Removing the armrest on the side trim panel

NOTE: Description is for left component only. Procedure on the right side is identical.

Preliminary work

Refer to REMOVING C-PILLAR TRIM PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE D-PILLAR TRIM PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE SIDE TRIM PANEL UPPER SECTION AT REAR LEFT .

NOTE: Description is for left component only. Procedure on the right side is identical.

Drill out and grind down the welded spots (arrows) carefully.
Pull out the armrest (1) and remove it.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.