51 16 206 Removing and installing/replacing center armrest

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When working on trim panel components, make sure that visible surfaces are not scratched or damaged (e.g. by sharp-edged tools).

Necessary preliminary work:

Remove REAR (TOP) STORAGE COMPARTMENT and REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FRESH AIR GRILLE

Open center armrest.

Slightly lift latch mechanism (1) and feed out latch element (2) in direction of arrow.

Installation note:

Make sure latch element (2) is correctly seated.

Fig 1: Lifting Latch Mechanism

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (2) at bottom of carrier housing of center armrest (1).

Tightening torque 51 16 4AZ .

Fig 2: Identifying Center Armrest Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1) on carrier housing (2).

Installation note:

Check folding function of center armrest (3) after bolting down the carrier housing (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Carrier Housing, Center Armrest And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Swivel carrier housing (1) forward in the lower area (in the direction of travel), feeding it out of the stops (2).

Feed out carrier housing (1) with center armrest to rear out of the center console whilst lightly pushing the upper part of the center console (3) towards outside.

Risk of damage!

Center console (3) of carrier housing (1) may be damaged during installation.

Push the center console (3) slightly towards outside when feeding out the center armrest.

Fig 4: Removing Swivel Carrier Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Make sure carrier housing (1) is correctly seated on stops (2).