2006 Infiniti M45 to 2008 M45S BUMPER CHANGEOUT

Forum for Infiniti M35 and M45, and Nissan Fuga owners.
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mexillis
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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 :rolleyes:

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! :dblthumb:

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.
did you look for a bumper on ebay? when i was debating this mod i found some on there.


cruzad3r
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you sire, are my inspiration :)

keep up the good work and document as much as you can. i might go down this road or might just buy the chrome fog light lenses and call it a day. who knows, if your car turns out great looking then i'll deffy jump on it
Last edited by cruzad3r on Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:42 am, edited 1 time in total.

DoN_BLaZe34
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I'm still up in the air as to which route i want to go (08+ bumper or the aero kit). Very interested in the end result. How soon are you looking to do this?

cruzad3r , from what i've read on here, trying to fit the chrome ring onto the 06/07 bumper is a pain in the a**

cruzad3r
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really i just want the dam chrome rings on the fog lights. i might paint it to chrome :) hahaha

DoN_BLaZe34
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hahaha yeah...there's a thread somewhere about it...someone put them on but had to modify the rings to fit the older style bumper

DoN_BLaZe34
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infiniti_lineup wrote:
DoN_BLaZe34 wrote:I'm still up in the air as to which route i want to go (08+ bumper or the aero kit). Very interested in the end result. How soon are you looking to do this?
Honestly, the bumper really adds a whole new dimension to the car that the aero kit does. If you add up prices, the bumper does come out cheaper, but you get more pieces with the aero kit, so I guess it's a toss up between the two..

As for time frame, all the parts are ordered, so I'm just waiting on receiving them in the mail right now. The only thing that could take some time is the actual painting of the bumper because I have a Lexus paint on my Infiniti. I'm hoping the paint shop that I went to isn't too busy right now. I'm going to give them a call early next week.
Did u mean the bumper adds a dimension that the aero kit does not? i think that's what u meant..

As for price, you're right..the bumper is cheaper if that's all you're going to change..that being said are you planning on adding the rest of the aero kit? Or just the bumper upgrade?

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Ilya
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Awesome thread. Can't wait for a HowTo.

DoN_BLaZe34
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any updates?

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YMm45
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i would check on ebay for the top grill i know brand new its like around 200 you might find one on ebay with a little crack for 60 to 100 thats what i did the crack was easy to fix to

g1313
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was the conversion hard?what tools was needed? and do you have pics or a D.I.Y guide

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Ilya
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Added to FAQ.

06M4.5
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infiniti_lineup

could you please tell me how or where I can get a hold of a new 2008 front grille for $156.62

thanks for your help, Freddie

/

2008 Infiniti M45 Grille [Part Number# 62310-EJ90B] - $235.98 (Quoted $156.62 from dealership

06M4.5
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thanks for the info, I'll be looking around for other grills before I pull the trigger.

DoN_BLaZe34
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Why does Infiniti Parts USA differentiate the 08-10 grilles between the sport and non sport M's? Is there really a difference between the 2?

DoN_BLaZe34
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anyone?

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SunLitSandMax00SE
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I've got a question that kind of pertains to this thread. I got in a little bit of a fender bender and damaged just the drivers side front fender. I am not sure if the insurance will cover it or not, so I was just thinking about ordering a new fender, getting it painted and put it on myself.

I wanted to know if you stumbled across possibly needing to take the fender off to get to your bumper and if so, what would the process be for that. Seems like your tools were very average so it didn't seem like that big of a job. Thanks.

HoLLaKiD619
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I don't think I've ever posted anything on this website but I do visit a few times a week.

I drive a 2006 M45 Premium, purchased in Aug. 08 for $23k (Steal in my book). That's my intro. I recently got into a couple fender benders with the car and the car has to go into the shop for repairs and I figured it would be the best time to try out the swap. I followed the instructions by infiniti_lineup and ordered all the necessary parts. Top grille, bottom grille, right and left fog bezels, and emblem: $660 from dealer after taxes. Front sport bumper, refurb from Ebay: $254 shipped. All the parts should be in early next week. The car is supposed to go into the shop this Tuesday, lord willing. Ill post before and after pics once everything gets done. Hopefully it all goes according to plan. :woot:

Note: Anyone trying this mod, be sure to order the bottom grill with the cut out for the adaptive cruise control if your car is equipped. Guy at the dealership gave me the heads up.

P.S. 2006-2007 OEM Grille will be up for sale after this is all done :biggrin: (lets not act like we didn't see that one coming)

DoN_BLaZe34
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SunLitSandMax00SE wrote:I've got a question that kind of pertains to this thread. I got in a little bit of a fender bender and damaged just the drivers side front fender. I am not sure if the insurance will cover it or not, so I was just thinking about ordering a new fender, getting it painted and put it on myself.

I wanted to know if you stumbled across possibly needing to take the fender off to get to your bumper and if so, what would the process be for that. Seems like your tools were very average so it didn't seem like that big of a job. Thanks.
I can't imagine you would have to remove the fender to take the bumper off

HoLLaKiD619
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Bumpers came in today. Early Xmas present :dblthumb: Everything is going according to schedule. Ill post more updates throughout the process.

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phillyM35
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thanks infiniti_lineup for all the part #'s and info..... looking to do this with my 07 m35x... can't wait to start

HoLLaKiD619
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Just put the car in the shop today. I should have some before and after photos for you guys this weekend.

EniGmA1987
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DoN_BLaZe34 wrote:I can't imagine you would have to remove the fender to take the bumper off

I just replaced my bumper this past weekend (just straight replacement, not to the 08 version) and no you do not have to remove the fender to take the bumper off. You will however need a very long extension on your wrench with a 10mm socket.

jayfox911
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HoLLaKiD619 wrote:Just put the car in the shop today. I should have some before and after photos for you guys this weekend.
cool, looking forward to it.
:bigthumb:

HoLLaKiD619
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Alright so I picked up the car today. The bumper looks good. I spoke to the guys at the shop and they explained to me that the '08-'10 bumper is wider than the '06/'07 so it was a bit of a hassle getting it on. End result; looks OEM. However, because of the length difference, there's a small gap around the light. Not too sure how I feel about that. On to the pics.

Before
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After
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Questions and comments welcome.

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SIK L
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Yes I agree that little gap would bother me too, I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my vehicles.

Because you didn't have the OEM front lip on your 07 bumper, the 08 bumper looks better. For folks who have an 07 bumper with the lip, I think that actually looks better than the 08 bumper, but not by much. They both still look great.

06M4.5
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IMO I like the 06-07 bumper with the lip spoiler better than the new 08-10 bumpers.

for some reason the new bumper makes the front too round (plastic looking) and it looks like it's sitting higher off the ground. the old bumper with the lip just looks meaner to me.

what I do like about the new bumpers is the chrome fog light covers and the front grill.

DoN_BLaZe34
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Looks good..not sure how I feel about that gap. I've never seen the upgraded bumper on that color car before..it's always a black or white M that does it..I thought shaving the energy absorber would eliminate the gap?

I agree w/ 06M4.5 the newer grill looks much better than th 06/07 version

edwin711
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I read on another thread that the 06/07 fogs fit in the 08 sport bumper

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mcrews
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HoLLaKiD619 wrote:Alright so I picked up the car today. The bumper looks good. I spoke to the guys at the shop and they explained to me that the '08-'10 bumper is wider than the '06/'07 so it was a bit of a hassle getting it on. End result; looks OEM. However, because of the length difference, there's a small gap around the light. Not too sure how I feel about that. On to the pics.

Before
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After
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Questions and comments welcome.
Looks nice. I like it.
I would think that you could find a flexible chrome strip. Something like the chrome door guard strips the are rolled up at the auto parts store. Something in a 1/4 curve instead of a 1/2 curve.
Little things like that eat at me....

EL PERRON
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I notice there was 2 bumbers front and back what happen to the pictures of the back bumper change out...

by the way car looks nice man i am thinking on doing this as well


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