51 71 039 Removing and installing/replacing front left or right wheel arch cover (rear section)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT WHEEL .
Remove TRIM ON FRONT WHEEL ARCH .

NOTE: Work shown on the X5 3.0d by way of example; there may be differences in detail on other models.

Detach ABS connection box (1).

Fig 1: Identifying ABS Connection Box

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Release expander rivets (1) and nuts (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Expander Rivets And Nuts

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Release screws (1 and 2).

Feed out wheel arch cover.

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Arch Cover Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Make sure all covers in wheel arch are correctly seated in relation to each other:

Rear cover (1) overlaps front cover (2)
Cover (4) overlaps rear cover (1)
Cover (3) overlaps covers (2, 4) and rear cover (1) in area (A)

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Cover And Front Cover
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Left side only:

Rear cover (1) overlaps cover (3) in area (B).