Removal and installation the front bumper (BMW 3 Series E46)

Front bumper

The front bumper is designed in such a way that it can withstand a frontal collision at a speed of up to 4 km/h without damage. The impact energy is absorbed by an aluminum beam located inside and two hydraulic shock absorbers. The shock absorbers are attached to two easily replaceable deformable elements, the so-called impact boxes. At a speed of up to 15 km/h, the impact energy is absorbed by the deformation of the shock absorbers and impact boxes in such a way that damage to the engine mount beam is excluded.

Removal

1. Unscrew the mounting bolts "2" of the wheel arch visor "1".

Remove the additional bolt at the front bottom. Bolt not shown in the illustration.

2. Disconnect and remove the front wheel arch visor.



3. Unscrew the mounting bolts "3" of the bumper "1" to the shock absorbers from below through two holes "2". 4 - license plate, 5 - fog lamp. To unscrew, you need a Torx head, for example, HEZET-880-Mlg-Torx-E2 with an extension HAZET-8822-10 and, if necessary, a square adapter 958-2 with 5/8 to 1/2 inches.

4. Pull the bumper slightly and disconnect the plug connections of the horn on the left and right.

5. Disconnect the fog light plug connections, if any.

6. Pull the bumper forward with the help of an assistant.

Installation

7. Assemble the bumper if necessary.

8. If necessary, put the covers on the shock absorbers. The cover often remains in the shock absorber mount when removed.

9. With the help of an assistant, position the bumper horizontally. Connect the plug connections of the horns and/or fog lights.

10. Insert the bumper into the side guides and press back.

11. Align the bumper parallel to the body and secure with a torque of 40 Nm.



12. The distance between the bumper and the body should be A = 5±1 mm. Otherwise, remove the bumper and adjust the bumper height at the shock absorbers.



13. The height of the bumper is adjusted by rotating the plastic inserts with an internal hexagon "5" in the shock absorbers "1". 2 - nuts, 3 - nuts, 4 - connectors.

14. Insert the front wheel arch visors and secure them with bolts.