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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

Refer to instructions in "Body and Paint" guide.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove COVER ON REAR BUMPER PANEL .

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

Tightening torque 51 12 5AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Arch Cover Screws At Rear

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 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 Right Screw

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Release bottom screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 12 7AZ .

Fig 4: Identifying Bottom Screws

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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)

Fig 5: Identifying Bumper Panel Removing Areas
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Pull bumper panel (3) straight backward with aid of a second person
Disconnect plug connections
Set bumper panel (3) aside.

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!

Observe 41 00... BODY GAP DIMENSIONS .

Fig 6: Identifying Bumper Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement

Modify towing eye cover
Fit rear ultrasonic sensors . See 66 20 537 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ONE REAR MIDDLE RIGHT ULTRASONIC SENSOR , 66 20 536 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR MIDDLE LEFT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER , 66 20 535 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR RIGHT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (PDC) or 66 20 534 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR LEFT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (PDC) from old component.
Fit REAR REFLECTORS from old component.