51 42 000 Removing and installing rear left or right door trim panel (up to 03/2007)

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 317

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• If necessary, remove FOOTWELL LIGHT at bottom
• If necessary, remove LED FOR DOOR HANDLE/DOOR COMPARTMENT LIGHT
• If necessary, remove ROLLER SUN BLIND  on fixed side window

If necessary, lever out airbag emblem (2) with special tool 00 9 317  and release screw underneath.

Tightening torque 51 42 4AZ .

Lever out protective caps (1) on door trim panel (3) and release screws underneath.

Tightening torque 51 42 1AZ .

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Caps And Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip clips (1) of door trim panel with special tool 00 9 317  .

Fig 2: Identifying Door Trim Panel And Clips

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully unclip door trim panel (1) at top from retainers (3).

Feed door trim panel (1) upwards out of central clip mounting and release button.

Installation: 

Attach central clip mounting to door trim panel.

Bend open retainers on inner door plate for accommodating central clip (2) for installation.

Fig 3: Identifying Door Trim Panel, Clip And Retainers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook Bowden cable (1) from door lock (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Bowden Cable And Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Model with side airbag: 

Disconnect remaining plug connections.

Remove door trim.

Installation: 

Connect all plugs to original locations.

Installation: 

All clips (2) are white.

If necessary, replace faulty clips (2).

Attach central clip mounting (1) to door trim panel.

Fig 5: Identifying Central Clip Mounting And Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

After assembling the door trim panel proceed as follows:

• Open door window.
• Lock with vehicle key.
• check whether the locking knob linkage can move freely, align linkage if necessary