51 43 090 Removing and installing/replacing light strip in side trim panel

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 side trim panel
If necessary, remove LED . See 63 31 185 REPLACING LED FOR SIDE TRIM PANEL LIGHT .

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage
Handle light strip with care.
Do not knock fibre optic cables.

Release locking washers (1) on sound insulation (2) and remove sound insulation (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Locking Washers On Sound Insulation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position new light strip on side trim panel (2) and mark welding spots (1) to be opened.

Drill out welding spots (1).

NOTE: Only drill down to door trim panel area so as not to damage the contact surface.

Feed light strip out of side trim panel (2).

Remove all remnants of plastic from contact surfaces of side trim panel (2).

Fig 2: Identifying Light Strip On Side Trim Panel And Mark Welding Spots

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Carefully feed light strip in area (1) into side trim panel.

Push welding pins (3) through holes into side trim panel and secure with locking washers (2).

Shorten welding pins (3) down to measurement (A).

A = 3 mm

Fig 3: Identifying Locking Washers And Welding Pins Holes In Side Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.