51 41 000 Removing and installing front left or right door trim panel (long version or from 03/2007)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW 550i, 2009 BMW 550i, and 2008 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Side airbag is mounted on door trim panel:
DISCONNECT BATTERY .

IMPORTANT: Do not use any sharp-edged removal tools, risk of damage to airbag.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FOOTWELL LIGHT at bottom.

Lever out airbag emblem (1) on door trim panel (3) with special tool 00 9 317 and release screw underneath.

Tightening torque: see 1AZ in 51 41 FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH ARMRESTS .

Unfasten cap (2) and release screw underneath.

Installation:

Tightening torque: see 4AZ in 51 41 FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH ARMRESTS .

Replace cover cap (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Airbag Emblem On Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Adhere without fail to the following removal sequence for unclipping the door trim panel.

NOTE: If necessary, wear gloves due to sharp edges on cutout (1).

Firmly pull on cutout (1) of footwell light and thus detach door trim panel (2) from clips (3) at bottom.

Detach door trim panel (2) in area of A-pillar from clips (3).

Fig 2: Detaching Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Insert special tool 00 9 317 in such a way that sound insulation is not touched.

Insert special tool 00 9 317 under clips (1) between door and door trim panel.

Press special tool 00 9 317 outwards (do not pull inwards) and thereby detach door trim panel from clips (1).

Detach door trim panel from clip (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Clips And Special Tool 00 9 317

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 (2) and release button (4).

Installation:

Release central clip from mounting (2) and attach to door trim panel.

Prior to installation, bend open retainer on inner door plate for central clip mounting (2).

Fig 4: Removing Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 5: Identifying Bowden Cable And Door Lock

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WARNING: Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION on side airbag.

Disconnect remaining plug connections.

Remove door trim.

Installation:

Connect all plugs to original locations.

Installation:

Attach central clips (1) to door trim panel.

Replace clips (4) after each removal.

If necessary, replace faulty clips.

Make sure all clips are installed in correct position.

2 Red clip
3 White clip
4 Lower clip, white
4 Upper clip, blue

Fig 6: Identifying Central Clips
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

After assembling the door trim panel proceed as follows:

Open door window,
lock with ignition key,
Check for ease-of-movement on retaining button linkage,
if necessary, align linkage.