures and description of the entire process!
Tools Needed:
-Phillips Screwdriver
-Flathead Screwdriver
-Socket wrench kit (You will only need one wrench size to remove ONE large bolt on both sides of the fenders, however, I don't remember which size it is)
Follow the Field Service Manuals for the 2006 Infiniti M35/45 on NICO available here on how to remove the bumper. Put on the new 2008 bumper in the reverse process. If you don't want a small gap between the fender and the new bumper then trim the energy absorber on each side.