51 45 030 Removing and installing instrument panel trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5, 2012 BMW X5, and 2011 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move wheels into straight-ahead position
Move front seats back completely and lower
Fully retract and lower steering wheel
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD
REMOVE both trims for front roof pillar
If necessary, remove COVER FOR HEAD-UP DISPLAY
Remove LIGHT OPERATING FACILITY
Remove left and right SIDE COVER ON DASHBOARD
Remove STEERING COLUMN CONTROL PANEL
Remove INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Remove CAR COMMUNICATION COMPUTER
Remove CENTRAL INFORMATION DISPLAY
Pull back center console, refer removing COMPLETE CENTER CONSOLE

Release screw (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Screw

G04791802

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Screws

G04791803

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connections (1) on control unit for Car Access System (3).

Unfeed plug connections (1) with cables.

Fig 3: Identifying Plug Connections And Car Access System

G06213536

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connections (1) for front passenger airbag and speaker.

Unclip connector housing.

Unfasten screws (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Connections And Screws

G09962454

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Screws

G04791805

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip cover (1).

Fig 6: Removing Cover

G04791806

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Fig 7: Identifying Screw

G04791807

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Fig 8: Identifying Plug Connection

G08529351

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Fig 9: Identifying Screw

G04791809

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Feed out instrument panel trim toward the rear, watching out for the cable.

Fig 10: Identifying Instrument Panel Trim Screws

G04791810

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Make sure guides (1) of instrument panel trim are correctly seated in mountings (2).

Fig 11: Identifying Guides And Mountings

G04791811

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.