51 12 000 Removing and installing complete rear bumper

Remove bumper lower paneling at rear. Refer to 51 12 160 Removing and installing/replacing rear lower bumper trim .

Unlock rotary fasteners (1) and remove covers (2) from ventilation grill (3).

Fig 1: Removing Covers From Ventilation Grill

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Disconnect plug connection (1) on left/right.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Plug Connection

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Lever out grommet (2).

Remove luggage compartment floor trim panel. Refer to 51 47 101 Removing and installing/replacing luggage compartment floor trim panel .

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 3: Disconnecting Plug Connection

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Release expansion rivets (1) and remove trim (2).

Fig 4: Releasing Expansion Rivets

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Release screws (1).

Remove retaining rail (2) and spacers.

Fig 5: Removing Retaining Rail And Spacers

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Release screws (1) and (2) on left/right and remove spacer bushings.

Fig 6: Releasing Screws

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Release nut (1) on left/right and detach cable (2).

Fig 7: Releasing Nuts And Screws

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Release screw (3) on left/right from impact absorber (4).

Installation: 

Tightening torque 51 12 2AZ. Refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Carefully pull bumper (1) on left/right outwards and snap out the first two ribs (3) with a small screwdriver (risk of damage).

Fig 8: Unclipping Bumper From Side Panel

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Then unclip rest of bumper (1) from side panel (2).

Ribs (3) must not be damaged.

Pull back bumper slightly.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on left/right and pull off complete bumper.

Fig 9: Disconnecting Plug Connections

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