51 12 157 Replacing Rear Bumper Trim

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove bumper trim  See 51 12 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR BUMPER TRIM 

Build date from 03/2005: 

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

Release expander rivets (1 and 2).

Remove thermal insulation (3).

Fig 1: Identifying Expander Rivets

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove flap (1) for towing lug.

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

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

Fig 2: Identifying Flap For Towing Lug

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ALPINA B7 exhaust cover: 

Place exhaust cover (1) on cut bumper trim and check for

accuracy of fit; if necessary, rework bumper trim. Clean adhesive area of bumper trim with spirit.

Apply adhesive bead (2) dia. = 5 mm.

Fig 3: Identifying Exhaust Cover (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Place exhaust cover (1) on bumper trim (2), align and stick down.

Remove emerging adhesive immediately.

Secure exhaust cover (1) with yellow plastic adhesive tape.

Secure exhaust cover (1) in area (A) to bumper trim (2) with blind rivets.

If necessary, drill out bumper trim (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Exhaust Cover (2 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.