51 16 206 Removing and installing/replacing center armrest

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary work:

Move both front seats forwards
Remove REAR CENTER CONSOLE TRIM

NOTE: Open the center armrest, because the spring (1) will otherwise be under too much tension.

Detach the spring (1) with the screwdriver (2).

Installation note:

Make sure the spring (1) is correctly seated.

Fig 1: Removing Center Armrest Spring Using Screwdriver

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Drive the hinge axes (1) out.

NOTE: The hinge axes (1) are secured with gearing (3) on the outside.

Remove the spring (2), open the center armrest and feed out of storage compartment.

Fig 2: Removing Center Armrest Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.