51 42 000 Removing and installing rear left or right door trim panel

Special Tools Required:

NOTE: For special tools, refer to BODY EQUIPMENT - SPECIAL TOOLS - 3-SERIES (M54/E46) .

00 9 317

WARNING: Version with side airbag: Follow safety instructions for working on cars with airbag systems, refer to 51 00... SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING ON CARS WITH AIRBAG SYSTEMS

CAUTION: Do not use any sharp-edged tools to remove the panel - risk of damage to airbag.

Remove clipped-in trim (decorative strip) on door trim panel.

Version without power windows:

Remove rear window crank.

Version without power windows and without removal opening:

NOTE: Do not damage lining (2) when removing trim (1).

Fig 1: Removing Trim

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Using a small screwdriver, carefully lever out trim (1) at points (2).

Version without power windows and with removal opening (1)

NOTE: When removing trim (2), do not damage lining (3) with screwdriver.

Carefully insert a regular screwdriver approx. 1mm into removal opening (1) of trim (2).
Press trim (2) forwards and lift out towards top.

Fig 2: Removing Trim
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Version with power windows:

If necessary, lever out rocker switch (1) at rocker (2), disconnect plug connection and remove rocker switch (1).

Fig 3: Removing Rocker Switch

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Release screws (1).

Installation:

Screw (1) is longer than the others.

Tightening torque, refer to 51 22 6AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Lever out trims (3), release screws underneath and screws (2).

Fig 4: Removing Trims Screws

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Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 51 42 1AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 325I, CI & XI - E46 .

Unclip clips (1) of door trim panel with special tool 00 9 317 (trim panel wedge).

Fig 5: Removing Door Trim Panel Clips

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Carefully unclip door trim panel (1) at top with special tool 00 9 317 (trim panel wedge).

Feed door trim panel (1) out of unlocking knob (2).

Fig 6: Removing Door Trim Panel

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Unhook Bowden cable for release lever:

Tighten unlocking lever (1)
Lift out lock (2)
Remove Bowden cable (3) towards rear/top.

Fig 7: Removing Bowden Cable
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Installation:

Press unlocking lever (1) for installation fully on door trim panel.

Version with power windows:

If necessary, feed out lead (1) from door trim panel (2).

Version with additional speaker:

If necessary, disconnect plug connection (3) on additional speaker (4).

Fig 8: Disconnecting Plug Connection (3) On Additional Speaker (4)

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Remove door trim panel (2).

Installation:

Clips (1) and (2) are longer than the other clips.

Clips (1) and (2) are gray, the other clips are white.

Fit all clips with sealing ring.

Fig 9: Installing Clips With Sealing Ring

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If necessary, replace faulty clips.

CAUTION: The sound insulation may be damaged at the screw-down points for the armrest. If necessary, tape off sound insulation in this area with fabric adhesive tape.

Installation:

After assembling the door trim panel proceed as follows:

Open door window
Lock with vehicle key
Check for ease-of-movement on retaining button linkage
If necessary, align linkages