Trouble removing the rear bumper on a W124 estate...help

[IMD]

Hi all,

I'm replacing the bumper inserts on the front and rear bumpers of my E200 W124 estate (1995), as they are cracked. The front bumper was a breaze to remove and fit the new insert, however I'm struggling with the rear.

I opened the two rear compartments (spare wheel and rear washer bottle) and have undone the 4 main bolts (2 either side), together with the 4 smaller bolts that hold the sides of the bumper on. The haynes manual says to then remove the rubber attached to the bumper where it meets the rear wheel arches. This I can't do, as the rubber seems well and truly fixed somehow.

The main problem seems to be when I try to pull the bumper off backwards. It seems well and truely stuck in the middle, below the number plate. When I pull, it flexes either side, but the middle remains fixed. The manual doesn't mention any other bolts and after looking, there doesn't seem to be any others and no way of getting to them if there are.

Is it just stuck with dirt and general old age, and needs a good tug or something else?

Any ideas?

Ian

 

[grober]

From this there appears to be 2 BOLTS further in towards the centre? Êàòàëîã

 

[IMD]

Yes, that diagram does suggest that, but I;ve no idea how to get to them. The exhause blocks any possibility of gaining access from underneath and the carpeted boot is above?

I'm sure you don't have to take off the rear box...

 

[Druk]

I think you have to remove the lining from the rear compartment.

 

[219]

I'm pretty sure if you remove the carpet from the storage compartment under the floor you will see the bolts . Plastic clips all around the edge .

 

[Smiley]

see this attachment

 

[Smiley]

oops has not attached; if you pm me with email address i will send you a PDF how to file.

 

[SilverSaloon]

yes you need to remove the lining from the "7 seat footwell/compartment in the floor" to access the bolts in the centre - you can get away with just removing the footwell plastic rivits and pulling back to gain access

 

[Sp!ke]

Out of interest, where did you purchase the bumper inserts and how much were they?