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 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.

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

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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)

Left side only:

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

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