ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe > Z4 DIY (Do It Yourself) Articles
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-24-2007, 01:35 PM   #1
mister_roger
Private First Class
mister_roger's Avatar
13
Rep
136
Posts

Drives: 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Bellevue, WA

iTrader: (0)

Front Bumper Removal - DIY by mister_roger

In my recent project of converting my standard Z4 bumper to a Z4M front bumper, I decided it would be good time to also create a new DIY for removing the front bumper. The old DIY (http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63034), as descriptive as it may be, has dead links to its pictures.

So with intention to provide our community with a new resource, here is my writeup for a standard Z4 front bumper removal:

Overview:
First you need to understand how the front bumper is attached to the body. It is held on by 7 hex screws along the top edge in the engine compartment, 4 expanding tabs along each fenderwell, and 7 8mm screws along the underside of the front bumper edge. The sides of the bumper snap into place where it meets with the fender.

Tools required:
-Screwdriver with hex bits -or- allen wrench crank tool from BMW tool kit.
-Tiny screwdriver (size of a toothpick)
-8mm socket or wrench
-confidence


Step 1:

Start by removing the expanding tabs along each fenderwell. These tabs function by having a small plastic rod become inserted down the middle, causing the tab to expand and lock in place. To remove these tabs, take the tiny screwdrive and PUSH the rods all the way in until you hear them fall. Don't worry, you'll be able to recover them when the bumper is removed.


Now it's loose


Remove the 7 remaining tabs from both fender wells in the same manner.


Step 2:

Remove the 7 8mm screws/bolts along the underside of the front bumper. These are pretty straightforward.



Step 3:

Pull off the sides of the bumper where it meets the fender. You may have to give it some force, but after some firm pulls and it should eventually pop off.



Step 4:

Remove the 7 hex screws along the top edge of the front bumper. This should be done last, because these 7 screws are all that's holding your bumper in place at this point. Using your Screwdriver with hex bit, simply remove the screws. Watch out, they may be a little tight.

OPTION 2: If you do not have a hex screwdriver handy (like i did), I discovered that this allen-wrench crank tool thingy from the supplied emercency tool kit actually fits into the hex screws. It's not intended for this use though, because you run the risk of stripping out the allen head when it turns against the teeth in the hex screw. But as long as you're careful and don't overdo it, this tool should be able to get these screws out. This tool is made from pretty strong metal.



Step 5:

With all the screws and hardware removed, gently pull the bumper forward a bit and disconnect the fog light harnesses (if you have fog lights). The bumper should now pull completely forward and is no longer attached to the body.


Make sure you save this piece as well, which runs along the top edge where the hex screws were.


With the bumper removed, you should see the 4 expanding tab pins that dropped. Save them for use later.


Reinstalling the bumper is the exact same process in reverse order. The expanding tabs are placed in their holes, and the pins inserted afterwards to lock them into place.

And that is how it's done.

Best,

-Roger
__________________
2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i -- 18" M6 wheels, 12mm rear spacer, ///MZ4 front bumper conversion, Eibach lowering springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkis F/R anti-roll bars, Helene Performance air filter.


Last edited by mister_roger; 08-24-2007 at 08:09 PM.. Reason: typo
Appreciate 0
      10-18-2007, 01:00 PM   #2
ElicitZ4
New Member
United_States
4
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: Z4
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sacramento CA

iTrader: (0)

Thank you! I was wondering what i needed to do! You're awesome!
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 06:24 PM   #3
dekaliber
Major
74
Rep
1,143
Posts

Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Can anybody confirm if those expanding tabs are PN: 51118174185? (#3 in this diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...51&hg=51&fg=70)

I don't want to remove the bumper, but I'm interested in getting under there to replace the front reflectors, and I was curious if I could just get a set of replacement tabs instead of taking off the bumper and recovering the pins.
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 06:57 PM   #4
BimmerZealot
Major
61
Rep
1,210
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i
Join Date: May 2007
Location: San Diego, California

iTrader: (2)

you might be able to reach in through the fog light pass way in the fender lining and grab them since it looks like they fall in the same general area.

From the realoem.com schematics it looks like #3 is what you're looking for. Looks like it comes with the pin and the expanding rivet
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 07:09 PM   #5
epbrown
Colonel
epbrown's Avatar
United_States
60
Rep
2,128
Posts

Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dekaliber View Post
Can anybody confirm if those expanding tabs are PN: 51118174185? (#3 in this diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...51&hg=51&fg=70)
At www.bavauto.com, they list PN 51 11 1 944 537 and sell them for 95 cents each. They're listed in the Z4 bumper section as "expanding rivet."
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 09:03 PM   #6
em2b96p
Private First Class
15
Rep
184
Posts

Drives: cbr600rr
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

how about a picture of the bumper removed and out of the way? i would like to see what it looks like behind there!
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 09:22 PM   #7
Chuck I
Second Lieutenant
Chuck I's Avatar
United_States
20
Rep
259
Posts

Drives: '03 Z4 + '07 ///M Roadster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Stephens City, VA USA

iTrader: (0)

Here's mine without the bumper

Here you go... I was prepping for my Aero bumper...
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 10:07 PM   #8
dekaliber
Major
74
Rep
1,143
Posts

Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerZealot View Post
you might be able to reach in through the fog light pass way in the fender lining and grab them since it looks like they fall in the same general area.
Quote:
Originally Posted by epbrown View Post
At www.bavauto.com, they list PN 51 11 1 944 537 and sell them for 95 cents each. They're listed in the Z4 bumper section as "expanding rivet."
Thanks for the help guys! (Now to actually get a set of these...)
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2008, 09:28 AM   #9
Reach
gone baby gone
381
Rep
1,052
Posts

Drives: 2016 F80
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Location, Location.

iTrader: (0)

slightly off topic... anyone have a part # for the circle reflectors in the 04/05 bumpers?
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2008, 06:43 PM   #10
goldguilexx
Lieutenant
goldguilexx's Avatar
No_Country
38
Rep
425
Posts

Drives: mini
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: southern Ca

iTrader: (0)

great guide to removing the front bumper, did it today to test fit my M front bumper, great fit and so easy to do!!
Appreciate 0
      06-24-2008, 06:59 PM   #11
mPlasticDesign
Major General
mPlasticDesign's Avatar
684
Rep
5,069
Posts

Drives: BMW 230i Msport w/LSD
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Astral Projecting: ∞ 23.516 -122 02.625 0242.101 ĕv'rē-hwâr'

iTrader: (16)

Garage List
Nice write up. Color and bumper still look great!!!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-17-2009, 08:14 PM   #12
Car 5
New Member
United_States
5
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Buffalo New York

iTrader: (0)

These pictures help, after reading your post I was able to remove my bumper in minutes. Thanks Car 5
Appreciate 0
      05-03-2011, 01:46 PM   #13
Z4Coopster
New Member
United_States
0
Rep
6
Posts

Drives: 2007 z4 3.0si Coupe
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Monrovia ca

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I am in need of "re-aligning the" front bumper , i bought the car used
and i noticed later that the top left side has a larger gap than the right. (where the bumper meets the hood) Im hoping its just not centered correctly and not actually damaged in some way.

is there a certain order to tighten them when you reinstall the top bolts?

I read somewhere (maybe the splitter diy post) theres some "play" on the top bolts where you can actually adjust the alignment , so Im hoping just loosening up the top bolts and trying to re-tighten them in a certain way would be easier than pulling off the entire bumper .
Appreciate 0
      05-03-2011, 09:17 PM   #14
JFleming
Private
United_States
9
Rep
51
Posts

Drives: '10 328i xdrive, '07 Z4 3.0si
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Cleveland OH

iTrader: (0)

Front Bumper

I just installed the bumper on my 07, and yes there was enough clearance in the holes to allow for some adjustment of the gap between the hood and bumper. I just installed the bumper, then SLOWLY and carfully lowered the hood to observe the gap. Mine was good on the left, but I needed to decrease the gap on the right. I just loosened the right side bolts, pushed the bumper in a bit then retightened them. The gap is perfect now.
Appreciate 0
      02-20-2012, 01:12 AM   #15
OwensMcoupe
New Member
Canada
14
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: Z4 M coupe
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Edmonton,AB

iTrader: (0)

Great post thanks a bunch. I will have to do this to adjust the gap around my headlights I think?
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2012, 11:26 PM   #16
BMW Maniac
Lieutenant
United_States
22
Rep
428
Posts

Drives: Former Z4M coupe owner
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Orlando, FL

iTrader: (1)

How do the headlight washers come into play? The cap is connected to the pump itself.
__________________
1997 /// M3 Coupe Arctic Silver CES STAGE IV (651rwhp/615rwtq)

1999 /// M3 Convertible Techno Violet
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2012, 11:43 PM   #17
ZStig
instagram 997turbotom
279
Rep
7,376
Posts

Drives: Interlagos Z4MR
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Delray Beach, FL

iTrader: (4)

Clamp the line going to them, and remove them near the nozzles. Its a simple clip
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-01-2012, 11:06 AM   #18
drbvac
First Lieutenant
drbvac's Avatar
Canada
22
Rep
347
Posts

Drives: 2006 BMW M COUPE
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Charlottetown PEI, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Not sure if only in Canada or ?

The "plastic rivets that hold the front bumper on my 06M are not the same as those shown in this write up or in the ESS instructions. They don't push in and are made like zip ties -they go in and then you pull up on the pin and cut it off.

There are lots similar around 0 you can get 35 from CHina on E-bay for 3 bucks - make sure the diameter of the pin and the top are roughly the same as well as the length that the "rivet" goes through what you are attaching.
Appreciate 0
      12-01-2012, 11:19 AM   #19
inTgr8r
Lieutenant General
inTgr8r's Avatar
Canada
2422
Rep
11,665
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (10)

^ I have seen a few different types used.
My 06 had the nail type pins but I think there was a production change at some point.
My 07 has the other type.
__________________
'21 M2C Hockenheim Silver
'18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold)
'13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold)
'07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
Appreciate 0
      12-01-2012, 05:36 PM   #20
Incompatible
Major
United_States
55
Rep
1,224
Posts

Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (1)

My 5/07 production had the crush body/break off shaft type rivets. Parts manual shows other reusable type.
__________________
If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2013, 10:01 AM   #21
Rekla
Hug the road... Carpe Asphalt
Rekla's Avatar
United_States
105
Rep
722
Posts

Drives: 2007 ///M Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Central Coast, CA

iTrader: (20)

I'm struggling with step 3... Do you just pull the front bumper top edge out to the side or down or a combination? The attachement bracket between the fender and bumper seems to stay with the fender, not the bumper?
__________________
2007 BMW ///M Coupe
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2013, 10:12 AM   #22
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
2270
Rep
12,559
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rekla View Post
I'm struggling with step 3... Do you just pull the front bumper top edge out to the side or down or a combination? The attachement bracket between the fender and bumper seems to stay with the fender, not the bumper?
DO NOT PULL THE BRACKET. The bracket is meant to stay on and if you PULL It, it will BREAK and you can't reuse

Hold UNDERNEATH the bracket and grab BUMPER ONLY. Click on link below, Shipkiller shows where you should be grabbing:

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showpost...&postcount=450
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:48 AM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST