A35 front spoiler

[jfs1969]

Hi, I just bought a 2021 AMG A35 with aero kit and been caught out by the low ground clearance already. I touched a wooden curb in a hotel car park and the central section of the black deflector on the front spoiler exploded. I've got a replacement but the old one wouldn't pop out as I expected it to after removing the two retaining screws (one at each end, shared with end deflector pieces). I was worried about using too much force and damaging the main bumper so paused and am seeking advice. New part is on the ground in the pic below.
Do I need to jam a plastic tool above and below it to unclip the rectangular holes along the top and bottom edges? Please tell me it's not glued in there!

 

[John N]

Hi, I just bought a 2021 AMG A35 with aero kit and been caught out by the low ground clearance already. I touched a wooden curb in a hotel car park and the central section of the black deflector on the front spoiler exploded. I've got a replacement but the old one wouldn't pop out as I expected it to after removing the two retaining screws (one at each end, shared with end deflector pieces). I was worried about using too much force and damaging the main bumper so paused and am seeking advice. New part is on the ground in the pic below.
Do I need to jam a plastic tool above and below it to unclip the rectangular holes along the top and bottom edges? Please tell me it's not glued in there!

View attachment 168308

I would suggest that there are Rectangular Male Brackets that the Rectangular Female Clips Fit over, but can't see from the Photo's Angle!

What can you see Inside the Missing End Part? Assuming it's not still in the Offending Car Park!

 

[jfs1969]

I do have the broken bit but it's not a bit with any of the rectangular holes in it.
Now I've thought about it a bit more I wonder if the rectangular holes on the top of the deflector actively engage with a male counterpart. and the ones on the lower edge of the part just slot in.



This is the underneath view:

And this is the new part from different angle:

 

[John N]

I do have the broken bit but it's not a bit with any of the rectangular holes in it.
Now I've thought about it a bit more I wonder if the rectangular holes on the top of the deflector actively engage with a male counterpart. and the ones on the lower edge of the part just slot in.

View attachment 168313

This is the underneath view:
View attachment 168314
And this is the new part from different angle:
View attachment 168315

What di I say?:

I would suggest that there are Rectangular Male Brackets that the Rectangular Female Clips Fit over,

 

[jfs1969]

OK but any tips on removal?

 

[John N]

OK but any tips on removal?

As you have already stated a suitable Plastic Tool!

It would also assist folk is replying to your Posts if you used the "Reply" Button, it sends an Alert to the Person you are Replying!

 

[jfs1969]

I'll put some notes here in case it's useful to someone else in future.
The top set of rectangular hoops will disengage with a plastic tool although not very easily.
The bottom set you can't get a tool in from front so those hoops mostly broke. It didn't bother me as I was replacing the part but if you were trying to remove it intact it would be difficult. Maybe if you remove the black bash plate under the engine you could access the inside of the bumper I don't know.
New deflector (£164 !!!) went in very easily, just a firm push all along and then refit the self tappers at each end that are shared with the left and right deflectors.