1997 S Max, need to remove rear bumper to fit tow bar for hols in few days time.

Have removed the 2 screws under each wheel arch, removed 6 screws at rear and 2 plastic nuts underneath but now stuck. It seems to stil be firmly attached.

Under a lot of pressure, please can anyone help.

Think that it has a few clips that need undoing but cant remember where they are or how to find them... try googling bumper removal diagram.

Have managed to remove bumper, but had to use brute force because I was desperate.

My method was to pull the sides outwards which I thought was the way to go. But it was wrong and has resulted in some damage to the fixing parts. It was then impossible to replace the bumper and I then realised that there was a plastic moulding on each side which should have come away with the bumber and not separated and stayed attached to the car. Examination showed these moulding could be freed by sliding them backwards.

ADVICE

WHEN REMOVING THE S-MAX REAR BUMBER! FIRST REMOVE SCREWS AS DESCRIBED IN ALL DOCUMENTATION, THEN DETACH BY PULLING/SLIDING TOWARDS THE REAR.

WHY IS THIS NOT MENTIONED IN ANY DOCUMENTATION OR FORUM POST?????

good advice there Paul, so you say when removing pull the bumper straight back towards the rear of the car, dont move it, twist ir or bend it, just pull straight back?

ADVICE
WHEN REMOVING THE S-MAX REAR BUMBER! FIRST REMOVE SCREWS AS DESCRIBED IN ALL DOCUMENTATION, THEN DETACH BY PULLING/SLIDING TOWARDS THE REAR.
WHY IS THIS NOT MENTIONED IN ANY DOCUMENTATION OR FORUM POST?????

I think you'll find if you check out the smax owners club forum that this stuff IS mentioned!