My 2002 Boxster base rolled off in a parking lot and lightly hit a tree, slightly damaging the front bumper cover on the driver side. While arranging for the repairs, I considered upgrading to a GT3 bumper but decided against it due to significant cost differential. However, once I realized 2002 and 2003 bumper covers and grilles were priced exactlly the same, I asked the body shop to order and install the 03 bumper. I figured the extra cost would be limited to buying an extra 03 grille for the passenger side. So, they orderd:
03-04 Bumper Cover 986 505 311 05 G2X $879.82
03-04 Grille, Left 986 505 553 03 01C $31.64
03-04 Grille, Right 986 505 554 03 01C $31.64
The shocking surprize came when we realized that the body-colored horizontal louvers weren't integral to the bumper cover and had to be ordered seperately:
03-04 Grille Lamina, UL 986 505 531 00 G2X $72.59
03-04 Grille Lamina, UR 986 505 532 00 G2X $72.59
03-04 Grille Lamina, LL 986 505 533 00 G2X $72.59
03-04 Grille Lamina, LR 986 505 534 00 G2X $72.59
Over $300 for four small pieces of plastic that weren't even painted!
It's done, and I think it looks better. However, I might have been better off doing the GT3 upgrade after all.
I hope this will be helpful to others considering the same swap (I am resisting the urge to call this an upgrade not wanting to start a debate over whether or not this constitues an improvement to the old look of the car).
Regards
PS, the new bumper doesn't fit flush with the front hood line and forms a little bit of a lip. Can someone with an 03-04 Boxster confirm whether or not this is the correct fit?
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