51 71 038 Removing and installing/replacing front left or right wheel arch cover (front section)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X6. 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.

Release expander rivets (1) and screws (2, 3).

Fig 1: Identifying Expander Rivets And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release expander rivet (1) and nut (2).

Release screws (3, 4).

Feed out wheel arch cover in downward direction.

Fig 2: Expander Rivet, Nut And 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 3: 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).

Replacement:

Modify lip (1)
If necessary, modify cover (2)

Fig 4: Identifying Modify Lip And Modify Cover
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.