51 45 030 Removing and installing dashboard trim panel

Disconnect negative battery lead, refer to 12 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .

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 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

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

Fig 1: Removing Passenger Airbag

Unfasten screws.

Fig 2: Identifying Screws

Unfasten plastic nuts at top and remove wooden strip (1).

In addition, unfasten left plastic nut on finisher (2).

Fig 3: Removing Wooden Strip

Installation:

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).

Fit plastic nut on lower finisher with knurling (2) facing the finisher.

Fig 4: Installing Plastic Nut On Lower Finisher With Knurling (2) Facing The Finisher

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

Fig 5: Pulling Glovebox Cover Backwards

Remove screws (1 and 2).

NOTE: Screws (1) are socket head cap screws.

Fig 6: Removing Socket Head Cap

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

Remove cable connector from light switch (3).

Fig 7: Removing Cable Connector From Light Switch

Installation:

If necessary, replace damaged clips and / or grommets.

Fig 8: Replacing Damaged Clips And / Or Grommets

Unscrew bolts (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Damaged Clips And / Or Grommets

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

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

Fig 10: Lifting Out Left Glovebox

Unfasten screws.

Fig 11: Identifying 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.

Fig 12: Removing Left And Right Screw

Installation:

Press (1) left and right gasket down after dismantling instrument panel between two smooth wooden blocks.

Fig 13: Pressing Left And Right Gasket Down

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

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

Installation:

Install new gaskets (pressed and vacuum-packed) shortly before installing the instrument panel.

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: Installing New Gaskets (Pressed And Vacuum-Packed)

Installation:

Plastic guides (1) must be installed at left/ right and (2) center.

Fig 15: Installing Plastic Guides

Installation:

Ensure foam rubber section (1) is correctly located.

Check function.

Fig 16: Identifying Foam Rubber Section Is Correctly