51 44 011 Removing and installing / replacing headliner (with slide / tilt sunroof)

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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove SUN VISORS AND COUNTER-SUPPORTS
Remove MIRROR LIGHTS
Remove CEILING LIGHT (FRONT)
Remove FRONT ROOFLINER TRIM
Remove PANELS FOR FRONT ROOF PILLAR (A-pillar trims)
Remove GRAB HANDLES
Remove PANELS FOR DOOR PILLAR (B-pillar trims)
NOTE: Do not release seat belt screw on front seat. Guide panels (1) with lined side to seat in downward direction.
Remove PANELS FOR REAR ROOF PILLAR (C-pillar trims)
Remove CEILING LIGHT (REAR)
Remove REAR ROOFLINER TRIM
Remove COVER FOR 3RD BRAKE LIGHT

Fig 1: Guide Panels With Lined Side To Seat In Downward Direction

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Open slide/tilt sunroof (1) completely.

Release screws (2) on mounting frame (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Screws And Mounting Frame

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Version 1:

Slide floating roofliner (1) behind headliner (3).

Release remaining screws between mounting frame and glass sunroof cover with special tool 54 1 230 .

Release screw on mounting for bracket at rear.

Fig 3: Identifying Roofliner And Headliner

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Version 2:

Connect BMW diagnosis system and Service function:

Body
Locking and security functions
Slide/tilt sunroof
Select delivery position.

Remaining screws on mounting frame are now accessible and can be released.

Move both front seats forwards as far as possible.
Move driver's seat backrest as far forwards as possible.
Move passenger seat backrest as far back as possible.

To provide protection, cover inner side edge on driver's seat (1) with adhesive tape (2).

Fig 4: Cover Inner Side Edge On Driver's Seat With Adhesive Tape

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IMPORTANT: Remove roofliner with a second person helping.

Pull roofliner (1) forwards out of sliding clips (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Headliner And Sliding Clips

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NOTE: The subsequent procedure applies to right-hand drive cars.

Lower front roofliner (1) and turn at rear towards door.

Fig 6: Lowering Front Roofliner And Turning At Rear Towards Door

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Remove roofliner (1) on driver's side through rear door.

Fig 7: Removing Roofliner On Driver's Side Through Rear Door

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Following parts of headliner (7) must not be damaged or missing:

Mounting for console, front
Metal nuts for cover frame
Mounting for console, rear
Mountings for sliding clips
Sliding clips (release from roof frame)
Retainers (insert in roof frame)

Fig 8: Identifying Headliner Components
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Observe the following installation sequence:

Carefully attach headliner at rear.
Secure screw on mounting for bracket
Screw down screws for sunroof frame
Screw down grab handles at front on left/right
Screw down sun visors and counter-supports
Screw down grab handles at rear on left/right