m3 front bumper cover install

edp82 · 03-27-2009, 09:22 AM

looking at tackling this task shortly.. .but im confused with how to remove my old bumper cover...

i mentioned in an earlier thread how i had broken some bolts off.... after visiting a local body shop the guy told me that to actually take the bumper cover off you dont' need to touch those bolts, rather just remove the plastic pins that go around underneith the moldings?

can anyone describe how to do this the easiest way...

what i'm thinking is removing the screws in the wheel wells.... and underneith the bumper... than remove the plastic pins from the front?

is that correct? will the cover slide off and then i can install in the same way?

Trouble65 · 03-27-2009, 10:34 AM

Take the black plastic trim off. There are 4 bolts that are attached to the front bumper, you will see them when you remove the black trim. The bumper cover will slide out. To remove the pins from the bumper shock can be done however good luck.

edp82 · 03-27-2009, 11:57 AM

i don't understand... do i have to remove the 4 bolts that connect to the bumper shock, in order to take off the bumper cover? i dont want to remove those bolts they are rusted to shit and are a pain...

do i only need to take the pins out to slide the cover off?

kruler · 03-27-2009, 12:51 PM

you don't have to remove the bolts to change the cover.
Disconnect the foglights if you have them, remove screws from wheel liners and splash guards, remove bumper mouldings, remove plastic rivets holding cover to re-bar (this will be more difficult with bumper on car since you wont be able to disengage the rivets from the rear)

edp82 · 03-27-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kruler

you don't have to remove the bolts to change the cover.
Disconnect the foglights if you have them, remove screws from wheel liners and splash guards, remove bumper mouldings, remove plastic rivets holding cover to re-bar (this will be more difficult with bumper on car since you wont be able to disengage the rivets from the rear)

excellent thats exactly what i needed to confirm.

the rivets are very hard to get out any suggestions?

Big T · 03-27-2009, 01:54 PM

Drill then buy new ones. Or screw driver and hammer til they are destroyed and buy new ones.

edp82 · 03-27-2009, 02:38 PM

^ so i can drill right through the plastic rivits? than buy new ones to put in place?

Trouble65 · 03-27-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kruler

you don't have to remove the bolts to change the cover.
Disconnect the foglights if you have them, remove screws from wheel liners and splash guards, remove bumper mouldings, remove plastic rivets holding cover to re-bar (this will be more difficult with bumper on car since you wont be able to disengage the rivets from the rear)

That's funny I just looked at my M3 and yup you have to remove the bolts. However my son's 325is the holes that the bolts go through are snapped off.

HuD 91gt · 03-27-2009, 10:44 PM

Where did you get the cover?

archrival · 03-28-2009, 12:24 AM

There is a Sticky right at the top of the E36 page with instructions on how to take your bumper off

Eurostyle · 03-28-2009, 01:01 AM

Done this a milion times;
To remove the cover ONLY, you just need to take off the clips (under moldings)...the cover will slide off the rebar (some 8mm bolts on the side, and bottom)

To remove AS full assembly (bumper rebar and cover), you just remove the 4 13mm bolts from the shocks.

Big T · 03-30-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edp82

^ so i can drill right through the plastic rivits? than buy new ones to put in place?

I believe so, but I have only ever taken my bumper off with the metal bumper attached. (ie. removing 4 nuts)

edp82 · 03-30-2009, 03:37 PM

yea i got it taken care of... the plastic rivets came out nicely with a flat head screw driver... there were a few 8 mm bolts on the inside... took maybe 30mins to get it all off and easy putting it back on.