Installing a BMW Bumper

The following is a guide to install your Bumper. Please proceed at your own caution, we are not responsible for any damages, accidents, or incorrect procedures. This is simply a procedure so that you can learn how to install your BMW bumper. Please, before installing your BMW bumper, you need to make sure you have taken the proper steps to make sure everything goes smoothly. We recommend having a professional install your bumper.

Prep Your Bumper for Paint

If you are only having the bumper(s) painted, you must make sure that it is properly prepped. Follow these steps to get your bumper ready:

  • Clean the bumper with alcohol. This will remove any debris and dust.
  • Tape off any areas you do not want painted. Take your time to make sure you do it well.
  • After doing so, take your bumper to get painted at any body shop. If you’re on a budget Maaco does a pretty decent job.

Installing the Actual Bumper

bmw bumper

When you get your bumper(s) back from the body shop, make sure to store them somewhere free of dust. Make sure you take extra precautions not to scratch the new paint. The front and rear installation is pretty much very similar. Below are the steps we used:

  • You will need to remove the bolts that hold the wheel-well liner to the bumper. On most series it is an 8mm bolt.
  • Remove the black plastic trim strips. Carefully pry a screwdriver underneath them and they will pop out. On E46 and newer models you might not have any trim. Instead if you look under the center portion of the front bumper you will see 6 screws. Remove these.
  • Get underneath the front bumper and remove the lower plastic panels from the bumper. Again, these will be 10mm and 8mm bolts.
  • Take the fog lights and brake ducts out. Unclip and unscrew all wires and bolts – 10mm.
  • At this point you will see two bolts – 13mm – holding the bumper on. Remove these.
  • Remove the bumper from the car. Keep all screws and hardware.
  • Remove the Styrofoam and bumper support. These are held in by plastic rivets.
  • Transfer bumper support.
  • Test fit bumper for proper fitment. If the fit is not correct – adjust until it looks perfect.
  • 'Install everything else you removed when taking the bumper off. • Enjoy your new – and hot – look of your BMW!