51 45 031 Replacing instrument panel trim

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove instrument panel trim
Remove decorative strip on instrument panel on left
Remove speaker trim
If necessary, remove speaker . See 65 13 060 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SPEAKER (MID-RANGE SPEAKER, IN INSTRUMENT PANEL) .
If necessary, remove front inner and front outer cup holder carriers . See 51 16... Removing and installing/replacing front inner cup holder carrier and 51 16... Removing and installing/replacing front outer cup holder carrier .

Expand locking rings (1) and remove.

NOTE: Replace locking rings (1).

Remove top steering column cover (2).

Unclip bottom steering column cover (4) from retainers (3) and remove.

Fig 1: Removing Bottom Steering Column Cover

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove driver's side storage compartment (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Driver's Side Storage Compartment Screws

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove function carrier for light switch center (2).

Fig 3: Removing Function Carrier For Light Switch Centre

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove function carrier for instrument panel (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Function Carrier For Instrument Panel

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) and remove frame for passenger airbag (2).

Release screws (3) and remove function carrier for right decorative strip (4).

Fig 5: Identifying Function Carrier Screws (For Right Decorative Strip)

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal all metal nuts (1) from instrument panel trim (2).

Unclip trims for defrost outlet (3) on outside in each case and remove.

Fig 6: Removing Defrost Outlet Trims

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Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.