Removing the support for the instrument panel

WARNING: Working on 12 V electrical system.
Risk of short circuits! Risk of fire!

Make sure that there is no charger connected to the jump start terminal in the engine compartment.
Detach battery ground lead from battery.
For auxiliary batteries: Detach battery minus cables from all auxiliary batteries.

CAUTION: Refrigerant circuit under high pressure.
Injury hazard!

Note and follow safety instructions on containers.
Avoid contact with refrigerant; wear safety goggles and hand protection.
For additional information see: INSTRUCTIONS FOR HANDLING R1234YF REFRIGERANT and NOTES FOR REPAIR WORK ON AIR CONDITIONING .

Preliminary work

Refer to SUCTIONING THE AIR CONDITIONING .
Refer to RELEASING THE CONTROL UNIT HOLDER .
Refer to DISCONNECTING THE REFRIGERANT LINE FROM THE EXPANSION VALVE .
Refer to DEACTIVATING VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE TRIM PANEL FOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT FOOTWELL TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR CENTER CONSOLE TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER ARMREST STORAGE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER STACK TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE FRONT CENTER CONSOLE .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER CONSOLE .
Refer to REMOVING GLOVE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE SPEAKER TRIM AT THE DASHBOARD .
Refer to REMOVING THE MID-RANGE SPEAKER FROM THE DASHBOARD .
Refer to REMOVING THE ROOF FUNCTION CENTER (FZD) .
Refer to REMOVING THE COUNTER SUPPORT FOR THE SUN VISOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE VANITY MIRROR LIGHT AT THE FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE TOP WINDSHIELD PANEL TRIM (BOTTOM PART) .
Refer to REMOVING A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL, LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT DASHBOARD TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE DECORATIVE STRIP ON THE DASHBOARD ON THE LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT FOLD-OUT COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING DECORATIVE STRIP ON DASHBOARD AT CENTER .
Refer to REMOVING THE AUDIO CONTROL UNIT .
Refer to REMOVING CENTRAL INFORMATION DISPLAY (CID) .
Refer to REMOVING AIRBAG UNIT .
Refer to REMOVING THE SPORTS STEERING WHEEL .
Refer to REMOVING STEERING COLUMN SHROUD UPPER SECTION .
Refer to REMOVING LOWER PART OF STEERING COLUMN SHROUD .
Refer to REMOVING THE STEERING COLUMN SWITCH CLUSTER (SZL) .
Refer to REMOVING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (KOMBI) .
Refer to REMOVING INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM .
Refer to REMOVING THE AIR DUCT IN THE FOOTWELL .
Refer to REMOVING THE AIR DUCT FOR THE FOOTWELL .
Refer to REMOVING THE DRIVER'S KNEE PROTECTION AIRBAG MODULE .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT PASSENGER KNEE PROTECTION AIRBAG MODULE .
Refer to REMOVING THE DOOR SILL COVER STRIP ON THE RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LOWER RIGHT A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL .

Release screw (1) on the firewall in the engine compartment.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Release the screws (1) on the steering column.
Lower steering column (2) a little away and support it in the footwell.
The steering column must not be lowered too far and must be supported.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen screws (1) .
Guide out HU-H (2) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock and disconnect all plug connections in marked area.
Remove HU-H (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
If installed : Unlock and disconnect plug connections (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: To provide a better overview: Schematic diagram with partially hidden components.

Unlock and disconnect plug connections (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: To provide a better overview: Schematic diagram with partially hidden components.

Unlock plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Detach the conduits (1) from the holders (2) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock and disconnect the plug connection (1) on the airbag control unit and unclip the wiring harness from the conduit.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen nuts (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Slacken screws (1) but do not release them.
Slacken nut (2) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen nuts (1) and (2) .
Lift up the carpet in area (3) and release the underlying grounding cable.
Release the screws (4) and remove the brackets.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen nuts (1) and (2) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Conduct the following operation with the assistance of a second person.

Carefully guide out the support for the dashboard with the wiring harness to the rear. If necessary, unlock and disconnect additional plug connections.
Carefully remove the support for the dashboard with the wiring harness from the vehicle interior.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.