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

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: To guarantee system function on vehicles with LANE CHANGE WARNING SENSOR (radar 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 stickers must be attached in the area of the sensor

Follow the further instructions according to painting service information.

IMPORTANT: Bumper trim may be glued to mount in upper wheel arch area.
Part bonded joint if necessary.

NOTE: A bonded bumper trim is identifiable by the presence of a bonded joint on the inside.

Fig 1: Identifying Bumper Trim

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Release screws (1) on wheel arch trim (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Arch Trim Screws

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Lift up cover for rear light (1) on left and right.

Release screw (2) located underneath in each case.

Tightening torque 51 12 6AZ .

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Light Screw

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Not for F10M5:

Release expanding rivets (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Bumper Rivets

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F10 M5 only:

Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 12 10AZ .

Fig 5: Identifying Bumper Screw

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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)
Pull bumper panel (3) straight backward with aid of a second person
Disconnect plug connections
Set bumper panel (3) aside.

Fig 6: Identifying Bumper Panel
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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 on bumper panel (1) on top and bottom must not be damaged!

Observe 41 00... BODY GAP DIMENSIONS .

Fig 7: Locating Bumper Panel Tabs

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Installation note:

To be able to correctly route the wiring harness (1) in the area of the towing eye cover (2), the wiring harness (1) must be secured using a Velcro fastener (3).

If necessary, bond a 100 mm long Velcro fastener (3) approx. 40 mm above the towing eye cover (2).

Fig 8: Identifying Bumper Wiring Harness And Eye Cover

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Replacement:

Remount towing eye cover
Remount rear ultrasonic sensor. Refer to 66 20 534 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR LEFT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (PDC) , 66 20 535 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR RIGHT ULTRASONIC SENSOR , 66 20 536 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR MIDDLE LEFT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER and 66 20 537 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING ONE REAR MIDDLE RIGHT ULTRASONIC SENSOR .
Remount REAR REFLECTOR

M5 or M Aerodynamic package:

Change over THE COVER ON THE BUMPER TRIM PANEL