How strong are the bumpers on 1988-93 240 models? Are they flimsy, weak, or tough?

The bumpers on the later models are weaker. My 82 has 5 mph bumpers It was either 83 or 84 when the change was made to 2.5 mph bumpers.

I got hit by a new MB 320 going 30 when I stopped when someone in front of me turned. Tore up the MB front end, Scratched my bumper cover and left a license plate imprint. From about 5 feet away, you cant even tell that it was hit. I didnt get it fixed because it didnt need it. I think they are very strong based on my experiences.

Whitt Wilkins

Weak I think. Mine is (89) made from aluminum or some alloy. I have a crack in it from a bad parallel parking mishap.

I have the aluminum 240 bumpers installed on my 120 ... I was told that someone I knew had one that had been bent in an accident and using a 12 ton jack had been unable to straighten it ..... sounds pretty rugged to me ... and surely much more rugged than the original 3 piece 122 pieces of tin that I have yet to see on a car straight......

I think they are solid 5 mph bumbers while the rest of the industry used the current (profit maximizing) 2.5 mph standard. The 10 mph tank bumpers from the earlier cars are plentiful too. Personally, I like them on the '79.

Thank you for posting the correct information. Volvo always puts bumpers on that are 2x that of the Federal requirement. Like nowadays only 2.5mph I'd like to see a 2001 corvette hit something even at 2.5 mph. Can we say Plastic and Foam???

Anyway, I got me a set of early bumpers out of a junkyard and going to put them on my 85 turbo. Kinda need since its the wife's car. And yeah, she's not the best parallel parker either! :o)