BMW X3 Service & Repair Manual: Stripping operations - replacing outer and inner tail panel sections

NOTE: Owing to the different engine variants and equipment specifications, not all the components are taken into consideration.

The following list basically represents the removal sequence.

• Remove luggage compartment floor trim panel
• Remove battery
• Remove bumper trim
• Remove bumper support
• Remove center bumper guide
• Remove guide for bumper on left and right
• Remove left luggage compartment wheel arch panel
• Remove right luggage compartment wheel arch panel
• Tail panel cover
• Remove rear light on left and right
• Remove tailgate lock
• Partially detach tailgate seal
• Remove control unit for air suspension
• Remove control unit for automatic luggage compartment lid actuation

Lever out expanding rivets and remove side member facing (1).

Lever out expanding rivets and remove toolkit mounting (2).

Undo latch mechanisms and remove rear bleeder (3).

Remove sound insulation (4) of luggage compartment.

Shown on left side. Proceed in the same manner on the right side.

Release wiring harnesses (1) from rear trim panel and lay towards front.

Graphic representation similar.