Removal and installation the front bumper (BMW 3 Series E36)

The design of the front bumper is such that collisions at speeds of up to 4 km/h do not cause any damage. The collision energy is absorbed by an aluminum beam located inside and two hydraulic shock absorbers. The shock absorbers are mounted on two easily replaceable deformation elements, the so-called shock boxes. At collision speeds of up to 15 km/h, energy absorption occurs due to the deformation of hydraulic dampers and shock boxes without causing damage to the engine beam.

Removal

If present, remove fog lights.



Loosen one bolt on each side at the rear of the wheel arches.

Remove three bolts on each side at the bottom of the wheel arches.

Hook the left and right bumper covers near the license plate and pull them outward.



Unscrew the 2 fastening nuts on the left side.



Open the towing eye cover and unscrew the 2 nuts.

With the help of an assistant, pull the bumper forward.

If equipped, disconnect the headlight washer hoses. Clamp the hoses to prevent fluid from leaking.

Installation

Assemble the bumper (Figure W 48204).

With the help of an assistant, place the bumper horizontally. Connect the headlight washer hoses.

Insert the bumper into the side guides and press.

Align the bumper parallel to the body and tighten the fasteners to a torque of 55 Nm.

Tighten 4 bolts into the wheel arches on each side.

First hook the bumper pads on the sides and then snap them into place.

Close the towing eye cover.

(The original entry can be found on the portal BMWman.ru)