51 41 060 Removing and installing/replacing armrest on door trim panel, front left or right

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW 545i and 2004 BMW 545i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary Preliminary Tasks:

Remove front door trim panel. Refer to 51 41 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL .
Remove inside door handle. Refer to 51 41 019 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DOOR HANDLE ON DOOR TRIM PANEL, FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT.

Release nuts (1 and 2).

Remove retaining plate from door trim panel (4).

Installation:

Retaining plate must be positioned over pin (3).

Fig 1: Locating Retaining Plate Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Only drill down to door trim panel area (2) so as not to damage the contact surface.

Drill out welding spots (1) on door trim panel (2) with 8 mm dia. welding spot drill bit.

Release nut (3) and remove armrest.

NOTE: Armrest is welded to door trim panel only on initial installation. If necessary, release nuts (3) instead of welding spots (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Welding Spots On Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Attach armrest (1) to door trim panel and screw down with nuts (2).

Fig 3: View Of Armrest Retaining Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.