Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Unscrew and remove license plate. See 51 11 158 Replacing baseplate for license plate 
• Remove holder for license plate. See 51 11 158 Replacing baseplate for license plate 
• Remove rubbing strips. Remove complete front bumper. See 51 11 000 Removing and installing complete front bumper (from 10/01) 
• If necessary, remove front fog lamps. See FOG LIGHTS, AUXILIARY

Release expansion rivets on left/right.

Fig 1: Releasing Expansion Rivets On Left/Right (1 Of 2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release expansion rivets on left/right.

Fig 2: Releasing Expansion Rivets On Left/Right (2 Of 2)

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Release nuts on left/right.

Remove bumper bracket. See 51 11 701 Replacing bracket for front left or right bumper (saloon/sedan and touring from 10/01) 

Fig 3: Releasing Nuts On Left/Right

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Replacement of center bumper section (bracket) only:

Release nuts (1) on left/right and remove air horn (2) from bumper bracket (3).

Fig 4: Releasing Nuts

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Replacement of center bumper section (bracket) only:

If necessary, release split pins (1) on left/right and remove mounting sleeve (2) from center bumper section (3).

Fig 5: Releasing Split Pins On Left/Right & Removing Mounting Sleeve From Center Bumper Section

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Replacement of bumper trim only:

Remove trim grill for bumper trim. See 51 11 180 Removing and installing/replacing trim grill for bumper trim (up to 9/01) 

Lever out cover (1) for towing lug and feed retaining strap (2) out of bumper.

Detach piping (3) towards rear.

Fig 6: Detaching Piping Towards Rear

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.