51 12 156 Removing and installing (replacing) rear bumper panel

IMPORTANT: On vehicles with LANE CHANGE WARNING SENSOR (HC2 sensor):

there must be no mechanical damage (e.g. dents) and no body repair work with filler or painting (several coats) must be carried out in a 10 cm radius about the left or right sensor on the bumper panel
no labels must be attached in the area of the sensor

Necessary preliminary tasks

Release screws (1) on wheel arch cover at rear (2).

Tightening torque 51 12 5AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Wheel Arch Cover And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Applicable operation for left and right side:

Carefully lever out expanding rivets (1).

Remove bottom water gutter cover (2).

Installation note:

Expanding rivets (1) must not be damaged.

Fig 2: Identifying Bottom Water Gutter Cover And Expanding Rivets

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release left and right screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 12 6AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Left And Right Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release bottom screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 12 7AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Bottom Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Bumper panel (3) is locked on sides and must be unlocked for removal purposes (risk of damage).

Removing

Starting from area (1), carefully disengage individual guide tabs on left and right
Repeat process for area (2)
Pull bumper panel (3) straight backward with aid of a second person
Disconnect plug connections
Set bumper panel (3) aside.

Fig 5: Identifying Bumper Panel, Left And Right Guide Tabs Area
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

PROTECTIVE FILM FOR PREVENTING PAINT ABRASION in the area of the invisible joint (side frame) must not de damaged or missing.

Guide tabs at top and bottom must not be damaged!

Fig 6: Identifying Gap Dimensions

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement

5112156 Removing and installing (replacing) rear bumper panel