51 45 030 Removing And Installing Instrument Panel Trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 BMW Alpina and 2007 BMW Alpina. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove both panels for front roof pillar . See 51 43 201 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR AT FRONT (A-PILLAR), LEFT OR RIGHT .
Remove lighting control unit . See 61 31 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT .
Remove instrument cluster . See 62 11 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
Remove fixture for steering column switch . See 61 31 006 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) FIXTURE FOR STEERING COLUMN STALK .
Remove control display . See 51 45 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM .
Remove control panel for heater - A/C system . See 51 45 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM .
Remove footwell side trim panel on A-pillar on left . See 65 82 530 REPLACING MOST CAN GATEWAY CONTROL UNIT .
Remove panel for (active) knee protector, left . See 64 11 377 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) CONTROL PANEL FOR HEATER - A/C SYSTEM .
Remove function carrier on panel for instrument panel . See 51 43 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANEL, FOOTWELL, ON A-PILLAR, LEFT .
Remove center console carrier section . See 51 45 175 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT .
Remove airbag module on passenger side . See 72 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING AIRBAG MODULE ON PASSENGER SIDE .
Remove footwell side trim panel on A-pillar on right . See 51 43 075 REMOVING AND INSTALLING / REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANEL, FOOTWELL, ON A-PILLAR, RIGHT .

Disconnect plug connections (1) and (2).

Ignition starter switch
Solar sensor

Fig 1: Identifying Ignition Starter Switch And Solar Sensor
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Instrument Panel And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Removing Cover And Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2) for function carrier.

Fig 4: Identifying Holder And Screw

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: Identifying Screw And Nuts

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 Seals And Fixtures

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.