51 42 081 Replacing armrest on rear left or right door trim panel (long version or from 03/2007)

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear door trim panel
Remove toggle switch . See 61 31 116 REPLACING ROCKER SWITCH FOR SIDE WINDOW OPERATION (REAR, LONG VERSION OR FROM 03/2007) .
Remove door handle

IMPORTANT: Only drill down to door trim panel area so as not to damage the contact surface.
Armrest is only welded to door trim panel during initial fitting; if necessary, release nuts in place of welding spots.

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

Remove armrest.

Fig 1: Identifying Welding Spots On Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Secure armrest with nuts (3).