Rear bumper — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

1. Block the front wheels and apply the parking brake. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on jack stands (see "Raising and Supporting the Vehicle").

Models produced before September 2001

2. Starting from the left corner, carefully remove the plastic cover from the bumper (Fig. 7.2).



3. Remove the central pins, then remove the locking clips that secure the mudguards to the bumper (Fig. 7.3).



4. On models manufactured before December 1998, remove the bolt securing each mudguard to the bumper (Fig. 7.4).



5. On models produced after December 1998, unscrew the nuts of the brackets that secure the mudguards to the bumper.



6 On all models, remove the lower bumper mounting bolts, pull the front ends of the bumper away from the mudguards and remove the bumper from the car (fig. 7.6, a, b).

Models produced since October 2001

7. Remove the screws (one on each side), located at the front lower edges of the bumper (Fig. 7.7).



8. Remove the two screws securing the bumper to the buffers.



9. Using a flat-head screwdriver, carefully push down the tab under the wing arch and detach the bumper.

10. Pull the front edges of the bumper and move it back a little. Disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the bumper.

Installation

11. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that the ends of the bumper are properly secured. Apply a little anti-loosening compound to the bumper mounting bolts and tighten them securely.