My Car was involved in a minor front end collision, just needed a new front bumper. After getting the car back, I noticed a gap between the front bumper and fender, below the headlight. Any Ideas why there's a gap? Is it an issue with the front bumper not being OEM or a missing bracket...

 

Definitely doesn't look installed right. Also, your tire direction looks wrong.

 

I just had my winter tires put on, wasn't sure if its that big of a deal, but ill swap sides. thanks for pointing that out.

And yes, the gap is abnormally large, as if it's hanging. Is there a bracket or a plate that goes there to secure the bumper closer to the fender?

 

Looks like you're missing a screw that goes from the bumper straight up to your fender just behind your fender liner. So yea not properly installed

 

I was guessing the same thing. But what seems odd, is that the plastic tab where the clip goes through on the front bumper, and where the screw will go through, is flexing quite a bit, making the gap...

Is there supposed to be a metal plate or something that goes there?

 

I have not checked mines however If I remember correctly on the V35 there is a metal plate there riveted into the bumper for rigidity. Wouldnt surprise me if the Aftermarket bumper did not come with this.

 

BULL is correct.

Most aftermarket bumpers don't come with that metal brace which is needed to for rigidity and for the bumper to sit flush.

Is it a gap on both sides?

 

That little nylon thing that you see sticking out needs to slot into the bumper and there are two screws which bolt it all to the fender. Looks like you need to push the bumper back a bit farther and install those screws. There is a metal brace as well as the others have mentioned.

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Ill go ahead and order the parts for that area on both sides, and have them re-installed. Hopefully that fixes the gap