51 43 012 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right side trim panel upper section

Special tools required:

00 9 317

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Danger of being pinched when working around the soft top.
Ensure that the soft top is not actuated when working.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Open soft top compartment lid and if necessary, retract soft top

Removal:

Unclip trim (1) for the seat belt guide loop using a suitable plastic wedge.

Fig 1: Seat Belt Guide Loop Trim

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Loosen bolt (1) and remove seat belt guide loop (2).

Unclip cover (3).

Release screw (4).

Unclip side trim panel upper section (5) using special tool 00 9 317 out of the clamps and lift off.

Feed out seat belt from side trim panel upper section (5).

Fig 2: Seat Belt Guide Loop And Bolt

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Unclip Bowden cable (1) from latch mechanism (2).

Fig 3: Bowden Cable And Latch Mechanism

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Slide back cover (1).

Unclip Bowden cable (2) downwards out of the latch mechanism on the trim (1) and remove towards rear.

Fig 4: Removing Bowden Cable Of Latch Mechanism On Trim

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Installation:

NOTE: Guides (1 and 2) must not be damaged or missing.

Replacement:

Remount sheet metal nuts (3).

If necessary, replace faulty sheet metal nuts (3).

Fig 5: Sheet Metal Nuts And Guides

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Slide back cover (1).

Clip Bowden cable (2) into the latch mechanism on the trim (1).

NOTE: The latch mechanism on the trim (1) must not be damaged.

Fig 6: Removing Bowden Cable Of Latch Mechanism On Trim

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Clip Bowden cable (1) into latch mechanism (2).

NOTE: Catch (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 7: Bowden Cable And Latch Mechanism

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Feed seat belt into side trim panel upper section (5).

Clip side trim panel upper section (5) in the clamps.

Tighten screw (4).

Clip trim (3) in.

Install seat belt guide loop (2) and tighten bolt (1).

Tightening torque: 72 11 03AZ .

NOTE: Make sure the trim (3) of the side trim panel upper section (5) and the belt guide are correctly seated.

Fig 8: Seat Belt Guide Loop And Bolt

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Clip in trim (1) for the seat belt guide loop.

Fig 9: Seat Belt Guide Loop Trim

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Required follow-up work:

Close soft top.