51 46 001 Removing and installing/replacing trim panel for storage shelf: Notes

Necessary preliminary work: 

• Remove backrest. See REMOVING BACKREST FOR REAR SEAT (ELECTRIC) or REMOVING BACKREST REAR SEAT (NON-ELECTRIC) .
• Only with optional equipment Comfort seat: 
  • Remove HEAD RESTRAINTS .
  • Remove ARMREST .
• With optional rear air conditioning only: 
  • Remove all luggage compartment trim panels. See REMOVING ALL LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRIMS (WITHOUT SKI BAG)  or REMOVING ALL LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT TRIMS (WITH SKI BAG) .
• Remove TRIM FOR ROOF PILLAR AT REAR .
• Remove BELT FEED TRIM  on left and right.

Lever out center seat belt finisher strip (1) with plastic wedge and feed out seat belt strap (2).

Version with decorative strip only: 

• Unclip center seat belt finisher strip (1) from decorative trim and feed out seat belt strap (2).
  Fig 2: Identifying Center Seat Belt Finisher Strip And Seat Belt Strap

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• Release plastic nut (1) on C-pillar trim panel.

• Release plastic nut (1) on C-pillar trim panel.
• Disengage guide lug of C-pillar trim panel at top from storage shelf.

Release attachment sleeves and pull storage shelf forwards.

Unlock and disconnect underlying plug connections.