Will Removing the Nuts Cause Bumper to Fall Off When Installing Trailer Hitch on 2008 BMW 328xi

Question:

Draw-Tite 24857 for 2008 BMW 328xi - Im close to ordering one of these hitches for my 328xi. Ive watched several installation videos, purchased an 18mm ratcheting box wrench, and tried loosening a couple of the large nuts that hold on the bumper. They were tight but I managed to turn them. My question is, if I remove all four of these nuts at once prior to installing the hitch, wont the whole bumper including the metal inner bumper fall off? Or is there something else holding it on?

asked by: Brian W

Expert Reply:

I can see how you might think that but removing the nuts from the bumper attachment won't cause your bumper to fall off when you are installing Draw-Tite hitch # 24857 on your 2008 BMW 328xi.

If you take a look at the accompanying photo I added - which are from the instructions of the Curt # C11033 hitch but will be the same in terms of removing the nuts - you can see the studs will remain, holding up the body of the bumper.

You can also remove the flange nuts and add the flat washers on the studs as you go along.

expert reply by: Kyle S