52 14 198 Removing and installing or replacing rear panel on left or right front seat backrest

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Removal:

Release expanding rivet (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Expanding Rivet

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull left rear panel outwards
Detach the lock mechanism of the left rear panel backwards
Pull right rear panel outwards
Detach the lock mechanism of the right rear panel backwards

Fig 2: Detaching Lock Mechanism Of Right Rear Panel Backwards
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Pull out rear panel (1) in area (2) downwards from guides (3).

Fig 3: Pulling Out Rear Panel

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Installation:

NOTE: Retaining lugs (1) and guides (2) of the rear panel (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 4: Installing Rear Panel

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Insert rear panel (1) in area (2) upwards with guides (3).

Fig 5: Inserting Rear Panel Upwards

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Pull right rear panel outwards
Press right rear wall right forward and hold
Pull left rear panel outwards
Press left rear panel forward, center rear panel

NOTE: Make sure rear panel is securely fitted.

Fig 6: Pressing Left Rear Panel Forward

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Fasten the expanding rivet (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Expanding Rivet

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Necessary preliminary work:

With rear passenger compartment entertainment option only:
Remove REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MONITOR COVER

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

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 rear panel up out of lower guides.

Fig 1: Pulling Rear Panel Up
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With ambient light option only:

Unlock plug connection (1) for ambient light and disconnect.

Fig 2: Identifying Ambient Light Plug Connection

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Installation note:

Rear panel and clamps must not be damaged.

Upper clamps
Lower clamps

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Panel And Clamps
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Replacement only:

Remove AMBIENT LIGHT