51 41 001 Replacing front left or right door trim panel (sedan)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove front door trim panel
Remove speaker . See 65 13 070 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SPEAKER (MID-RANGE SPEAKER IN DOOR TRIM PANEL AT FRONT) .
Remove speaker cover
Remove inside door opener
Remove rocker switch for side window operation . See 61 31 115 REPLACING ROCKER SWITCH FOR SIDE WINDOW OPERATION (FRONT) .

Version with light package:

Remove footwell light. See 63 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FOOTWELL LIGHT (DOOR) .

Cut out cutout (1) for entrance light on new door trim panel with scalpel.

Fig 1: Identifying Cutout

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

US/CND national-market version:

If necessary, replace crashpad (1).

Pull off protective film from rear side of crashpad (1).

Stick crashpad (1) on door trim panel.

Installation:

Positioning by way of uniform distance to mounting (2) and outer edge (3).

Press on crashpad (1) firmly for approx. 20 seconds.

Fig 2: Identifying Crashpad, Mounting And Outer Edge

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.