51 11 001 Replacing front bumper

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Replacing center section of front bumper (support beam):

Remove COMPLETE FRONT BUMPER .

Remove HOLDER FOR LICENSE PLATE .

Unfasten screws (1) and lift off air guide (2). In addition, lever air duct (4) on left/right out of clips (3) and remove.

Fig 1: Removing Screws And Lifting Off Air Guide And Lever Air Duct On Left/Right Out Of Clips

G03153457

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out expansion rivets (1) and (2) and remove bumper carrier towards rear.

NOTE: Lift out expanding rivets (2) by pulling inwards with pincers.

Fig 2: Removing Bumper Carrier Towards Rear

G03153458

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with headlight cleaning system:

If necessary, remove both JET NOZZLES OF HEADLAMP CLEANING SYSTEM .

If necessary, remove complete water hose.

Installation:

Route water hose under plastic tabs (3).

Fig 3: Routing Water Hose Under Plastic Tabs

G03153459

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The work for "Replacing front bumper center section (carrier)" ends here.

Replacing front bumper (bumper trim):

Unlock retaining clips at top (1) and bottom (2) and remove center of grille by pulling backwards.

Fig 4: Unlocking Retaining Clips At Top And Bottom And Removing Center Of Grille By Pulling Backwards

G03153460

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with fog lamps:

If necessary, REMOVE BOTH FOG LAMPS .

Pull mucket (1) upwards to remove.

If necessary, pull spoiler lip (2) downwards to remove.

Lift cover (3) off towing eye and unfasten catch band.

Remove all tab washers and slide on new bumper.

Fig 5: Pulling Mucket Upwards And Spoiler Lip Downwards

G03153461

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.