51 43 002 Removing And Installing Rear Left Or Right Side Trim Panel (Coupe)

NOTE: Open door and lower side window. Remove rest side section from rear seat backrest, refer to 52 26 008 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE SECTION OF REAR SEAT BACKREST (THROUGH-LOADING SYSTEM) (COUPE) . Remove front entrance cover strip, refer to REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT (INSIDE) LEFT OR RIGHT ENTRANCE COVER STRIP .

WARNING: Version with side airbag, head airbag, passenger airbag: Follow safety instructions for working on cars with airbag systems, refer to SERVICE POSITION OF ENGINE HOOD .

CAUTION: Do not use sharp-edged tools to remove trim (risk of damage to head airbag).

Version with side airbag:

NOTE: Risk of damage to speaker grill (3): To lever out airbag emblem (1), place a plastic wedge on speaker grill (3).

Lever out airbag emblem (1) with screwdriver and plastic wedge in opening (2).

Fig 1: Locating Speaker Grille

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Version with side airbag:

Also release screw (2).

Installation:

Tightening Torque, refer to 51 43 3AZ in BODY EQUIPMENT - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 3-SERIES .

Fig 2: Releasing Trim Retaining Screws
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Version without speaker:

Remove side trim panel (2) towards inside.

Installation:

If necessary, pull off mucket (3) in area of side trim panel.

Fig 3: Removing Side Trim Panel
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Version with loudspeaker:

If necessary, disconnect plug connection (1) on speaker (2).

Remove side trim panel (3) towards inside.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Plug Connection On Speaker

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Installation:

The gray clips (1) are longer than the remaining white clips (2).
If necessary, replace damaged clips.
All clips are without sealing washers.

Fig 5: View Of Gray Clips And White Clips
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.