51 43 013 Replacing Rear Left Or Rear Right Side Trim Panel Upper Section

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 135i, and 2010 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! When working on trim panel components, make sure that the sensitive surfaces are not scratched or damaged.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove rear side trim panel upper section .

Unclip Bowden cable (1) from latch mechanism (2).

Installation note: Catch (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 1: Identifying Bowden Cable And Catch

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Slide back cover (1).

In the direction of the arrow, unclip the Bowden cable (2) from the latch mechanism on the cover (1) and remove towards rear.

Installation note: The latch mechanism on the cover (1) must not be damaged.

Fig 2: Uncliping Bowden Cable

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note: Guides (1 and 2) must not be damaged or missing.

Modify sheet metal nuts (3). If necessary, replace faulty sheet metal nuts (3).

Fig 3: Identifying Catch On Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.