E39 rear bumper

Types of E39 Rear Bumper

The E39 rear bumper is an essential part of any vehicle. It's located at the back of the car and serves as a protective barrier for the car's rear-end components. E39 rear bumpers are designed for specific car models. Therefore, they come in different types. Here are some of them.

• For M5

  The BMW M5 E39 rear bumper is a distinctive and aggressive design that sets it apart from other E39 models. The M5 bumper generally has larger air inlets and a more sculpted shape, contributing to a sportier and more performance-oriented appearance. The rear bumper may also have integrated exhaust outlets or unique exhaust tip placements, emphasizing the car's high-performance nature.

• Touring

  The BMW E39 Touring rear bumper is designed for the BMW 5 Series Touring models, which are the wagon variants of the 5 Series. The E39 Touring rear bumpers are similar to the standard E39 rear bumpers, but they may have slight modifications. For instance, the BMW E39 5 Series rear bumper for the Touring models may include features such as a more prominent rear diffuser, modified exhaust outlets, or integrated elements like rear fog lights or reflectors.

• For non-M sport

  The BMW E39 rear bumper for non-M sport models generally has a more conservative and refined design, aligning with the typical characteristics of luxury sedans. The rear bumpers are usually smoother and have a more subdued appearance. The design is clean and elegant, with gently rounded shapes and integrated elements like rear reflectors and fog lights, seamlessly blending with the overall car design.

Specification & Maintenance of E39 Rear Bumper

The specifications of the E39 rear bumper differ depending on whether it is an E39 5-series sedan or the E39 5-series wagon. They also differ depending on whether the BMW E39 rear bumper is an M-tech or standard rear bumpers. Below are all the specifications that will be detailed.

For all the BMW E39 5-series, rear bumpers are designed to meet the following specifications:

• All the rear bumpers are designed in a way that they won't cause serious injury to pedestrians in the event of a collision.
• The rear bumpers are designed and manufactured in a way that they won't cause unreasonable damage to adjoining parts of the vehicle in the event of a collision.
• For those E39 rear bumpers designed for attaching to the chassis, the function of those bumpers is to limit rearward deformation to maintain the integrity of the vehicle's occupant compartment.
• The E39 rear bumpers are designed to limit the vehicle's aerodynamic drag, which is essential for the overall efficiency of the car.

Below is the maintenance procedure for the E39 rear bumpers.

• Inspect the rear bumpers regularly to see if there are any signs of wear, cracks, fading, or damage. Address all issues immediately to prevent the situation from worsening.
• Clean the rear bumpers regularly. Cleaning can be done during routine car washing or when the car is dirty. A dirty car bumper can be a home for dirt, debris, and insects that can damage the rear bumper. Use a soft cloth, sponge, and gentle detergent solution to get rid of all the dirt and debris.
• Also, get a bumper protection product and apply it on the rear bumper. These products can help protect the E39 rear bumpers from damage caused by UV rays and oxidation. The bumper protection product also has the ability to conceal existing discoloration.
• Avoid parking the car in a crowded area, especially near shopping carts, other cars, or people. Crowded areas are prone to car accidents and scratches that can damage the rear bumper.
• For more protection, install parking sensors and cameras on the rear bumper. These devices help avoid accidents by making users aware of objects that are close to the car.
• Address all minor damages immediately. Repairing minor damages when they are still minor can prevent them from becoming major problems.

How to Choose E39 Rear Bumpers

• Consider the Purpose:

  It's important to think about what the rear bumper will be used for. If it is for going off the road, a strong and tough e39 rear bumper should be picked. For regular driving on streets, a rear bumper that looks nice and is not too heavy can be chosen.

• Material Matters:

  One should check what the rear bumper is made of. Rear bumpers with materials like steel are good for protection, while those made with aluminum are lighter. The e39 rear bumper plastic parts should be strong enough to not break easily.

• Style and Design:

  It is important to choose a style and design for the rear bumper that matches what is liked. Some rear bumpers stick out more, while others have a lower profile and do not stick out much. Thinking about additional features like a built-in step or a place to pull should also be done.

• Compatibility:

  Ensuring that the rear bumper will fit the vehicle properly is important. Checking if it is designed to match the make and model of the car should be done. Also, seeing if any extra parts are needed to install the rear bumper correctly should be checked.

• Installation:

  Thinking about how easy or difficult it will be to install the rear bumper without help from a mechanic should be done. Choosing a rear bumper that comes with clear instructions for installing it on one's own should be selected. One should also check if all the important mounting hardware is included with the rear bumper.

• Brand Reputation:

  Researching online to see what other people think about the rear bumper brand should be done. Choosing a brand that many people say makes rear bumpers that work well and last a long time should be selected. Looking for reviews and ratings from other customers can help pick a good quality brand.

• Warranty:

  Finding out if the company that makes the rear bumper offers a guarantee should be checked. A guarantee shows that the company stands behind how well the rear bumper is made. It also means that if something goes wrong with the rear bumper, the company will fix or replace it for free.

• Price:

  Setting a budget for how much can be spent on the rear bumper should be done. Then, rear bumpers within that price range should be looked at. Remember that sometimes paying a little more for a rear bumper that is stronger and has better features can save money in repairs or replacing it later on.

• Features:

  Additional features that come with the rear bumper should be considered. Some rear bumpers have extras like a place for towing, a built-in light bar, or spots to attach accessories. Thinking about if those features will be useful and used often should be done.

How to DIY and Replace e39 Rear Bumpers

Most rear bumper replacements are straightforward, and with the right tools, it’s something that can be done at home. First, it’s important to assess the damage. If the rear E39 M5 bumper has a minor scratch, it won’t need replacement. A simple wash, buffing, or touch-up paint will suffice. If the rear E39 M5 bumper has a dent, it can be removed using a heat gun and pliers or a dent puller. However, if the dent is too deep, professionals should replace the bumper.

To replace a BMW E39 rear bumper, follow the steps below:

• 1. Park the car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Lay down a soft mat to protect the car’s surface.
• 2. Open the car trunk and remove the trim panel that covers the bumper's top.
• 3. For safety, disconnect the car's battery, especially if there are any electrical connections, like sensors in the bumper.
• 4. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts securing the bumper. The number of bolts may vary, but there are usually six to eight bolts.
• 5. Gently pry off the plastic clips holding the bumper to the body of the car. Start from one side and work the way around.
• 6. With a friend’s help, carefully pull the old bumper away from the car. Be careful not to damage any nearby components.
• 7. Remove any parking sensors or fog lights from the old bumper and install them in the new bumper.
• 8. Align the new bumper with the car and push it gently to engage the clips and prevent any damages.
• 9. Reinstall the bolts and torque them to the manufacturer's specifications.
• 10. Reconnect the car's battery.
• 11. Reinstall the trim panel and close the trunk.
• 12. Check the alignment of the new bumper and take a test drive to ensure everything is working.

Q and A

Q: Is it necessary to replace the E39 rear bumper with a similar one from the same car?

A: No, it is not necessary. The E39 rear bumper can be replaced with a compatible one from another version of the BMW 5 Series, or with an aftermarket variant. It is important that the new bumper matches the vehicle's specifications and can be properly installed.

Q: Can the E39 rear bumper be modified to achieve a more personalized style?

A: Yes, it is possible to modify the E39 rear bumper to achieve a more personalized style. Rear bumper extensions, spoilers, diffusers and other components can be added to give the vehicle a more sporty or aggressive appearance. It is advisable to seek the advice of a professional to ensure that the modifications are carried out correctly and safely.

Q: How long does it take to replace the E39 rear bumper?

A: The time required to replace the E39 rear bumper can vary depending on several factors, such as the experience of the technician, the availability of parts, and the complexity of the installation. Generally, the replacement can take from a few hours to a full working day. It is recommended to consult a mechanic or specialized workshop to obtain a more precise estimate.

Q: Will the replacement of the rear bumper affect the car's warranty?

A: If the replacement of the rear bumper is carried out with original parts and according to the manufacturer's specifications, it should not affect the warranty of the vehicle. However, if aftermarket parts are used or if the installation is not performed correctly, the warranty may be affected. It is advisable to consult the car dealer or the warranty provider to obtain specific information.