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1337chaos
11-16-2014, 02:39 PM
I'm installing a new front bumper on my 2001 525i, but when I put it on the "brackets" on either side near the tires, and align it to put the bolts through the impact absorbers, the drivers side is pushed out past the fender, and the passenger side is pushed way inside of the fender. Is there some kind of secret to aligning a front bumper to make it all match up?

https://i.imgur.com/skslmWH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Rccw3Yt.jpg
larrym3711
11-16-2014, 03:03 PM
On the assumption your vehicle has not been damaged, you may have a defective part. I replaced mine with an original OEM bumper and it aligned perfectly. Body shop who did the work would not guarantee perfect alignment unless I used a Real OEM part.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport
JimLev
11-16-2014, 03:37 PM
Is it an OE or aftermarket bumper?
You can adjust the brackets that the sides of the bumper slide into, in/out and up/down adjustments are possible.
Looks like you may not have the bumper centered properly.
1337chaos
11-16-2014, 03:43 PM
Is it an OE or aftermarket bumper?
You can adjust the brackets that the sides of the bumper slide into, in/out and up/down adjustments are possible.
Looks like you may not have the bumper centered properly.

It's an aftermarket from Certi-fit (sorta-fit) How do I go about adjusting those brackets? It looked to me like adjustment wasn't possible, but I'm sure you know better than me!
BimmerBreaker
11-16-2014, 03:46 PM
I'd assume its OEM, I've never seen a replica non-M bumper before.
BimmrMeUpSnotty
11-16-2014, 05:57 PM
The two side plastic brackets that the bumper's sides slide into, there are two bolts, loosen them slightly, snug, not totally loose. They slide side to side, up and down. Adjust the good side to where it should be, snug up the bolts. Then go to the other side, do the same until you like it. Might help if you loosen up the two big bolts on the reinforcement, once you got the sides, tighten up the big bolts.
Jarhed
11-16-2014, 06:04 PM
I'd assume its OEM, I've never seen a replica non-M bumper before.

I have.

Used one in SoCal when I rebuilt the front end of my 97 (RIP). It fit just fine.
1337chaos
11-16-2014, 07:17 PM
I managed to get the brackets moved. They don't move much, but they're almost where they should be now. The passenger side looks great, but the driver side is still sticking out a tiny bit. I'll live with it until after winter though! I also had to loosen the bolts on the impact absorber on the passenger side and knock it with a hammer a few times to make it fit into place, but all is well now! Thanks for the help everyone.