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

IMPORTANT: To guarantee system function on vehicles with LANE CHANGE WARNING 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 manual.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
The rear lights must be removed to remove the bumper panel!

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove BOTH REAR LIGHTS
Remove number plate with baseplate

Only on F06/F13:

Remove water channel cover

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

Fig 1: Identifying Screws On Wheel Arch Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release expanding rivet (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Expanding Rivet

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Release screw (1).

Tightening torque 51 12 6AZ .

Release latch mechanisms (2) from bumper (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Latch Mechanisms And Bumper

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IMPORTANT: Bumper panel (3) is laterally engaged in fixture holders (1) and (2).
Holders (1) and (2) must be disengaged for dismantling (risk of damage).

Fig 4: Identifying Bumper Panel And Holders

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Starting from the outside, carefully snap out the individual guide tabs on left and right
Pull bumper panel (3) straight backward with aid of a second person
If necessary, disconnect plug connections
Remove the bumper panel (3)

Installation note:

Guide tabs at top and bottom must not be damaged!

Observe gap dimensions. See 41 00... BODY GAP DIMENSIONS .

Fig 5: Identifying Guide Tabs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement:

Remount towing eye cover
Remount NUMBER PLATE LIGHT
Remount rear ultrasonic sensor. See 66 20 535 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR RIGHT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (PDC) , 66 20 534 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR LEFT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (PDC) , 66 20 537 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR CENTER RIGHT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER (PDC) and 66 20 536 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING A REAR MIDDLE LEFT ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER .
Remount REAR REFLECTOR