51 42 000 Removing and installing rear 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: Model with side airbag:
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.

Version with roller sun blind:

Remove ROLLER SUN BLIND on fixed side window

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

Tightening torque: see 1AZ in 51 42 REAR DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH ARMRESTS

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

Tightening torque: see 4AZ in 51 42 REAR DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH ARMRESTS

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Caps, Door Trim Panel And Airbag Emblem

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Start by unclipping door trim panel (2) at bottom.
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).

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.

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

Fig 3: Removing Door Trim Panel

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:

WARNING: Disconnect PLUG CONNECTION on side airbag.

Disconnect remaining plug connections.

Remove door trim.

Installation:

Connect all plugs to original locations.

NOTE: Illustration shows E60 long version, basic variants E60 and E61 have one clip fewer in the lower area.

Installation:

All clips (2) are white.

If necessary, replace faulty clips (2).

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

Fig 5: Identifying Clips And Central Clip Mounting

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