RS4 B7 Avant rear bumper & parking sensor

[delroyx]

I need to replace my rear mid right parking sensor.

There's no way I can reach it from underneath as is. Are there any how to's to remove the bumper for a B7 Avant? I can't find a decent one that covers an Avant.

I can't find a definitive answer about how much of the interior needs removing to get to any hidden fixings.

Or does anyone have any tips for loosening enough to reach the sensor to replace it?

Thanks in advance.

[delroyx]

It turns out this is quite involved.

The boot liner walls need to be removed (or at least at the boot opening end). This involves removing the four tie down brackets. There's then one screw in thr hole where the boot cover hooks in. Each side just pulls out.

The lower opening cover also needs removing which is 4 screws then tug it upwards

The subwoofer needs removing - 2 easy to see 13mm bolts & 2 10mm

At the rear of each wheel arch liner are 3 of the t25 screws that allow you to pull the liner away & then there are a further 4 that hold the bumper in place. These would be much easier with the wheel removed but there is just about enough room if you have a very slim ratchet. Some of these might be pretty rusty.

There are then 3 more T25 screws at the bottom of the bumper.

I removed the tail lights for a bit more room but this is necessary. There are then 8 more 10mm nuts thats need removing (4 on eacj side).

The bumper should then be free & can be pulled out at the arches first then jiggled backwards.

Be carefull of the vacuum line & parking sensor wiring as it's not long.

[delroyx]

I did the above, swapped over my new parking sensors & all seemed good until I went to put in the last/bottom 3 screws underneath.

The bumper would swing under enough for the holes to line up.

On inspection there was a white mount hitting the crash bar. I loosen the bumper just enough to pull it out & to get the bumper back on.

Here's a picture of it. It's some sort of mount but I can't figure out how necessary it is. (I know Audi would have put it there for a reason). Anyone got any ideas if it is strictly necessary? I don't really fancy doing it all again as refitting the side panels was a pain in the arse!

Everything looks and seems fine but any thoughts appreciated.

[delroyx]

It's number 11 on that diagram