51 41 081 Replacing armrest on front left or right door trim panel (driver's side)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 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

Removal

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.

Remove armrest.

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

Fig 1: Identifying Welding Spots On Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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).

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.

Fig 2: Identifying Locking Washers And Pins Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Measurement (X) = 2 mm

Installation

Secure pins (1) in area (A and C) with nuts (2).

NOTE: Carefully tighten nuts (2) to ensure they are not overtightened.

Secure pins (1) in area "B" (fourth, fifth and sixth pins from front) with locking washer (3).

If necessary, grip armrest from outside with a suitable tool (tool must not damage door trim panel).

Saw off all pins (1), except third, ninth and eleventh pins (1), to measurement (X) (risk of damage to acoustic insulation).

Dimension (X) = 2 mm

Fig 3: Identifying Locking Washers And Pins Dimension

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.