Replacing rear side trim panel upper section

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 .

• Removing the armrest on the side trim panel 

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

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  • Installing the armrest on the side trim panel 
  NOTE: Description is for left component only. Procedure on the right side is identical.
• Insert the new armrest into the side trim panel.
• Mark all welding pins (1) flush with the side trim panel as shown.

  Welding pins (1) must not protrude from the side trim panel  .

• Remove the armrest once more and cut out all welding pins (1) on the marks.

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• Install the armrest (1).
• Screw in the repair screw (1) with the washers and tighten.
  TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
  
  

  Armrest on side trim panel
  Screw
  	tightening torque	1.8 Nm

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• Replace the side trim panel upper section.

  Parts:  Side trim panel upper section

  • Removing decorative strip on the side trim panel 
• Loosen screws (1).
• Lever out the decorative strip (2) with the special tool 2 298 505 from the clamps (3) and remove.

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  • Installing the decorative strip on the side trim panel 
• Install the decorative strip (2) and engage at the clamps (3).
• Tighten the screws (1).
  TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
  
  

  Decorative strip to side trim panel
  Screw
  	tightening torque	2.0 Nm

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

• Unclip the switch trim (1) out of the side trim panel and remount it.

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Follow-up work 

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