51 47... Removing and installing/replacing left or right underbody panelling

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Underbody panelling must not be jammed by vehicle hoist. If necessary, fit suitable blocks under vehicle jacking points.

NOTE: Work shown on X5 3.0i by way of example, deviations in detail are possible in other models.

Important with E72!

Cover, side, six-cylinder models:

Release screws/nuts (1 and 2).

Feed out cover (3).

Installation note:

Ensure cover (3) is correctly seated.

Fig 1: Identifying Cover And Screws/Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Underbody panelling, side:

Release clips (1).

Release screws/nuts (2 and 4).

Feed out underbody panelling (3).

Installation note:

If necessary, replace faulty clips (1).

Fit clips (1) with O-rings.

Make sure underbody panelling (3) is correctly seated.

Fig 2: Identifying Underbody Panelling, Clips, And Screws/Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Underride protection, fuel tank:

Release clips (1).

Release screws/nuts (2 and 3).

Feed out underride protection (4).

Installation note:

If necessary, replace faulty clips (1).

Fit clips (1) with O-rings.

Make sure underride protection (4) is correctly seated.

Fig 3: Identifying Underride Protection, Clips, And Screws/Nuts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.