DIY: Sedan Rear Bumper Removal/Installation (as requested)

Looking around for this DIY for my own use, I noticed a few people were also on the hunt for what turned out to be a VERY simple "project". So I thought I'd post it up with pics for those of us with a sedan, since the removal is slightly different from the coupe...

Tools needed:
- Torx T50 socket with ratchet tool or other (preferrably 5 inches or longer)
- Flathead screwdriver (a butter knife will work too!)
- 5/16th socket tool (any wrench will do, but will be a pain)
- safety glasses! (you'll thank me for this one when you're on your back under the bumper!)


1. Locate the two circular openings underneath the rear bumper (see picture); there you will be able to access the two long bolts that hold the bumper in place.





2. Use the torx T50 to unscrew and remove these two bolts. Here it will be MUCH simpler if what you are using is a ratchet set (maybe with an extension)... that way, it gives you leverage to pry it loose, because you'll see how hard it is to get that sucker to turn at first!

3. Use the 5/16th socket to remove the screw on the bottom front of the bumper, right at the wheel well (see picture below). Then repeat on the other side.





4. Hard part over with, get your flathead/butter knife and very carefully pry apart the side front lip of the bumper away from its holder (right at the wheel well). The idea is to push the little black clip downwards and towards the car. (see picture). Repeat on both sides.





5. Carefully slide the bumper back and away from the vehicle (easier with a friend) and remember to place it on a soft surface, as to prevent damage to the finish!

That's it for removal!

You'll notice that to re-install the bumper, the only hard step is to slide the sides of the bumper onto the black tracks on either side of the quarter panel (see pictures of bumper and tracks below.) Again, here it might be simpler with a friend, each of you at one side, guiding the bumper onto the 3-track holder. Once that's done with, don't forget to snap the front lip back into place, and re-install the four screws from underneath!







So contrary to the coupe bumper, there is no need to remove the black trim to access the bolts in our case... the whole thing shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

Any questions? Good!

Excellent Write Up!

This is definately going to come in handy for most people as a reference.

Jared

I wonder if the front bumper is similar?

Thanks Jared!

How hard can you pull to remove the main 2 bumper bolts?? I tried to remove mine a while ago..and they were almost seized tight... any suggestions .. 3-1 oil ??

Originally Posted by Surk

How hard can you pull to remove the main 2 bumper bolts?? I tried to remove mine a while ago..and they were almost seized tight... any suggestions .. 3-1 oil ??

Hey Surk...

To be honest with you, I had the same problem, but I didn't bother using any oils/greasers. I first started out trying with a straight screwdriver socket T50 and soon realized that was stupid!

Anyways, what finally worked was a ratchet using a T50 socket; that way, you're using all your strength to pull/push rather than to turn! (the longer the ratchet, the easier it will be obviously)

Don't be afraid of stripping these bolts BTW, you'll screw up your T50 WAY before these bolts would even budge if that were the case!

Kamshaft

good work!

Did anyone bother to ask Kamshaft why he had to remove his bumper???

Did anyone bother to ask Kamshaft why he had to remove his bumper???

Edit - oops, double post

Originally Posted by BimmerDom

Did anyone bother to ask Kamshaft why he had to remove his bumper???

Quiet Dom! Or people will find out that it was to get to the stash of Viagra you made me smuggle in for you!!

ED is no laughing matter

Thanks for the write-up, as it will come in handy for the future.

OT question for you. How do you get the red arrows in your pictures?

Originally Posted by greenohawk69

Thanks for the write-up, as it will come in handy for the future.

OT question for you. How do you get the red arrows in your pictures?

Photoshop...

Hey, i tried to removing my 2006 330ci zhp bumper and there seemed to be a lot of work in it. I went 1/2 way and it was too much and i had to reinstall it. Am i doing it wrong. Can someone help me? There seemed to be series of lugs (difficult to get to) on he inner bumper after the diffuser is removed. Thanks

awesome DIY!

Hey guys, I needed to remove my rear bumper on my 2001 325i and I don't see the two holes to remove the big screws, or the two on the bottom-sides. Any suggestions? I can't find 2001 rear bumper removal anywhere.

Thanks

Just remember that the bumper only has the holes for to introduce the ratchet to the screws. I you could take a pic of the bottom of your bumper we could help you better. Have you read the DIYs at the tech section? If your car has an aftermarket rear valance or something extra that may be the reason your bumpers looks different, but I doubt it.

Figures, can't find a DIY for this anywhere, and a guy from my own damn city writes one!! Thanks Kamshaft! Can't wait to try this!

Bart

excellent DIY, except when trying to "CAREFULLY" pry the bumper, you have to be VERY CAREFUL ! i broke the part on the bumper that holds the front in place, but then i noticed in a previous repair job the garage put some strong adhesive to keep it in place.

I guess i am not the only one not being careful ...

Additional info: If the black plastic slider is broken, here's my DIY to replace it without removing the whole bumper:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...802&highlight=