51 12 000 Removing and installing complete rear bumper

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 530i, and 2001 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Version with trailer coupling: Remove finisher strip.

Unfasten left/right expanding rivets and lift wheel arch finisher (1) to one side to remove.

Fig 1: Removing Wheel Arch Finisher

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Version with Park Distance Control (PDC):

Unfasten cable connector.

Unfasten connector, remove and expose the cable.

Fig 2: Unfastening Park Distance Control Cable Connector

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Unfasten inside left/right nuts.

Fig 3: Removing Bumper Mounting Nuts

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Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 2AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Version without Park Distance Control (PDC):

Pull bumper backwards to remove.

Version with Park Distance Control (PDC):

Pull bumper backwards slightly and remove cable grommet and cable.

Pull bumper backwards to remove.

Fig 4: Removing Park Distance Control Cable Grommet And Cable

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Installation:

Mount seal (2) on shock absorber (1)

Fit protective cap (3) to right shock absorber (1).

Fig 5: Installing Seal & Protective Cap On Shock Absorber

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Ideal adjustment:

Gap (A) should be uniform down full length between bumper and aperture in body.

Dimension (A) = 5 +/- 1 mm

Fig 6: Identifying Bumper Gap

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Loosen left/right inner nuts and adjust height of bumper.

Tightening torque, refer to 51 12 2AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES .

Fig 7: Adjusting Bumper Height

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