i searched far and wide for an answer to this one with no luck! sorry if i missed it and am re-posting!

i need to remove the rear bumper cover from my 2006 cooper S cabrolet. i did find instructions for removing the "S" bumper cover, and that got me pretty far, but then i ran into the problem of how to get the cover off around the hatch door hinges... do i need to remove the door? i hope not! anybody know how to do this procedure?

 

The lower plastic "covers" on the hinges just snap out of the bumper cover - If memory serves, you squeeze them a little and the pull right out - then the cover will pull off... if memory serves. It's been a couple of years since I pulled mine off. But no, I didn't have to remove the hinges or boot door.

 

that sounds like a go. i will try that when i get another chance at it; had to put the rest back together today... however, i am left wondering how the top "lip" (and "Ears" where 2 screws attach it) of the cover will pass under the boot lid... by the way, saw your pics and you mini is a beauty!

 

Just walked out and took a look again - there's an "inner" cover and an "outer cover" that snap into the bumper cover for each lower hinge. IIRC both pop out with gentle prying (use a plastic panel pry tool or a tape-wrapped screwdriver). Be gentle - they don't take much force if pried in the right direction and can break if you're not careful. IIRC you have to hold the boot open just the right amount (maybe 25%) to slip the bumper cover off after all screws are removed (including the two tabs) - if it's open at the right angle, the tabs will clear with no problem.

 

i saw the rear covers and did pry them off (and got lucky did not break them!); did not parse that the fronts also needed to go... i had hoped that some bumper tipping and boot position would work (rather than remove the boot!)... thanks for your advice. i have noted you to often be helpful in the forums (i have been "lurking" since may). i will try again soon to remove the cover and expect it will go ok.

 

Here are the official BMW instructions.

 

Thanks Richard - forgot about that clip in the middle. Good stuff.

 

richard- thanks for the offical bmw version! i NEVER would have found that middle clip on my own (until i broke it off!)! how did you get your hands on those instructions? i have found the oem parts lists on-line and own the bentley manual, but have not seen instructions like those around!

 

It's from the BMW TIS service manual on DVD. Search "BMW TIS" on motors.ebay.com.

 

i did follow up on the BMW tis manual on-line. thanks for the info. a great resource!

 

Thanks...I also just ordered one of the manuals..great resource...