52 17 205 Removing and installing/replacing both rear panels on left or right front seat backrest

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.

Necessary preliminary tasks

With rear-seat entertainment option only:
Remove REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MONITOR COVER .

Operation is shown on the left seat. When removing from the right seat, transpose the pull and striking sides accordingly.

Rear panel upper part:

Grip between rear panel and backrest cover on tunnel side until clamp can be felt (do not pull).
At same time, firmly punch towards middle of seat on inside (tunnel side) at top.
Upper clamps spring out of seat guide.
Pull upper rear panel up out of lower guides.

Fig 1: Pulling Rear Panel Up Out Of Lower Guides
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Clamp
Guide
Upper rear panel

Fig 2: Identifying Clamp, Guide And Upper Rear Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Rear panel lower section:

Grip between rear panel and backrest cover on tunnel side until clamp can be felt (do not pull).
At same time, firmly punch towards middle of seat on inside (tunnel side) at top.
Upper clamps spring out of seat guide.
Pull lower rear panel up out of lower guides

Fig 3: Pulling Lower Rear Panel Up Out Of Lower Guides
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip springs (1) on left and right.

Remove lower rear panel (3) upwards out of guide (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Springs, Lower Rear Panel And Guide

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.