51 41 000 Removing and installing left or right front door trim panel

Special tools required: 

• 64 1 020
• 00 9 325

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

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove DECORATIVE STRIP FROM DOOR TRIM PANEL 

Pull out inside door handle (1) and hold open so that catch (3) on handle recess (2) can be released (see next operation).

Fig 1: Identifying Inside Door Handle, Catch And Handle Recess

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Working edge (1) of special tool 64 1 020 points upwards and levers out catch (2) in direction of arrow.

At the same time, lift up handle recess (3) slightly at rear so that it doesn't snap back in again.

Fig 2: Lifting Handle Recess

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Ideally, set special tool 64 1 020 at distance "x" from handle recess (2) (equivalent to tip of inside door handle).

x = 30  _±3  mm 

x_max = 40 mm

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (64 1 020)

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Insert special tool 64 1 020 along handle recess (2) by approx. 15 mm until resistance to latching clip can be felt.

In order to release upper latch mechanism, carefully lever special tool 64 1 020 downwards, moving the handle recess (2) to and fro a little.

Handle recess (2) can then be removed forwards with a slight turn.

Installation note: 

Retaining hooks (1) and optical fibre (2) on handle recess (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 4: Identifying Optical Fibre, Handle Recess And Hook

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Installation note: 

Shown removed here for purposes of clarity.

Retaining hooks (1) and catches (2) on inside door handle bracket (3) must not be broken or missing.

REPAIR SOLUTION  in the event of a faulty latch mechanism (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Inside Door Handle Bracket, Hooks And Catches

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Release screws (1).

Tightening torque 51 41 1AZ .

Fig 6: Identifying Front Door Trim Panel Screws

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Unclip door trim panel (1) with special tool 00 9 325 .

Fig 7: Removing Door Trim Panel

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Disengage Bowden cable (1) for release lever first at counter support (2) and then at door lock (3).

Installation note: 

Perform function check for door inside handle with door open and rotary striker lock closed.

Feed out door wiring harness from all brackets.

Unlock and disconnect all plug connections, then remove door trim panel.

Fig 8: Identifying Door Lock, Bowden Cable And Counter Support

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Installation note: 

Replace faulty clips (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Door Trim Panel Clips

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Installation note: 

Make sure Bowden cable (1) is in correct position!

An incorrectly routed Bowden cable can cause door lock malfunctions.

Fig 10: Identifying Bowden Cable

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Installation note: 

After assembling the door trim panel proceed as follows:

• Open side window
• Lock with ignition key
• Check for ease of movement on locking button linkage
• If necessary, align linkage