51 45 031 Replacing instrument panel trim

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 535xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM
Remove DECORATIVE STRIP ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ON LEFT
Remove SPEAKER TRIM
If necessary, remove SPEAKER
If necessary, remove front inner and front outer cup holder carriers. See REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT INNER CUP HOLDER CARRIER and 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: Identifying Steering Column Cover, Retainers And Locking Rings

G05504032

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Screws And Driver Side Storage Compartment

G05504033

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Identifying Screws And Light Switch Centre

G05504034

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Identifying Screws And Instrument Panel

G05504035

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 Screws And Frame For Passenger Airbag

G05504036

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: Identifying Metal Nuts, Instrument Panel Trim And Defrost Outlet

G05504037

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.