2004-2005 Subaru Impreza Front Bumper: A Guide to Sedan, Wagon & STI Differences
This guide covers the critical compatibility differences, inspection points for used parts, and replacement costs for the 'Blobeye' Impreza front bumper.
- Sedan, Wagon, and WRX STI front bumpers are NOT interchangeable without significant modification; verify the correct part for your specific model.
- When buying a used bumper, the most critical inspection is for broken or repaired mounting tabs, as this dictates how well it will fit.
- New bumpers from any source come unprimed and require professional painting, which can often cost more than the part itself.
- The complete assembly includes the outer cover, a foam energy absorber, and a steel reinforcement bar, all of which are sold separately.
Critical Compatibility: Sedan, Wagon, and STI Bumpers Are Not Interchangeable
The most important factor when purchasing a front bumper for a 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza is understanding that the three main body styles—Sedan (RS/WRX), Wagon, and WRX STI—use different, non-interchangeable front bumpers. Attempting to install the wrong bumper will result in poor fitment, large panel gaps, and misaligned mounting points.
Warning: Do not purchase a bumper based on looks alone. Verify the part is for your specific Impreza model (Sedan, Wagon, or STI) to avoid costly mistakes.
- Sedan (RS, WRX): This is the standard bumper for non-STI sedan models. It has a specific shape to match the sedan's headlights and fenders.
- Wagon (Outback Sport, TS, WRX Wagon): The wagon features different headlights and a slightly different front-end structure, requiring a unique bumper cover. A sedan bumper will not align correctly with the wagon's headlights and grille area.
- WRX STI: The STI model has wider front fenders to accommodate a wider track and larger tires. Consequently, the STI front bumper is wider than the standard sedan bumper to match these flared fenders. While it's a popular modification to put an STI bumper on a WRX sedan, it requires swapping the front fenders, fender liners, and various brackets to achieve proper fitment.
Symptoms of a Damaged Front Bumper
Failure of a front bumper assembly is almost always due to physical impact. The symptoms are typically visible and should be inspected closely after any front-end collision, no matter how minor.
- Visible Cracks or Tears: Obvious cracks in the plastic bumper cover are the most common sign of failure. These compromise the structural integrity and can worsen over time.
- Deep Scratches and Gouges: While cosmetic, deep gouges can weaken the plastic and are often a sign of a significant impact that may have damaged underlying parts.
- Sagging or Poor Alignment: If the bumper hangs low, has uneven gaps with the hood and fenders, or appears pushed in, it indicates that mounting tabs or the underlying reinforcement bar are broken or bent.
- Broken Mounting Tabs: The plastic tabs that secure the bumper cover to the fenders, grille, and undertray are brittle and often break during an impact. A bumper with broken tabs will not sit securely and will vibrate or shift while driving.
Pro Tip: After a minor front-end collision, even if the bumper cover looks okay, it's wise to remove it and inspect the foam energy absorber (57705FE040) and steel reinforcement bar (57711FE071). The foam absorber is a one-time use part and should be replaced if compressed or cracked.
Buying a Used 2004-2005 Impreza Front Bumper
Purchasing a used OEM bumper is an excellent way to save money while retaining factory fit and quality. Aftermarket bumpers often use inferior plastic that can be brittle and may not align perfectly. When inspecting a used OEM bumper, pay close attention to the following areas:
- All Mounting Points: This is the most critical inspection. Carefully check every tab, especially the ones that connect to the fender under the headlight and the main tabs that clip into the brackets on the frame rails. If these are cracked or broken, the bumper will never fit correctly without significant repair work.
- Signs of Previous Repair: Look on the backside of the bumper for signs of plastic welding, adhesives like epoxy or bondo, or fiberglass patches. While a professional repair can be durable, a poor repair will likely fail.
- Flexibility of the Plastic: Gently flex the corners of the bumper. The original OEM plastic is quite flexible. If it feels overly stiff or brittle, it may have been exposed to excessive sun and UV radiation, making it more prone to cracking.
- Verify it's OEM: Look for a Subaru logo or part number stamped on the inside of the bumper cover. This confirms you are getting the superior fit and material quality of a factory part.
Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
There are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) directly related to the front bumper assembly itself for the 2004-2005 Impreza. However, there are significant recalls concerning the front passenger airbag. Recall WRF-23 (NHTSA 23V076000) was issued because replacement airbag inflators from a previous Takata recall may have been installed incorrectly, potentially preventing the airbag from deploying properly. While this doesn't affect the bumper, it's a critical safety check for any owner of these vehicles.
Replacement Overview and Difficulty
Replacing the front bumper cover on a 2004-2005 Impreza is a relatively straightforward job suitable for a DIY mechanic with basic tools.
- Difficulty: 2 out of 5
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Tools Needed: 10mm socket, flathead screwdriver, and a plastic trim removal tool/clip popper.
The general process involves removing a series of plastic push-clips along the top of the grille and under the front edge of the bumper, as well as a few bolts or clips inside each front wheel well. Once all fasteners are removed, the bumper cover is carefully pulled away from the clips on the fenders and then straight off the front of the car.
Cost Comparison
Prices for a replacement front bumper assembly can vary significantly. Note that new bumper covers, whether OEM or aftermarket, come unpainted.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Bumper Cover | $200 - $350 |
| New Aftermarket Bumper Cover | $100 - $200 |
| Used OEM Bumper Cover | $150 - $400 (condition and color dependent) |
| Professional Painting & Blending | $300 - $800 |
| Shop Labor (Installation Only) | $100 - $300 |
OEM Part Numbers and Components
The front bumper "assembly" consists of several key parts. It's important to identify which part you need, as they are sold separately.
| Part Number | Description | Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 57702FE060 | Front Bumper Cover | Fits WRX STI models only. |
| 57704FE090 | Front Bumper Cover | Fits Sedan models (RS, WRX), excluding STI. |
| 57704FE080 | Front Bumper Cover | Fits Wagon models, excluding STI. |
| 57705FE040 | Foam Energy Absorber | Fits all models (Sedan, Wagon, STI). |
| 57711FE071 | Steel Reinforcement Bar | Fits all models. Replaces older part number 57711FE070. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a WRX STI bumper on my WRX or RS sedan?
Yes, but it is not a direct swap. To make it fit correctly, you will also need to install the wider STI front fenders, STI fender liners, and the corresponding bumper mounting brackets. Without these parts, the bumper will be wider than your stock fenders and will not align properly.
Do used bumpers come painted?
Yes, used bumpers come in the original color of the donor vehicle. This can be a benefit if you find one that matches your car's paint code. However, expect minor scratches and rock chips from normal use. Always confirm the paint condition before purchasing.
What is the difference between the bumper cover, absorber, and reinforcement bar?
The Bumper Cover is the outer painted plastic piece you see. The Absorber is a large piece of foam that sits behind the cover to absorb low-speed impacts. The Reinforcement Bar is a steel beam bolted to the car's frame that provides the main structural protection in a crash.
Why is an OEM used bumper often better than a new aftermarket one?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bumpers are made from a higher quality, more flexible plastic that resists cracking and fits perfectly. Many new aftermarket bumpers are made from cheaper, more rigid plastic that can be brittle and may have slight imperfections in shape, leading to alignment issues with headlights and fenders.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 57702FE060 57704FE080 57704FE090 57705FE040 57711FE070 57711FE071
Material: Thermoplastic (Bumper Cover), Expanded Polystyrene/Polypropylene (Absorber), Steel (Reinforcement Bar)
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Subaru Impreza:
- Critical Compatibility: Sedan, Wagon, and STI Bumpers Are Not Interchangeable
- Symptoms of a Damaged Front Bumper
- Buying a Used 2004-2005 Impreza Front Bumper
- Known Issues, Recalls, and Service Bulletins
- Replacement Overview and Difficulty
- Cost Comparison
- OEM Part Numbers and Components
- Frequently Asked Questions
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