Hi I'm brand new to the forum and need some guidance. I have a 2005 Bonnnie GXP whcih I absolutely luv, but it'* becoming obvious to me that I cant afford to maintain it. As I have read in other posts, there are common problems with the NS V8 engine, which I have already experienced. I'm in the process of finishing up the repairs to the tune of around 2800$ and I have invested a total of around 5000$ into the car for maintenance, aftermarket custom radio and speakers etc... I would like help with removing the front bumper. Pictures, or video would be appreciated and thanks everyone

Umm I thought I had a write up on the front bumper but I can't find any of my write ups now. Mike1995, what did y'all do with my stuff??

Just checked my picture folder and I only did that for the rear anyways, so here'* the steps in text (I'd make a video for ya just for fun but it'* freaking cold out!)

1) Unplug the wiring harness from the back of your fog lights, for obvious reasons. Depending on the trim level Bonne you might have to do this after dropping the splash guard, I've never worked on a GXP.

2) Remove splash guard and wheel well guards. There are several clips you have to remove, they look like large black washers with clips in the center. To remove you pull the pins on the clips out enough that the whole clip pulls out of the hole (it shouldn't require a lot of force to pull, worst case scenario just pull the pin all the way out and put it back into the clip after). There are several of these on all 3 pieces. Should be a few connecting the wheel well guards to the lower splash guard, one or two attaching the guard to the inner wheel well, and quite a few obvious ones connecting it to the front bumper. The splash guard has several connecting it to the cradle and the lower lip of the front bumper.

3) There should be some more clips similar to those above holding the top edge of the bumper underneath the hood (they are located right in front of the hood latch)

4) Finally there are two nuts, one on each side inside the wheel well. They are right where the bumper meets the fender. If I recall correctly they are 10mm, undo both and the cover should practically fall right off.

Don't look at me man, I'm not the 2000+ guy. Ask Steve, he was the 2000 guy.

Just curious as to what part of the world you live as there maybe a member close to you and why the need to remove the front bumper.

What specific NS problems did or are you having and at while mileage/kilometers?

Sorry to hear about your problems.

Good afternoon guys and gals and thank you so much for the information and help. If I may, I will answer the question about why I want to remove the front bumper. As I have read on this and other forums, I have had my fog lights blow two times. Now, I guess I'm paranoid now from what the other Bonnie owners have said about fog lights, so I ordered a complete HID kit for the fog lights and headlights. I tried to reach into the engine bay, behind the headlight to remove the bulb to start the process, but couldn't unhook the latch. I am a pretty handy woman and can follow good instructions well, but I became frustrated when I couldn't get the bulb out. I also saw you can go in from the wheel well, which is my next option. I want to replace the wires too for the fog lights, but not with the GM wiring harnass.

I also really think my Bonnie would look cute if I painted the grill inserts red! My body guy told me I have to remove the front bumper to get them out. I read on another forum how they used Fusion paint for their grill insert paint job, which came out great. Just a thought.

Now to the big mess. My NS engine problems. It started about two and a half years ago when my car went totally dead and wouldn't turn over. I thought it was a simple jump and my neighbor and I tried, but it wouldn't start. Part of it may have been my fault bc I didn't drive the car enough, according to one of my mechanics, who is in my field of work, so I trust his judgement. I took it to his guy and he put the alternator in.

Around 1 1/2 to 2 years ago the check engine light came on for low anti freeze. I didn't see any evidence of a leak, so I really didn't worry about it when it would come on sporadically. After a while, the light would stay on and I would smell anti-freeze. Then I say evidence of the leak. I took it to my first mechanic above a couple of times and he said they would leave the car running for a while, but could not find the leak. They topped it off with Dexcool and sent me on my way. I was okay with it. He also told me that my car was very difficult to work on.

About two weeks ago, I took it to my second mechanic, who I am also comfortable with, to see if he could find the leak, do front brakes and to do an overall check on the car. He told me I needed a front motor mount, did the front brakes and rotors, flushed the transmission fluid, noticed a minute leak near the oil cooler lines he said not to worry about and finally, said he could not find the antifreeze leak.

As I type this response, my car is at the car dealership being worked on for a diagnosis of bad oil cooler lines and the antifreeze leak is the gasket between the water heater housing and engine block. I can't remember the name of the part. According to the dealer, it'* a 6 hour repair. My total bill for the cooler lines and gasket job will be about $1600.00, with tax. I told the service tech to call me if he thinks I should go ahead and replace the water pump too, which I will probably have him do since it'* such a difficult job.

I removed my instrument cluster bc the voltmeter stepper motor went bad. I sent it out a couple of days ago and it will be $89 for a full rebuild. Not bad and definitely worth it.

I would love to keep my Bonnie, but I'm afraid of other expensive repairs, like something with the steering. Comments or advice. If I could find a GXP owner who is able to guide me in repairs in NJ that would be great. Ciao and thanks