E53 Front Bumper Removal Problem

[Motor84]

Hi guys,

I have tried 3 times now using the guide on here and this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPxUSSa0L8

The front bumper just won't come off. I have removed all the bolts listed in this YT video apart from 1 thats too rusty under the front valance. Surely I could still lever it off a bit? Just to replace a faulty sensor.

Having undone all but one, lower bolt, its still like its welded on, doesn't ever budge. Short of going Hulk on it and ripping it off, not sure what to do.

Is there a knack thats not shown in this YT video?

Thanks in advance for your help guys.

[ttr]

Motor 84,

I am not able to assist but i will be doing exactly the same thing with my facelift E53.

I too have gone through all the fasteners in advance taking them off / drilling them out in anticipation of removing the bumper.

I have read / seen that there are some plastic clips at the side of the bumper where it meets the front wing, these act like some sort of tab and need to be pryed down/in somehow at the same time as juggling the side of the bumper towards you.

Not sure if this is a help but if you do manage to remove it would welcome an update and some pictures of said clips.

The last bumper on my XC70 i took off and the plastic clips were by far the most difficult to get loose and budge.

[Motor84]

Thanks ttr, appreciate it.

Funny you should say that, it feels most stuck on at the front corners where the bumper meets the wing. I will have a go at it later and report back!

[ttr]

Motor84,

Whether this is right or not im unsure - but have read a small plastic pry tool or small flat blade screwdriver somehow slips between the wing and bumper edge and you can then lever the tabs ?????

The tabs slop into a plastic carrier i think bolted/screwed onto the underside of the wing/bumper area.

Again not done it yet so you are the guinea pig.

PS one tip i learned on my volvo was make sure the plastic was warm, i used a hair dryer as it just makes it more flexible - or did on the volvo.

HTH

[svvg]

Mine’s also held on with two screws through the wing into the bumper (one each side of the car) accessible via the wheel arch liner - and they screw vertically upwards. Have a check. The bumper then slides off - nothing to “pop” it on or off of.

[A Blair]

Hi Motor 84,
I have ordered rear sensors c/w trim holders. So thats an ongoing job in hand.
The next job is the front for headlamp polish, sensors and grill. I too am interested in your front bumper removal project. Pictures would be a great help. 

[Motor84]

Hi guys, managed to do it! It was those tabs that were the issue. So you can use video 1 for all the bolts to undo (annoyingly there is no mention of these tabs!!), and video 2 mentions the tabs, 1.15secs in.

You need a flat pry tool, just lever the gap between the bumper and the wing, you'll see the tabs, then press down on them and pull the bumper out towards you from the side. Takes a bit of wiggling.

I only had one sensor out so managed to only un-pop one side and rested the bumper on a box.

Sorry I didn't take more pics, I was in a mad rush as usual!

Video 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkPxUSSa0L8

Video 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEX80bsipyw
1.15secs in

This is my pic, I had put it back on, this is just before I clicked it into place. Actually quite easy once you know these are there!
IMG_9678 by Motion Limited, on Flickr

[A Blair]

Ok
Now I know I have tabs to deal with. Thanks Motor84.