removal of rear late plastic bumper trim

[jdt10768]

1991 318is rear bumper trim needs refresh, and I want to remove and replace at least the middle section

Anyone have a good DIY for this process?

I would rather not break these pieces during removal

[PKile]

You need to remove the bumper assembly from the car to do this, because there are two hidden screws at the ends of the side trim pieces that can only be accessed once the bumper is removed. Here's the order of disassembly:
1. Remove the side marker lights by sliding them rearwards and pulling gently outwards. Disconnect the wire pigtail from the sockets.
2. Loosen and remove the two large Torx bolts from the bottom of the bumper. You will need a Torx socket bit for this. The bumper assembly can then be removed by sliding it backwards. You may need to pull out on the forward edges of the bumper to release it.
3. Once the bumper is off you can access the two small screws that hold the forward edges of the side trim to the bumper. Then using a screwdriver padded with masking tape or a thin plastic trim tool, insert it at the upper edge of the trim piece starting at the forward edge, slide the tool along until you feel it stop. There are a number of U-shaped plastic catches molded into the edge of the trim pieces that engage clips on the bumper. Once you reach one of these catches, press the trim piece down with the tool until the catch releases. You may have to do this starting with the center section, since it may overlap the side sections. Be careful when prying as the catches and trim get brittle with age. Once the top catches are released, the trim can be lifted off the bottom catches.
4. As they say in all the old British manuals...reassembly is accomplished in the reverse order of disassembly!