Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS: BMW/Mini - UPDATE

Posted on 03 February 2026 Print

A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does BMW/Mini say on the subject?

BMW has a Repair Specifications For Vehicles With Radar Sensors document found in BMW/Mini vehicle-specific service information under: Repair And Maintenance ➤ 99-Paintwork.

This document identifies feature differences between radar sensor generation, vehicle-specific transmission zones, and repair considerations. The radar transmission zones, as shown on model-specific bumper diagrams, are highlighted in red. BMW/Mini has three different generations of radar sensors.

Details for determining which generation of radar sensors is equipped are found in the Repair Specifications For Vehicles With Radar Sensors document, which states:

  • "1st Generation (HC2), used from 09/2008"
    • "In this generation, sensors may be installed in the rear."
  • "2nd Generation (RS-01, SRR-01), used from 07/2015"
    • "In this generation, sensors may be installed in the rear and possibly also in the front."
  • "3rd Generation (SRR-40), used from 10/2021."
    • "In this generation, sensors may be installed in the front and/or rear."

A precaution shared for all radar sensor generations, BMW/Mini states: "o stickers or film (transparent or colored) must be attached in the areas permeated by radiation at the sensors."

The Repair Specifications For Vehicles With Radar Sensors document provides generation-specific repair considerations for each generation that must be observed. These may include the selection of repair materials, like sandpaper grit, the maximum times a bumper can be repainted, or when the bumper must be replaced. It is best to review the specifications to understand BMW/Mini bumper cover recommendations.

Other supportive material is found in the ColorSystems document, also found under: Repair And Maintenance Instructions ➤ 99-Paintwork. BMW/Mini states: "o stickers or film (transparent or colored) must be attached in the areas permeated by radiation at the sensors." This document also has paint film thickness guidelines for up to three repaintings, the maximum allowed by BMW/Mini.

Always reference the vehicle-specific body repair manual before performing any repairs to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional BMW/Mini information, check out the following pages:
BMW OEM Information
Mini OEM Information

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