Hah - you're lucky - on the facelifted Mondeos the pastic bumper cover comes all the way down past the exhasut exit and has a big notch cut in it on the appropriate side (LHS for 1.6, 1.8 and TD, RHS for 2.0 and 2.5). Unfortunately the clip securing the bottom of the bumper can come loose and then it starts to flap around at speed, and after not too long cracks the bumper at the weakest spot - where the exhaust exits.
This is why you see so many new shape Mondeos with big flappy rear bumpers on the motorways - my mates 98 LX has a *very* interesting noise at 50mph+ - 'tis the bumper flapping around - it has cracked most of the way up. I check my little clip *reguarly* - the bumper had a small crack beginning when I got the car, but it's got no worse.
Not that any of this affects you . . . I'll get my coat.
Shawn
