51 42 001 Replacing rear left or right door trim panel (up to 03/2007)

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove REAR DOOR TRIM PANEL 
• Remove ROCKER SWITCH FOR SIDE WINDOW OPERATION
• Remove REAR SPEAKER
• Remove AIRBAG MODULE FROM REAR DOOR
• Remove ROLLER SUN BLIND FROM SIDE WINDOW IN REAR DOOR 
• Remove INSIDE DOOR OPENER 
• Remove INSIDE DOOR HANDLE 
• Replace ARMREST 
• Replace DOOR POCKET 

Version with interior light package: 

• Remove TRIM FOR DOOR HANDLE/DOOR COMPARTMENT LIGHT

Version with rear smokers' package: 

If necessary, release screws (1) on rear door trim panel (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Door Trim Panel Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, feed out trim with ashtray (1) in direction of arrow from rear door trim panel (2).

Fig 2: Feeding Out Trim With Ashtray

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with interior light package: 

Cut out opening (1) at moulding (2) with a scalpel.

Fig 3: Identifying Door Trim Panel Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.