51 45 030 Removing and installing instrument panel trim

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove both panels for front roof pillar. Refer to 51 43 201 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM FOR FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT ROOF PILLAR .
• Remove lighting control unit. Refer to 61 31 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT .
• Remove instrument cluster. Refer to 62 11 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
• Remove fixture for steering column switch. Refer to 61 31 006 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) FIXTURE FOR STEERING COLUMN STALK .
• Remove control display. Refer to 65 82 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) CONTROL DISPLAY .
• Remove control panel for heater - A/C system. Refer to 64 11 377 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) CONTROL PANEL FOR HEATER-A/C SYSTEM .
• Remove footwell side trim panel on A-pillar on left. Refer to 51 43 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANEL, FOOTWELL, ON A-PILLAR, LEFT .
• Remove panel for (active) knee protector, left. Refer to 51 45 175 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT  and 51 45 177 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR ACTIVE KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT .
• Remove function carrier on panel for instrument panel. Refer to 51 16 170 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FUNCTION CARRIER ON PANEL FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL .
• Remove center console carrier section. Refer to 51 16 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING CENTRE CONSOLE CARRIER SECTION .
• Remove AIRBAG module on passenger side. Refer to PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE (RIGHT) .
• Remove footwell side trim panel on A-pillar on right. Refer to 51 43 075 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANEL, FOOTWELL, ON A-PILLAR, RIGHT .

Disconnect plug connections (1) and (2).

1. Ignition starter switch
2. Solar sensor
   Fig 1: Disconnecting Plug Connections

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) on instrument panel (2) at bottom left.

Release nuts (1) and remove cover (2).

Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2) for function carrier.

Release screw (1) and nuts (2).

Move front seats back as far as possible.

Pull off instrument panel (3) in direction of arrow and lift out to right front door.

Installation: 

Fit new seals (pressed and vacuum-packed) shortly before installing instrument panel.

If necessary, compact old seals (1) (if well preserved) between two wooden blocks under high pressure for approx. 15 minutes.

Slide instrument panel with guides correctly into fixtures (2) and (3).