51 46 001 Removing and installing/replacing trim panel for storage shelf

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Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove BACKREST FOR REAR SEAT
Only with optional equipment Comfort seat:
- Remove head restraints
- Remove armrest
With optional rear air conditioning only:
- Remove luggage compartment partition wall
Remove TRIM FOR ROOF PILLAR AT REAR
In F01/02/03/04 only:
- Remove belt feed trim on left and right

NOTE: Graphics are only an example (The graphics used are from F01).

Lever out center seat belt finisher strip (1) with plastic wedge and feed out seat belt strap (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Seat Belt Finisher Strip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with decorative strip only:

Unclip center seat belt finisher strip (1) from decorative trim and feed out seat belt strap (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Seat Belt Finisher Strip
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In F01/02/03/04 only:

Release plastic nut (1) on C-pillar trim panel.

Fig 3: Identifying C-Pillar Trim Panel Nut
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

In F01/02/03/04 only:

Release plastic nut (1) on C-pillar trim panel.
Disengage guide lug of C-pillar trim panel at top from storage shelf.

Fig 4: Identifying C-Pillar Trim Panel Nut
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release attachment sleeves and pull storage shelf forwards.

Unlock and disconnect underlying plug connections.

Fig 5: Pulling Storage Shelf

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement

Remove speakers (speaker carriers) . See 65 13 188 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR MID-RANGE SPEAKER (IN REAR SHELF) or 65 13 195 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR TREBLE SPEAKER (IN REAR SHELF) on left and right.

Version with Top Tether eyelets only:

Lever out all caps (1) for Top Tether eyelets with plastic wedge.

Fig 6: Removing Storage Shelf Caps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Retaining lugs must not be damaged.

If necessary, replace cap.

Fig 7: Identifying Tether Eyelets Lugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Press retaining lugs and remove frame for Top Tether eyelet trim.

Installation note:

Make sure retaining lugs are correctly seated in aperture.

Fig 8: Locating Tether Eyelets Retaining Lugs

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with decorative strip only:

Release screws (1).

Remove decorative strip.

Fig 9: Identifying Decorative Strip Screw

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Work on apertures in trim panel, depending on equipment specification:

IMPORTANT: Only work on clean surfaces. Risk of dirtying storage shelf.
Storage shelf must lie flat to punch out the holes.
Make sure cut edges are clean.
Fabric cover must not pull any threads.

Fig 10: Identifying Apertures To Be Cut Out

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pay attention to molding on storage shelf:

Cut out apertures for Top Tether eyelet or belt feed with a Fein cutter (160 A) or with a bodywork saw with blade for curved cuts.
Punch out decorative strip apertures.