51 45 030 Removing and installing dashboard trim panel

Disconnect negative battery lead.

Remove both trims for front roof pillar,

refer to 51 43 201 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM FOR FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT ROOF PILLAR 

Remove complete instrument panel,

refer to 62 21 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE INSTRUMENT CARRIER .

Remove passenger airbag,

refer to PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE .

Unfasten locking unit (1) and remove connector (2). Unfasten screws and remove brackets (3) and (4) from passenger airbag.

Unfasten screws.

Unfasten plastic nuts at top and remove wooden strip (1). In addition, unfasten left plastic nut on finisher (2).

Installation: 

1. Fit outer plastic nuts with knurling (2) facing finisher and fit internal plastic nuts with hex (1) facing finisher (risk of damage to passenger airbag).
2. Fit plastic nut on lower finisher with knurling (2) facing the finisher.
   Fig 4: Identifying Plastic Nuts With Knurling

   

Unfasten screws (1) and pull glove box cover (2) backwards to remove. Unfasten screw (3) and pull trim (4) (corner piece) backwards to remove.

Remove screws (1 and 2).

Unclip wooden finisher (1) and, if necessary, remove connector (Tempomat). Unclip wooden finisher (2) and remove connector.

Remove cable connector from light switch (3).

Installation: 

1. If necessary, replace damaged clips and / or grommets.
   Fig 8: Identifying Clips & / Or Grommets

   

Unscrew bolts (1).

Unfasten screws at top (without washer) and bottom (with washer).

Lift out left glove box (1) and disconnect Bowden cable (unlocking parking brake).

Unfasten screws.

Removing and installing center of fresh air grille,

refer to 64 22 161 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING CENTER FRESH-AIR GRILL (AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL)

Unfasten left and right screw.

Installation: 

1. Press (1) left and right gasket down after dismantling instrument panel between two smooth wooden blocks.
   Fig 13: Installing Left & Right Gasket Between Two Smooth Wooden Blocks

   

Lift instrument panel backwards/upwards and lift out towards right front door.

Remove gasket (1) (front instrument panel) and (2) (heater).

Installation: 

1. Install new gaskets (pressed and vacuum-packed) shortly before installing the instrument panel.
2. If necessary, press old gasket (1) (if well preserved) between two smooth wooden blocks and/or gasket (2) (if well preserved) between two smooth angle irons under high pressure for approx. 15 minutes.
   Fig 14: Removing Gasket (Front Instrument Panel) & (Heater)

   

Installation: 

1. Plastic guides (1) must be installed at left/ right and (2) center.
   Fig 15: Installing Plastic Guides

   

Installation: 

1. Ensure foam rubber section (1) is correctly located.
2. Check function.
   Fig 16: Identifying Correct Location Of Rubber Section