Hopefully someone will have a quick answer to this question. I tried searching google and this forum but couldn't find a specific answer or mostly just shopping sites on google.

Short of it is that my wife slide off the road today during a snow storm and tore off a section of her front bumper cover. I'd like to replace it and save an insurance claim/hike for such a little repair.

Now what I wanted to know if the 03 LS model bumper cover will fit the 03 ES model?

It seems like the part number for the ES is listed as MR972520
While the LS is listed as MR972514

The odd thing is the ES Model MR972520 shows that it fits both the ES and LS as a direct fit. But the MR972514 shows it fits the LS, EVO and Rally, NOT the ES. It's about $50 cheaper to get the MR972514 so if it fits the ES all the same then I'd rather just get that bumper.

 

So I decided to go ahead and place the order for the LS bumper.
They are the same bumper EXCEPT for a few mounting holes cut into the front for a spoiler/lip. I figured I'd just spend $10 and fill the holes with body putty and sand them down with the rest of the bumper before painting. And it worked great. I put some heavy duty tape on the backside of the bumper over the holes so that putty would have something as a backer. Saved me a pile of money and the wife has a nice new looking bumper.

Anyone that might find themselves in the same boat with an 03 Lancer ES the part number I ordered was: MR972514 from Car Parts Wholesale. Set me back 79.92 with free shipping. It comes primed black. So if you happen to have a Labrador Black Pearl Lancer it works out well b/c you don't have to do multiple coats of base to get the color to match.