Remove rear bumper E61
07-25-2009, 01:54 AM
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I'm trying to install a towbar on my E61 and I'm having some problems when trying to remove the rear bumper. I've found a lot of good advice on the E60, but I haven't found anything on the E61. Anyone know if it's the same procedure? I would be very grateful if anyone can supply me with some good info!
07-25-2009, 03:06 PM
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My Ride: Estoril Blue 440i GC
Model Year: 2017
The procedure is very similar to the E60,
Undo the screws at the rear of the wheel arch, as well as removing the little plastic rivet each side underneath.
Remove the rivets from under the centre of the bumper at the back.
Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed.
Gently pull the front of the bumper away from the wheelarch, away from the side of the car, to release the bumper.
Then, with assistance, pull the whole bumper rearwards.
Don't forget to undo the PDC wires when you get a bit of clearance.
It looks easier to do on the E61 than the E60 because you don't have to remove the inner side panels - although you'll be removing them for doing the wiring anyway.
Mike
Undo the screws at the rear of the wheel arch, as well as removing the little plastic rivet each side underneath.
Remove the rivets from under the centre of the bumper at the back.
Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed.
Gently pull the front of the bumper away from the wheelarch, away from the side of the car, to release the bumper.
Then, with assistance, pull the whole bumper rearwards.
Don't forget to undo the PDC wires when you get a bit of clearance.
It looks easier to do on the E61 than the E60 because you don't have to remove the inner side panels - although you'll be removing them for doing the wiring anyway.
Mike
08-02-2009, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by AlwynMike' post='954381' date='Jul 26 2009, 01:06 AM
The procedure is very similar to the E60,
Undo the screws at the rear of the wheel arch, as well as removing the little plastic rivet each side underneath.
Remove the rivets from under the centre of the bumper at the back.
Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed.
Gently pull the front of the bumper away from the wheelarch, away from the side of the car, to release the bumper.
Then, with assistance, pull the whole bumper rearwards.
Don't forget to undo the PDC wires when you get a bit of clearance.
It looks easier to do on the E61 than the E60 because you don't have to remove the inner side panels - although you'll be removing them for doing the wiring anyway.
Mike
Undo the screws at the rear of the wheel arch, as well as removing the little plastic rivet each side underneath.
Remove the rivets from under the centre of the bumper at the back.
Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed.
Gently pull the front of the bumper away from the wheelarch, away from the side of the car, to release the bumper.
Then, with assistance, pull the whole bumper rearwards.
Don't forget to undo the PDC wires when you get a bit of clearance.
It looks easier to do on the E61 than the E60 because you don't have to remove the inner side panels - although you'll be removing them for doing the wiring anyway.
Mike
J?han
08-02-2009, 11:28 AM
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Great Job.
Towbar on? - get something hooked up onto it, get out into the Holiday traffic and start terrorising innocent motorists!!
Mike
Towbar on? - get something hooked up onto it, get out into the Holiday traffic and start terrorising innocent motorists!!
Mike
03-24-2010, 01:28 PM
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Mike,
Can you please elaborate on this bit:
"Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed."
On the drivers side for example, do you mean the cover that holds the first aid kit, because all this reveals is a fuse box?
Any further clarification you could give would be mnuch appreciated.
Regards,
Paul.
Can you please elaborate on this bit:
"Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed."
On the drivers side for example, do you mean the cover that holds the first aid kit, because all this reveals is a fuse box?
Any further clarification you could give would be mnuch appreciated.
Regards,
Paul.
03-24-2010, 02:37 PM
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Not meaning to hijack, but what model trailer hitch did you get ? I would love to see a photo step by step of how you installed the unit and how it looks when finished.
Thanks.
Thanks.
03-27-2010, 04:06 AM
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Mike,
Can you please elaborate on this bit:
"Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed."
On the drivers side for example, do you mean the cover that holds the first aid kit, because all this reveals is a fuse box?
Any further clarification you could give would be mnuch appreciated.
Regards,
Paul.
Can you please elaborate on this bit:
"Remove the covers adjacent to the rear lights and undo the screws that are revealed."
On the drivers side for example, do you mean the cover that holds the first aid kit, because all this reveals is a fuse box?
Any further clarification you could give would be mnuch appreciated.
Regards,
Paul.
Hi Paul,
You need to remove the large trimpieces either side of the boot. Take up the boot carpet, then undo the quarter turn plastic screws that hold the trim pieces in and remove them. As you said, the drivers side has the mesh oddment holder (on the pre-LCi anyway - my first aid kit is in the boot lid). The large Torx screws are under the rear light and to the side. Four in total. They should be bright silver so you can't miss them. The fuse box is forward of their location.
Mike
03-27-2010, 04:12 AM
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I bought a Witter towbar. Visible is the boss that the detachable hitch fits into, and the electric sockets.
There are some on the market that are completely invisible without the hitch fitted. BMW use the Westfalia hitch, but you will need a BMW infill plate (to be sprayed) to render it invisble, but of course, you can still see the plate.
Westfalia, Bosal and Brink are the best engineered, but you pay for that. Witter are pretty good. Go to each manufacturers website for detailed instructions. It is a really simple job. Bumper off. Remove the metalwork behind the bumper. Replace it with the towbar. Cut the black plastic trim that is under the bumper. Replace the bumper. Then do the wiring.
Mike
03-28-2010, 01:47 AM
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Thanks Mike
Actually, the job was even simpler than that! I just needed to remove 2 bolts (1 each side). I've attached a picture (in a Word document) to show where they are located.
Cheers, Paul.
E61 bumper bolt locations.doc
Actually, the job was even simpler than that! I just needed to remove 2 bolts (1 each side). I've attached a picture (in a Word document) to show where they are located.
Cheers, Paul.
E61 bumper bolt locations.doc
03-28-2010, 03:58 AM
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Thanks Mike
Actually, the job was even simpler than that! I just needed to remove 2 bolts (1 each side). I've attached a picture (in a Word document) to show where they are located.
Cheers, Paul.
Attachment 102375
Actually, the job was even simpler than that! I just needed to remove 2 bolts (1 each side). I've attached a picture (in a Word document) to show where they are located.
Cheers, Paul.
Attachment 102375
Quite different to the pre-LCi E60 then. Good to know.
Cheers
Mike