51 45 030 Removing And Installing Instrument Panel Trim

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW M3, 2005 BMW M3, 2004 BMW M3, 2003 BMW M3, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect battery negative lead. Refer to 12 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
Remove fixture for steering column switch. Refer to 61 31 005 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FIXTURE FOR STEERING COLUMN STALK .
Remove center console. Refer to 51 16 200 REMOVING AND INSTALLING STORAGE TRAY .
Remove trim for center console. Refer to 51 16 211 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FINISHER FOR STORAGE TRAY .
Remove right glovebox. Refer to 51 16 360 REMOVING AND INSTALLING RIGHT GLOVE BOX .
Remove all clip-fitted trims (on instrument panel). Refer to 51 16 221 REPLACING A CLIPPED-IN TRIM (DECORATIVE STRIP ON PANEL FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL, FRONT OR REAR DOOR) .
Remove carrier in center console. Refer to 51 16 ... REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CARRIER IN STORAGE TRAY .
Remove both panels for front roof pillar. Refer to 51 43 201 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM FOR FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT ROOF .
Remove light switch unit. Refer to 61 31 033 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LIGHT SWITCH UNIT .
Remove complete instrument carrier. Refer to 62 21 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE INSTRUMENT CARRIER .
Remove heating controls. Refer to 64 11 749 REMOVING AND INSTALLING HEATER CONTROLS (AUTOMATIC AIR CONDITIONING) and/or 64 11 750 REMOVING AND INSTALLING HEATING CONTROL (HEATER) .
If necessary, remove radio receiver. Refer to 65 11 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RADIO RECEIVER (BUILT-IN UNIT) , or 65 11 040 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RADIO CONTROL PANEL (RADIO NAVIGATION) , or 65 52 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING ON-BOARD MONITOR .
Remove airbag module on passenger side. Refer to PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE for model year 2001, or PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE for model year 2002,PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE (3-SPOKE STEERING) for model year 2003, or PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE (3-SPOKE STEERING) for model years 2004-05.

If necessary, release screw (1).

Fig 1: Releasing Retaining Screw

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Remove glovebox light (1) from opening (2).

Disconnect plug connection and remove glovebox light (1).

Fig 2: Removing Glovebox Light From Opening

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Release screws (1).

If necessary, release pin (2).

Remove insert (3) towards bottom.

Fig 3: Releasing Glovebox Retaining Screws

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Feed out wire (1) for glovebox light from guides (2).

Fig 4: Removing Wire For Glovebox Light From Guides

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Disconnect plug (1) and feed out cable (2) from guides.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Plug

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Press panel (1) somewhat to rear and remove from guides (2).

Feed out clip (3) on panel (1) to front/right.

Fig 6: Locating Clip On Panel

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Disconnect plug connection (1) and remove panel.

Installation:

Retaining pins (2) and clip (3) must not be damaged.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Plug Connection

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Release screws (1).

Remove defroster nozzle (2) towards rear.

Fig 8: Locating Defroster Grille Retaining Screws

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Remove screw or expansion rivet lower section (1).

Instrument panel (2), right.

Fig 9: Identifying Lower Section Retaining Screw

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Slacken nut (1).

Fig 10: Loosening Retaining Nut

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Disconnect plug connection (1) for solar sensor.

Fig 11: Disconnecting Solar Sensor Plug Connection

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Unscrew nuts (1).

Move front seats as far back as possible.

Apply handbrake fully.

Pull out instrument panel (2) towards rear and lift out through front right door.

Fig 12: Removing Retaining Nuts

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Installation:

Push guide (1) into locator (2).

Fig 13: Installing Guide Into Locator

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Installation:

Screw down shelf (1) and instrument panel trim (2) with screws (3) and center.

Loosen nut (4).

Center shelf (1) and instrument panel trim (2) and tighten nut (4).

Fig 14: Installing Center Shelf And Instrument Panel Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.