51 12 156 Removing and installing rear bumper panel

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove BUMPER PANEL COVER 

Partially detach REAR WHEEL ARCH TRIM (1)  (see picture).

Unfasten screws (2 and 3).

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Wheel Arch Trim And Screws

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Release screws (1 and 2) on lower bumper trim section (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Lower Bumper Trim Section And Screws

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Only with M bumper panel: 

Undo screws (1) on bumper panel (3).

Unfasten plug connection (2) and disconnect.

Fig 3: Identifying Bumper Panel, Plug Connection And Screws

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Pull bumper panel (1) with a 2nd person helping on left and right in direction of arrow out of catches (2).

Installation note: 

Bumper panel (1) must be correctly fed in at latch mechanisms (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Bumper Panel And Latch Mechanisms

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With the assistance of another person, pull bumper panel (1) back slightly and disconnect plug connection (2).

Remove bumper panel (1) in direction of arrow.

Fig 5: Removing Bumper Panel

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Installation note: 

Catches in areas (A and B) and guide (1) on trim (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Bumper Trim, Guide And Catches

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.