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      03-10-2011, 09:07 PM   #1
krnnerdboy
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DIY LCI rear bumper removal for trailer hitch install

I decided to take on the challenge of installing my own trailer hitch b/c I didn't want the dealer to cut a big gaping hole in my bumper...

tools needed
plastic riveter
sharp point to remove rivets
8mm ratchet/socket
18mm socket
17mm socket

1)remove first 3 rivets from the rear fender flare, and pop off the flare on both sides. Remove the 8mm bolt hidden under the fender


2)remove the rear reflector lights underneath the taillights and remove the 8mm bolt


3)from underneath remove 6 8mm bolts located along the bumper.


4)open your bottom tailgate at a 45* angle and notice the tabs. self explanatory but pull apart the tabs squeezing the tab and lift out.

5)from the fenders, grab the bumpers and pull towards you. do this to both sides. make sure not to warp the bumper while pulling. distribute the forces


6)now from the rear of the vehicle pull on the corner adjacent the taillights until they pop

7)from the rear center pull your bumper until it slides off.




Hitch install is pretty self explanatory from there so I'll save my time on that write up, but here is the finished product

I bent the harness down so that it can be accessed fromthe bottom but can't be seen from the rear


I cut my bumper using a box knife, which allowed for a clean cut w/o edges
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      03-10-2011, 10:28 PM   #2
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Getting ready to do mine, also for myself. Able to use a lift at the place that maintains my 540i. The only thing I'm changing is to cut, relocate, and re-weld the trailer connector further upwards and underneath...therefore limiting that arched cut at the bottom and to each side of the reciever, still allowing for the use of the light connector. My goal is to keep the cut as close to the receiver as possible. We'll see how it go's

Talked to the dealer mecs. and they were cool with it. Said run all the wire but don't connect plugs...they would do that when they did the software crap.

The hole thing is a friction joke....although for those of u that have never held the receiver in your hands...pics don't do it justice...it's a beast! Nicely over-engineer-d!!!

Cant remember...Is it measure twice & cut once, or measure with a micrometer & lop it off with an ax.
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      03-10-2011, 10:37 PM   #3
263464757
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If I dick it up.....I'm gonna drive around with some "Truck-Nuts" swinging from it... NICE!
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      03-10-2011, 10:47 PM   #4
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On a more serious note...did u need any extra fasteners for the bumper on account of messing any up?

Also... you say "Plastic Riveter"...where did you get that at?
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      03-11-2011, 09:38 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 263464757 View Post
On a more serious note...did u need any extra fasteners for the bumper on account of messing any up?

Also... you say "Plastic Riveter"...where did you get that at?
Got mine from harbor freight but google it and they are available everywhere
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      03-11-2011, 08:40 PM   #6
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A bit off topic....... Is that a HF creeper? How do you like it?
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      03-12-2011, 02:02 AM   #7
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Is that an OEM hitch? Would you mind sharing the part numbers for the harness and hitch?
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      03-13-2011, 09:36 PM   #8
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Just had mine done at the dealership. Ticket shows part numbers 71-60-2-185-557 (trim) and 71-60-2-156-525 (hitch kit).
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      05-14-2012, 11:39 AM   #9
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Does one actually need to remove the taillights? It looks like u dont,

Also, those clips on the side that hold the bumper to the body... how do u release those? Flathead or do they just pop out?

cheers,
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      05-16-2012, 09:06 AM   #10
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Also i noticed u bent the wiring connect back and down. How did u prevent the wires in the rear from contacting the heatshield?

I attempted this but the wires were touching, over time it will wear through the protective shielding...

LMK,
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      12-22-2012, 04:51 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by krnnerdboy View Post
I decided to take on the challenge of installing my own trailer hitch b/c I didn't want the dealer to cut a big gaping hole in my bumper...

tools needed
plastic riveter
sharp point to remove rivets
8mm ratchet/socket
18mm socket
17mm socket

1)remove first 3 rivets from the rear fender flare, and pop off the flare on both sides. Remove the 8mm bolt hidden under the fender


2)remove the rear reflector lights underneath the taillights and remove the 8mm bolt


3)from underneath remove 6 8mm bolts located along the bumper.


4)open your bottom tailgate at a 45* angle and notice the tabs. self explanatory but pull apart the tabs squeezing the tab and lift out.

5)from the fenders, grab the bumpers and pull towards you. do this to both sides. make sure not to warp the bumper while pulling. distribute the forces


6)now from the rear of the vehicle pull on the corner adjacent the taillights until they pop

7)from the rear center pull your bumper until it slides off.




Hitch install is pretty self explanatory from there so I'll save my time on that write up, but here is the finished product

I bent the harness down so that it can be accessed fromthe bottom but can't be seen from the rear


I cut my bumper using a box knife, which allowed for a clean cut w/o edges

Hi, I'm pretty keen to see these pics. Are you able to reset them?
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      03-10-2013, 04:22 PM   #12
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Yes, any chance you can make images viewable or send to me? I am going to do this for a new 35d soon and would love to have some reference.

Thanks
arescigno@stationfilm.com
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