Something's missing here but can't tell for sure
 

The rear bumper was replaced months ago. Today I happened to be doing some work underneath the car and noticed this wide hole. I swear it was never like this. Which part is missing here? Any idears?

Yup pretty sure there is a black plastic cover over that big hole

Definitely agreed on that, if you look, the three small holes along the front edge are where the fasteners attached, someone ...forgot... to put something back or just decided not too when they replaced the bumper.


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The rear diffuser is missing (#16) ...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/images/diag_32kd.png

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/622995_x800.jpghttps://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/622997_x800.jpg

Thanks for the pointers. The body shop claims that the old bumper had the diffusor integrated into it. They showed pictures from the internet of the two versions of bumpers. I don't recall seeing that separate diffusor part. It looks cool and sporty though but I don't think it's visible outside the car. Haven't seen an E53 X5 with that diffusor showing. Anyway, the part is on order now.

It wasn't "integrated" it was "attached to. When one-use rivets are used it can be difficult to tell the difference. Two will become one.


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Interesting. That diffusor part looks quite different from the bumpers that have it "integrated". Does that part look like the one in the picture above that Wpoll posted?

Some models have the diffuser - some models don't. My 2005 3.0d doesn't have it - the bumper is like the one in the left side image above. Not sure what dictates the use of the diffuser - possibly it's something only used on the (hot running) V8 models. I'm guessing it vents muffler heat from in behind the battery box - something that isn't needed on my diesel model and maybe not even the 3.0i models.

Thank you Wpoll, that's what the body shop was insisting, that the original bumper didn't have a separate diffusor. What's curious here is that my X5 is 2005 4.4 which should have had that diffusor from factory:dunno:. I got it as a CPO in 2008.

Here's a close-up pic I got from the net of a bumper with "integrated diffusor".

Hmm, I hadnt noticed a difference.

The 3.0 is here but the 4.6 is parked across town, will compare when I have the chance.