51 12 000 Removing and installing complete rear bumper

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 325Ci, 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, and 2004 BMW 325xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required:

NOTE: For special tools, refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (M54/E46) .

00 2 150

NOTE: Version with trailer coupling: Remove finisher strip. All models: Remove trim on bumper trim at rear. See 51 12 080 Removing and installing/replacing finisher strip on bumper trim

Sedan and touring:

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

Attach special tool 0 2 150 to ratchet and release screw on left/right.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool 0 2 150

G03164832

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Sedan and touring:

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

Fig 2: Pulling Bumper Towards Rear/Bottom And Remove Screw Towards Rear/Bottom

G03164833

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Coupe and Convertible:

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

Fig 3: Attaching Special Tool 00 2 150

G03164834

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 2AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Coupe and Convertible:

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

Fig 4: Pulling Bumper Towards Rear/Bottom And Remove Screw Towards Front/Bottom

G03164835

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with Park Distance Control (PDC):

Unclip left cable holder (1) towards bottom.

Fig 5: Uncliping Left Cable Holder Towards Bottom

G03164836

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Construction status from 12/98:

Release nut (1) on left/right.

Remove bracket (2) from bumper (3).

Fig 6: Removing Bracket From Bumper

G03164837

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 5AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Release expansion rivet (1) on left/right.

Fig 7: Releasing Expansion Rivet On Left/Right

G03164838

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Convertible with TV only:

Remove storage tray in trunk on left.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 8: Disconnecting Plug Connection

G03164839

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: Releasing Nut On Left/Right And Pulling Off Bumper Towards Rear

G03164840

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.