51 45 030 Removing and installing instrument panel trim

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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 .
Remove SWITCH FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATION
Remove RIGHT FRESH-AIR GRILLE
Remove RIGHT GLOVE BOX WITH HOUSING
Remove COMPLETE CENTER CONSOLE

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

Fig 1: Identifying Screws From Instrument Panel Trim

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 Bolts From Function Carrier

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 From 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 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 Screw And Dashboard

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.
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).

Fig 6: Identifying Screws From Instrument Panel Trim
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.
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.

Fig 7: Identifying Guides And Instrument Panel Trim
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.