51 46 026 Removing And Installing Or Replacing Front Air Outlet Trim Grille

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Open convertible top compartment lid, fold in convertible top if necessary
Remove rear seat back . See SEATS - REPAIR (CONVERTIBLE) .
Remove trim cover on rear left/right rollover protection system . See 54 62 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT ROLLBAR .
Remove cover for seat belt at rear left/right.
Remove trim on air outlet grille at front

Release expansion rivets (1).

Installation:

If necessary, replace faulty expander rivets (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Expansion Rivets

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1 and 2).

Detach trim grille (3) by lifting upwards.

Installation:

Feed all screws/expander rivets onto trim grille (3).

Align trim grille (3) with rollover protection system and secure with screws/expander rivets.

Fig 2: Releasing Screws From Trim Grille

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.