51 13 305 Removing and installing/replacing left or right rail

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, 2007 BMW X3, and 2006 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Read and comply with safety regulations for handling airbag modules and pyrotechnical belt tensioners, see 51 00 ... Safety instructions for working on cars with airbag systems

Incorrect handling can activate airbag and cause injury.

Disconnect battery.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove roofliner, see 51 44 002 Removing and installing roofliner (on version without panorama sunroof)
Partially remove head airbag, see 72 12 045 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT AHPS2 HEAD AIRBAG (VERSION WITHOUT SLIDE/TILT SUNROOF)

Detach water drainage hose (1 and 2).

Release screws (3) on holder (4).

Lever out cover (5) underneath.

Fig 1: Water Drainage Hose, Screws And Holder

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release nuts (1 and 2).

Installation:

Tighten down nuts (1) to tightening torque: 51 13 3AZ, see 51 13 TRIM PARTS, COVERS, HANDLE TRIM
Adhere to settling time, refer to 51 13 3AZ, see 51 13 TRIM PARTS, COVERS, HANDLE TRIM
Tighten down nut (1) at rear and middle again to tightening torque 51 13 3AZ.
Release nut (2) at front and tighten down again to tightening torque 51 13 3AZ plus angle of rotation.

IMPORTANT: Observe tightening specifications without fail (water ingress).

Fig 2: Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove rail (1) in direction of arrow.

Fig 3: Rail

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Installation:

Seal (2) on rail (3) must not be damaged.

IMPORTANT: Replace foam seals (1) after each removal.

Fig 4: Seal And Rail

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.