51 12 157 Replacing rear bumper trim

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove bumper trim, refer to 51 12 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR BUMPER TRIM 

Build date from 03/2005:

• Remove all rear body moldings, refer to 51 12 432 REPLACING CENTRAL BODY MOLDING ON REAR BUMPER  and 51 12 435 REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT BODY MOLDING FROM SIDES OF REAR BUMPER 

Release expander rivets (1 and 2).

Fig 1: Removing Thermal Insulation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove thermal insulation (3).

Remove flap (1) for towing lug.

Fig 2: Removing PDC Wiring Harness And Antenna

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, unclip PDC wiring harness (2) and antenna (3) and remove.

If necessary, remove flap and frame of trailer tow hitch.