51 46 026 Removing and installing or replacing front air outlet trim grille

Special tools required: 

• 00 9 323 

See MAINTENANCE AND GENERAL INFORMATION - SPECIAL TOOLS .

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove trim cover on rear left/right rollover protection system  . See 54 62 010 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT ROLLBAR .
• Remove upper section of side trim panel   , left/right.
• Tilt backrest forwards.
• Open lid for retractable hardtop, fold in retractable hardtop if necessary

Lift trim cover (1) out of retainers (2) with special tool 00 9 323 and feed out towards rear.

Installation: 

Catches (2) on trim (1) must not be damaged.

Fig 1: Lifting Trim Cover Of Retainers With Special Tool 00 9 323

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip trim cover (1) on left/right forwards.

Fig 2: Identifying Trim Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Pull off cover (1) downwards.

Lever out covers (2) and release screws underneath.

Tightening torque 51 46 5AZ, see 51 46 PANEL, REAR PARCEL SHELF, ROLLER SUN BLIND .

Fig 3: Identifying Lever Out Covers

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release clips (1).

Release screws (2).

Tightening torque 51 46 5AZ, see 51 46 PANEL, REAR PARCEL SHELF, ROLLER SUN BLIND .

Remove seat belts (3) from trim grille (4).

Detach trim grille (4) by lifting upwards.

Installation: 

Remove all screws/clips on trim grille (4).

Align trim grille (4) with rollover protection system and secure screws/clips.

Fig 4: Identifying Seat Belts, Trim Grille With Clips And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.