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

Rear bumper

The front bumper is designed in such a way that it can withstand a frontal collision at a speed of 4 km/h without damage. The impact energy is absorbed through an aluminum beam located inside and two hydraulic shock absorbers.

Removal

1. Remove the left and right rear wheel arch visors "1". To do this, unscrew the two bolts "2". Remove the pins "3" with a screwdriver, then remove the clamps. After this, remove the visors from the side of the bumper.

2. Open the trunk and remove the left side trim, refer to Section Removal and installation the rear panel trim.



3. Models 316i, 318i: Remove the right side panel and take out the right pocket, refer to Section Removal and installation the rear panel trim.

4. Models 320d, 320i, 323i, 328i: Remove the battery cover, refer to Section Removal and installation the battery.



5. Unscrew the three bumper mounting nuts on the left and right with a 13 mm wrench. First remove the top nut cover.



6. For vehicles with Park Distance Warning, remove cover "1". First, detach the locking tabs from below, then pull the remaining part of the visor back and detach it at points "3". Disconnect the plug connections of the ultrasonic transducers and remove the visor. Disconnect the cable holder at the bottom left.

7. Remove the bumper with the help of an assistant.

Installation

8. If necessary, assemble the bumper.



9. If necessary, put the plastic cover "1" and seal "3" on the shock absorber "2". The cover often remains in the shock absorber support when removed.

10. Using an assistant, insert the bumper into the side guides and move it forward, press the front part from the side and move it forward until it stops.

11. For vehicles with Park Distance Warning, secure the cable holder at the bottom left. Connect the plug connections of the ultrasonic transducers and secure the sun visor.

12. Raise the bumper slightly at the rear, align it parallel to the body and secure with a torque of 20 N·m. The distance between the bumper and the body should be 5±1 mm.

13. The height of the bumper is adjusted with the shock absorber removed by rotating the plastic insert with an internal hexagon in the shock absorbers.

14. Replace the upper nut covers.

15. Insert the rear wheel arch visors on the left and right and secure them. Insert two rivets and press the pins in until they stop.

16. Models 320d, 320i, 323i, 328i: Replace the battery cover, refer to Section Removal and installation the rear panel trim.



17. Models 316i, 318i: Install the right side panel and right pocket, refer to Section Removal and installation the rear panel trim.

18. Install the left side trim, refer to Section Removal and installation the rear panel trim.