Need help fitting z4m front bumper

[stef787]

I fitted a z4m front bumper on my z4 (2008) this morning. As you can see on the pic, the bumper is not aligned properly with the bonnet, its sitting too high. I gave up after trying at least 10 times to align it correctly using the screws along the top edge.

Did anyone else had the same issue? How do you reuse the expanding tabs along the fender? I can't insert the small plastic bit after pushing the tabs inside.


photo-5 by stef787, on Flickr


photo-4 by stef787, on Flickr

Thanks

 

[ranski]

been sometime since i fitted mine, but you should just attach the bumper, lay the metal strip ontop, tighen a little, adjust, then fully tighten the screws when the postion is good

 

[cj10jeeper]

Did you use the metal strip across the top edge of the bumper where it meets the bonnet?
If so you just have to figure what's not true. Is the bumper sitting flat on the cross member? Could the bonnet be bent? Was the previous bumper aligned correctly?

 

[stef787]

Did you use the metal strip across the top edge of the bumper where it meets the bonnet?
If so you just have to figure what's not true. Is the bumper sitting flat on the cross member? Could the bonnet be bent? Was the previous bumper aligned correctly?

Thanks for the reply. Yes I'm using the metal strip and its all sitting flat. The previous bumper was aligned perfectly, never noticed any issue.

I followed the instructions on the page below, I did not use any bolts on the underside. Do you think this can be the issue?

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80009

 

[cj10jeeper]

Well if the previous bumper cover looked spot on then it has to be the new one at fault. If the rear edge is seated correctly then it looks more likely to be the front bowing up more. Since you saynyou've not used lower bolts then it may not be pulled down enough. That's what I'd be looking at, but without the car to hand it's all rahter guesswork.

 

[mac27040]

Do you have to press hard down on middle of bonnet to get the catch to lock in, if so you may need to adjust the bonnet catch to align middle of bonnet. Otherwise I say the bumper is not fitted correctly like others have said.

 

[stef787]

Do you have to press hard down on middle of bonnet to get the catch to lock in, if so you may need to adjust the bonnet catch to align middle of bonnet. Otherwise I say the bumper is not fitted correctly like others have said.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I have to press hard to close the bonnet, I will try that. Is it easy to adjust it?

 

[cj10jeeper]

I would agree that the bonnet is pulled down too hard in the centre, except that it's stated the previous bumper was perfectly aligned?? If that's correct then it rather points to the new bumper being the issue.

You really have to go through a lot of looking to see which bits not right

 

[BruceJ]

Bumper alignment: Couple options, unfortunately none of them pleasent:
1. If the bumper is all the way bolted down and still high then perhaps the bonnet can be raised. Of course this means it may be necessary to shim the left/right quarter panels a little towards the front in order to raise them.
2. The bumper is defectively mounted

"How do you reuse the expanding tabs along the fender? I can't insert the small plastic bit after pushing the tabs inside."
These style of plastic bolts are not easily reusable. The "plastic bit" in the center is initally much longer until they are firmly mounted. Then the plastic "bit" that is pulled up through the center is cut off. I have the same problem from when I needed to remove and repair a headlight. Even if you get the original Blind rivets, PN 07147172274 http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/07147172274/ES17028/
then you still probably need aspecialized tool to set them correctly, Although, a regular hand operated rivet gun may work just fine
As an alternative, try the expanding rivet, PN 51118174185.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/51118174185/ES75193/

Both of these show up on my 2007 in real OEM. They are not expensive

 

[mac27040]

I agree with above but if you need to adjust bonnet catch then it's very easy to do.
Open bonnet and locate at the side of the square ring on the centre of the underside of the bonnet a single screw, this retains the plastic cover around the above. Once the screw is out get a long screwdrive and stick it through the ring to help you turn it anti clockwise, you will only need to rotate it a couple of full turns to make it stick out from the bonnet 1-2mm. Re-align and refix screw to plastic cover.
if the bonnet is low against the wings adjust rubber mounts on slam panel, this is what the bonnet rests on.
Keep shutting bonnet and checking alignment till correct, adjust as above.

 

[mac27040]

Can you take photo of underside of bumper and with bonnet open the top edge so we can see if you have fitted correctly