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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: FOLLOW SAFETY INFORMATION FOR REPAIR WORK ON VEHICLES WITH AIRBAG SYSTEMS .

IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE ANY SHARP-EDGED TOOLS IN AREA OF HEAD AIRBAG (RISK OF DAMAGE TO HEAD AIRBAG).

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove headlining . See 51 44 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING ROOFLINER (ON VERSION WITHOUT PANORAMA SUNROOF) or 51 44 013 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING HEADLINING (VERSION WITH PANORAMA GLASS ROOF) .

If necessary, lever out cover caps and release nuts (1).

Tightening torque 51 13 3AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Cover Caps Mounting Nuts

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Remove rail (1) in direction of arrow.

Fig 2: Removing Rail

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Installation note:

Seals (1 and 2) on railing (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 3: Identifying Railing And Seals

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.