51 45 030 Removing and installing instrument panel trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When working on trim panel components, make sure that the sensitive surfaces are not scratched or damaged.

Necessary preliminary tasks

Disconnect NEGATIVE TERMINAL .
Remove DECORATIVE STRIP ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ON LEFT .
Remove TRIMS FOR ROOF PILLAR AT FRONT .
Remove STEERING COLUMN SWITCH CLUSTER .
Remove STEERING COLUMN SHROUD LOWER SECTION .
Remove INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
Additionally, depending on equipment specifications:
- Remove TRIM FOR HEAD-UP DISPLAY .
Remove CENTRAL INFORMATION DISPLAY (CID) .
Additionally, depending on equipment specifications:
- Remove CAR INFORMATION COMPUTER (CIC) .
Remove LEFT FRESH-AIR GRILLE .
Additionally, depending on equipment specifications:
- Remove CONTROL ELEMENT FOR DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM .
Remove HINGED COMPARTMENT ON DRIVER'S SIDE .
Remove trim panel for pedal mechanism . See 51 45 184 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM (ECE ONLY) or 51 45 184 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL MECHANISM (US ONLY) .
Remove SWITCH FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATION .
Remove RIGHT FRESH-AIR GRILLE .
Remove RIGHT GLOVE BOX WITH HOUSING .
Remove COMPLETE CENTRE CONSOLE .

Release screws (1) from instrument panel trim and screws (2) from function carrier.

Fig 1: Identifying Instrument Panel Trim And Function Carrier Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release remaining bolts (1) from function carrier (2).

Tilt top of function carrier (2) outward.

Slip out wiring harness and remove function carrier (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Function Carrier And Bolts

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Shown removed here for purposes of clarity. Wiring harness is therefore not included in graphic.

Disconnect plug connection (1) from front passenger airbag unit.

(Observe notes regarding AIRBAG PLUG CONNECTIONS ).

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connection And Front Passenger Airbag Unit

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Shown removed here for purposes of clarity.

Press gap cover (2) of steering column at left and right slightly inward in direction of arrow and lever out at top, then remove completely.

Fig 4: Pressing Steering Column Gap Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) on top left and right from dashboard (2).

Tightening torque 51 45 5AZ .

Installation note:

As repair solution "Dashboard squeaks and rattles", new oval-head dashboard screws (1) are available with a second washer under part number 07 14 9 240 740. If the new version has not yet been installed, retrofit the oval-head dashboard screw (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Dashboard And Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Shown removed here for purposes of clarity.

Release screws (2) from instrument panel trim (1).

Tightening torque 51 45 5AZ .

Only carry out the following with help:

Pull instrument panel trim (1) back slightly.

Fig 6: Identifying Instrument Panel Trim And Screw
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
If necessary, disconnect plug connection from mid-range speaker.
Disconnect cable connector at left between instrument panel trim (1) and wiring harness.
Remove instrument panel trim (1).

NOTE: Graphic is only an example.

Installation note:

Make sure guides (1) on instrument panel trim (2) are correctly seated in respective mountings.
Make sure gaskets are correctly seated on air ducts.

Fig 7: Identifying Instrument Panel Trim And Guides
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Make sure electrical leads are correctly laid.
Insert left, right and center foam-padded shaped pieces on instrument panel trim (2) correctly and install.
Replace STRIPS OF EXPANDING FOAM TAPE for VIN window.