5141081 Replacing armrest on front left or right door trim panel (driver's side): Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 10 other vehicles, including the 2011 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328i, 2010 BMW 335xi, 2010 BMW 335i, and 2010 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Only drill down to door trim panel area (2) so as not to damage the contact surface.
Armrest is welded to door trim panel only during initial installation, release mounting elements if necessary.

Drill out welding spots (1) on door trim panel (2) with 8 mm dia. welding spot drill bit.

Fig 1: Identifying Welding Spots On Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove armrest.

Remove welding residue on door trim panel (2) with scalpel.

Installation:

Armrest is secured in areas (A and C) with nuts (2).

Because of reduced height and risk of damage to acoustic insulation, locking washers (3) are used in area (B).

After armrest is secured, pins (1) must be sawn off to measurement (X) (exception: third, ninth and eleventh pins from front).

Fig 2: Identifying Locking Washers And Pins Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Do not snip off pins (1) with side cutters as this will deform the pins so that the retaining elements may work loose.
In order not to undershoot measurement (X) when sawing off, place suitable shim on retaining elements (2 and 3) and saw off pins (1) above shim.

Measurement (X) = 2 mm