4.8is rear bumper removal

[Clockwork]

just a quick comment for anyone removing a rear bumper which has an exhaust in the way (like dual tips or large oval exhaust like the 4.8iS OE) AND who has the factory trailer hitch installed...
It was actually supter stupid easy.
four 8mm bolts that hold the rear wheel innerfender lining to the back of the bumper need to be removed.
the underneath of rear bumper is snapped ont o another plastic shroud so you need to separate them (you may be able to undo the three 8mm screws and remove the plastic shield and then unsnap, too, but I just pryed/pulled gently and the plastic connection separated.
then in the rear trunk, remove the cargo floor and the black plastic parts that surround the spare tire (held on by 10mm plastic nuts and then undo/remove the carpeted side panels that expose the rear of tail lights,
then lastly, on the back wall of the X5, there will be six 16mm nuts (not bolt heads, but nuts) and 4 of them are hiding under the black bridges/arches. you do not need to undo the top nuts, but just the ones that are tucked inside the black arching bracket and you probably cant even see... you will have to feel in there for them. remove these four (two per side) and then bumper pulls out.
I will take pics later and insert for clarity.