I hate to admit it but I'm stuck. I'm trying to remove my front bumper to install a new intercooler but having zero luck. I've read all the forums and instructions, reviewed all of the videos, and am still screwed (to use the technical term). I've even translated a German cooper forum to see if they had ideas.

I have the sides taken care of, the bottom pieces undone, the two on the top, all the electrical, but it still won't come off. I have a Cooper S with the air brake channel (51747283343-OEM) When I look down I can see some part of the bumper is attached to the air brake channel on both sides. I cannot reach the screw to remove it. Is that supposed to come off or am I missing something. If anyone has done this and can offer advice, I'd be most grateful.

 

From what I remember on mine with the JCW kit that channel is in two pieces, one attached to the bumper and one to the car which just slide inside each other. What delayed us were three or so fasteners that are recessed into the splitter, at the bottom of holes that were very difficult to get to.

 

Thanks Spiney! re: the screws at the bottom. At the splitter, underneath the black bumper cover are two screws covered up by plugs. Do those screws need to come off as well? (to get to them, you have to push the black part against the body and then stick the screwdriver in to reach.) These two screws were in sort of a slot or grove in bottom. the other side of the slot had two screws i already pulled.

 

The ones I'm referring to are reached through the holes you can see in the centre section of the splitter in this diagram, by the number 3.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=51_8372

 

Cool, thanks again!