2007–2011 BMW 3 Series (E90) Driver Side Fender Removal & Installation DIY Guide

Replacing your driver side fender on a 2007–2011 BMW 3 Series (E90) doesn’t have to mean a trip to the body shop. In this guide, we walk you through the full removal and installation process so you can confidently install your new pre-painted fender at home.

Tools You'll Need

• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Ratchet with extension
• Torx bit set
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim removal tool
• Jack and lug wrench
• Painter’s tape
• Soft cloth or blanket

Fender Removal Process

0:05 – Protect Adjacent Panels

Open the hood and apply painter’s tape along the edges of the hood and door. This prevents scratching nearby panels while removing and installing the fender.

0:56 – Loosen and Remove the Wheel

Loosen the wheel bolts before lifting the car. Jack up the vehicle, remove the wheel, and set it aside to access the fender liner and mounting bolts.

2:01 – Remove Push Pins and Clips

Use a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver to remove plastic push pins from the fender liner. These are often one-time use, so be prepared to replace them.

3:22 – Remove Fender Liner Bolts

Using an 8mm and 10mm socket, remove all visible bolts along the wheel arch securing the liner. Work methodically as BMW uses multiple fasteners throughout.

4:33 – Remove Lower Torx Fasteners

Use a Torx bit to remove bolts located at the bottom of the fender. These secure the fender to the lower bracket area.

6:04 – Pull Back Fender Liner

Remove remaining 10mm bolts and the access cap, then push the liner aside to expose hidden bolts behind it.

7:35 – Loosen Bumper Edge

Loosen the bolts connecting the bumper to the fender. You do not need to remove the bumper completely—just pull it slightly aside for clearance.

8:45 – Disconnect Turn Signal

Reach behind the fender and unplug the turn signal connector before removing the panel.

9:05 – Remove Inner Fender Bolts

Use a 10mm socket with a long extension to remove bolts located deep inside the fender area, including one near the door hinge.

10:01 – Remove Top Fender Bolts

Open the hood and remove all 10mm bolts along the top edge of the fender.

11:22 – Check for Hidden Fasteners

If the fender does not come off easily, double-check for any remaining bolts or plastic screw rivets near the bottom or headlight area before pulling it free.

Fender Installation Process

14:59 – Prepare New Fender

Place the new fender on a soft cloth to protect the paint before transferring components.

15:15 – Transfer Turn Signal

Remove the signal light from the old fender and install it onto the new one. Insert one side first, then press until it clicks into place.

16:18 – Transfer Clips and Rubber Stops

Move all clips and rubber stoppers from the old fender to the new one in the same positions.

17:49 – Position New Fender

Set the new fender into place, ensuring it sits properly on the lower bracket and aligns with mounting points.

19:13 – Install Bolts Loosely

Start installing the top 10mm bolts by hand. Do not fully tighten yet—this allows adjustment for alignment.

20:00 – Align Panel Gaps

Close the hood and check gaps between the fender, hood, and door. Adjust until alignment matches the opposite side.

20:52 – Tighten All Bolts

Once aligned, tighten all bolts including inner bolts using a long extension and lower mounting points.

23:34 – Reinstall Liner and Hardware

Reinstall the fender liner, push pins, and all 8mm and 10mm bolts. Reattach the bumper edge.

28:56 – Reinstall Wheel

Mount the wheel back onto the car, hand-tighten bolts, lower the vehicle, and fully tighten.

30:52 – Final Check

Remove tape, inspect alignment, and clean the area. A light polish helps blend the new paint with surrounding panels.

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