Actually if you look closely the 96-99 bumper comes up all the way to the bottom of the tail light and does not go down below the 1/4 panel like the original 92-95 bumpers, so it does sit up higher (the top of the bumper on the sides) than the rest of the side mouldings and front bumper.

I've got a couple easy mods I'm doing this morning -I'll get the direct side shot this afternoon.

wow, that car looks really great! Ugh. I miss having a dark colored car. Your paint looks great!

Thanks!
In this case pictures are worth a million dollars -you'd change your mind if you saw the car in person. it'* not super bad, but the paint could really use a good wet sanding or buffing -it'* just not as dark or colorful as the paint on my old 1994 SLE which has 100k miles more than this.
I did just get out of the wash and I put to quick coats of spray wax on, as well as some tire shine.

The Car looked good at BFest...