51 12 000 Removing And Installing Complete Rear Bumper

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

For Special Tool identification, see MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Special Tools Required:

00 2 150

NOTE: Version With Trailer Coupling:

Remove finisher strip.

All models:

Remove trim on bumper trim at rear.

Fig 1: Identifying Torx Socket T50, Small

G03118746

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Sedan and touring:

Stick on fabric adhesive tape (1) below screw to bumper (risk of damage).

Attach special tool 00 2 150 to ratchet and release screw on left/right.

NOTE: Saloon/sedan with M aerodynamics package only:

Screw can be removed towards bottom.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 2AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Sedan and touring:

Pull bumper (1) towards rear/bottom and remove screw (2) towards rear/bottom.

Fig 2: Removing Bumper Screw

G03118747

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coupe and Convertible:

Attach special tool 00 2 150 to ratchet and release screw on left/right.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 2AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Fig 3: View Of Special Tool And Ratchet

G03118748

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coupe and Convertible:

Pull bumper (1) towards rear/bottom and remove screw (2) towards front/bottom.

Fig 4: Removing Bumper Screw

G03118749

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Park Distance Control (PDC):

Unclip left cable holder (1) towards bottom.

Fig 5: Unclipping Left Cable Holder

G03118750

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Construction status from 12/98:

Release nut (1) on left/right.

Remove bracket (2) from bumper (3).

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 5AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Fig 6: Removing Bracket Nut

G03118751

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release expansion rivet (1) on left/right.

Lift out wheel arch finisher (2) on left/right and pull bumper (3) a little to rear.

All except Convertible with TV:

Pull off bumper (3) towards rear.

Fig 7: Removing Expansion Rivet

G03118752

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Convertible with TV only:

Remove storage tray in trunk on left.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 8: Disconnecting Plug Connection

G03118753

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Convertible with TV only:

Pull out cable plug with grommet (1) towards rear.

Release nut (2) on left/right.

Pull off bumper (3) towards rear.

Fig 9: Removing Retaining Nut

G03118754

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.