51 42 001 Replacing Left Or Right Rear Door Trim Panel

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove airbag module from rear door  . See 72 12 015 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING AIRBAG MODULE ON LEFT OR RIGHT REAR DOOR .
• Remove wooden strip in door trim (rear)  . See 51 42 065 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING WOODEN STRIP ON LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM (REAR) .
• Remove chest strip (chrome strip)  . See 51 41 300 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CHEST STRIP (CHROME STRIP) ON LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR .
• Remove decorative strip (light strip)  . See 51 41 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DECORATIVE STRIP (LIGHT STRIP) ON LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM (FRONT) .
• Remove inside door opener  . See 51 21 225 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING INSIDE DOOR OPENER IN LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR .
• Remove footwell light  . See 51 21 225 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING INSIDE DOOR OPENER IN LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR .

Unlock catches (1) and remove trim (2) in direction of arrow from door trim panel (3).

Replace all clips (4).

Feed out airbag badge (5)  , remove and if necessary replace (depending on build date).

Fig 1: Identifying Catches And Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever trim (1) out of door trim (2).

Version with roller sun blind only: 

If necessary, lever out retaining clips (3).

Fig 2: Removing Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip wiring harness (5) from door trim (6).

Plug connections:

1. Control unit
2. Footwell lighting
3. Rocker switch for window operation
4. Decorative strip (light strip)
   Fig 3: Unclipping Wiring Harness From Door Trim

   Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.