51 45 030 Removing And Installing Instrument Panel Trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 BMW 760Li, 2004 BMW 760i, 2004 BMW 760Li, and 2003 BMW 760Li. 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. Refer to 51 43 201 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM FOR FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT ROOF PILLAR .
Remove lighting control unit. Refer to 61 31 037 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LIGHTING CONTROL UNIT .
Remove instrument cluster. Refer to 62 11 280 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
Remove fixture for steering column switch. Refer to 61 31 006 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) FIXTURE FOR STEERING COLUMN STALK .
Remove control display. Refer to 65 82 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) CONTROL DISPLAY .
Remove control panel for heater - A/C system. Refer to 64 11 377 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) CONTROL PANEL FOR HEATER - A/C SYSTEM .
Remove footwell side trim panel on A-pillar on left. Refer to 51 43 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANEL, FOOTWELL, ON A-PILLAR, LEFT .
Remove panel for (active) knee protector, left. Refer to 51 45 175 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT and 51 45 177 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING PANEL FOR ACTIVE KNEE PROTECTOR ON LEFT .
Remove function carrier on panel for instrument panel. Refer to 51 16 170 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FUNCTION CARRIER ON PANEL FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL .
Remove center console carrier section. Refer to 51 16 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING CENTER CONSOLE CARRIER SECTION .
Remove airbag module on passenger side.
Remove footwell side trim panel on A-pillar on right. Refer to 51 43 075 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SIDE TRIM PANEL, FOOTWELL, ON A-PILLAR, RIGHT .

Disconnect plug connections (1) and (2).

Fig 1: Locating Plug Connections

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 2: Identifying Screw On Instrument Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Removing Cover Retaining Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove holder (2) for function carrier.

Fig 4: Removing Function Carrier Holder Retaining Screws

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: Removing 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 Instrument Panel Fixtures

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.