Looking for help on upgrading non-lci rear bumper to lci

[starsky318]

Originally Posted by basora

Could you explain again?

"Back pilots" means rear taillights?

Muchos Gracias!

Ok

[techhead]

Originally Posted by Price

To remove these panels, you have to undo back parts of the rear arches, remove corner reflectors, tail lights, and then 3 or 4 screws. Then first pull the rear part of the panel, then the sides. They are flexible enough to come out easy.

Pulling the rear arches away completely as I'm going to be installing the flared arches (currently have the flat) Tail lights are removed ......

Reflectors pulled and that bolt behind each reflector to remove the main bumper piece removed.
Are the remaining screws (3 or 4) relatively obvious before I start pulling?

[techhead]

Originally Posted by jspdr

Google Image Result for http://www.bmwdrives.com/gallery/BMWcars/e70%20LCI/e70_LCI_9.jpg


BMW E70 x5 4 8 Chrome Oval Exhaust Tips New Set | eBay

First link is the LCI 50 rear bumper exhaust tip. Second is pre LCI 4.8i exhaust tip. Notice different shapes, unless you can get LCI 50 tips install. I was told it is not feasible, and does not look right even with body shop.

No worries - its the LCI 50 tips that are on order
Thx

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by techhead

Pulling the rear arches away completely as I'm going to be installing the flared arches (currently have the flat) Tail lights are removed ...... Reflectors pulled and that bolt behind each reflector to remove the main bumper piece removed. Are the remaining screws (3 or 4) relatively obvious before I start pulling?

DON'T JUST PULL! You will deform the bumper panel, even though it is made out of ABS plastic ..

Pry gently! Then tug on panel along top and curved portion around wheel well to disconnect tabs.

Objective is to disconnect one tab at a time.

I used these tools for prying gently (non marring and made out of fiberglass - available at Harbor Freight or online):

... WAIT! You said you are installing "flared wheel arches". You don't have to remove the bumper cover for that!

[starsky318]

Hello Basora, can put the photos of the supports where the bumper is taken, to see if they cost those of the pre lci. Thank you.

[Price]

Originally Posted by techhead

Reflectors pulled and that bolt behind each reflector to remove the main bumper piece removed.
Are the remaining screws (3 or 4) relatively obvious before I start pulling?

Put into Google translate - http://tis.bmwcats.com/doc1126748/

[techhead]

Put into Google translate - BMW TIS.

Excellent - that link was perfect - thx!

Now for the final - the assembly

Is the LCI bumper piece a direct attach or does it need the piece illustrated in the following picture (item #10). The BMW parts guy wasn't sure if it needed it or not on the non-lci model

For those that have done the conversion any insight?

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by techhead

Excellent - that link was perfect - thx!

Now for the final - the assembly

Is the LCI bumper piece a direct attach or does it need the piece illustrated in the following picture (item #10). The BMW parts guy wasn't sure if it needed it or not on the non-lci model

For those that have done the conversion any insight?

The LCI bumper facia needs ALL (#'s 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13) of the support pieces to attach to. These support pieces are held on to the car body with tabs, or screw studs protruding from the sheet metal.

I somehow doubt that the tabs are in the same location for a pre-LCI vs. an LCI ...

There is a LOT of precision in the location and attachment of each of these fasteners and pieces ... tolerance is 0.5mm or less ... So, unless you're spot-on, the alignment of the panels will never have a "factory look" to it. I noticed a small change just by removing and re-installing the LCI panels for the hitch install. By pulling, pushing and tugging on the bumper fascia there was enough deformity in the alignment and lines to catch the eye ...

I honestly cannot see how even a good body shop can get all of this right once the car is in a collision ...

[johnmn]

Originally Posted by techhead

For those that have done the conversion any insight?

You might want to check with the member who started this thread:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nt-bumper.html

Seems he successfully had a body shop complete the conversion for him.

[physguy]

Originally Posted by johnmn

You might want to check with the member who started this thread:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...nt-bumper.html

Seems he successfully had a body shop complete the conversion for him.

Alas. Was waiting for my link to show up in this thread. I converted 2010 e70 pre-LCI front and rear bumpers to LCI. I did NOT have to purchase item #10 above for the back bumper. New rear bumper fit like a glove. Just saying ...
Phys