51 45 030 Removing And Installing Instrument Panel Trim

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• REMOVE BOTH PANELS FOR FRONT ROOF PILLAR .
• REMOVE LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT .
• REMOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
• REMOVE FIXTURE FOR STEERING COLUMN SWITCH .
• REMOVE CONTROL DISPLAY .
• REMOVE CONTROL PANEL FOR HEATER - A/C SYSTEM .
• REMOVE FOOTWELL SIDE TRIM PANEL ON A-PILLAR ON LEFT .
• Remove panel for (active) knee protector, left.

  See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT  or REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR ACTIVE KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT 

• REMOVE FUNCTION CARRIER ON PANEL FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL .
• REMOVE CENTER CONSOLE CARRIER SECTION .
• REMOVE AIRBAG MODULE ON PASSENGER SIDE .
• REMOVE FOOTWELL SIDE TRIM PANEL ON A-PILLAR ON RIGHT .

Disconnect plug connections (1) and (2).

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

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Instrument Panel Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Removing Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2) for function carrier.

Fig 4: Identifying Function Carrier Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.

Fig 5: Pulling Off Instrument Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

Fig 6: Identifying Fixtures And Seals

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.