51 16 325 Removing and installing/replacing fastener for center armrest

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When working on trim panel components, make sure that visible surfaces are not scratched or damaged (e.g. by sharp-edged tools).

Pull stop pad (1) out of fastener for center armrest (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Stop Pad And Center Armrest

G08528944

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1) and fold out fastener for center armrest (2), then remove.

Fig 2: Removing Center Armrest Screw

G08528945

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation note:

Hook in fixing bracket (3) from fastener for center armrest (2) into inner shell (1) correctly.

Fig 3: Identifying Center Armrest, Inner Shell And Fixing Bracket

G08528946

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Left housing form (A) up to production 05/09 (with recess for rubber seal) *
Right housing form (A) from production 05/09

* No longer available

Fig 4: Identifying Housing Forms

G08528947

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Component overview

= Return spring locking hook
= Locking hook
= Housing
= Button
= Return spring button

Replacement:

Fig 5: Overview Of Center Armrest

G08528948

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Up to production 05/09, a replacement of the locking hook is only possible with intact housing (3).
Housing (3) is reused. Parts (1, 2, 4 and 5) must be reconstructed into previous housing (3).

Additional work up to production 05/09

Disengage button (2) in direction of arrow and feed out housing (3).

Installation note:

Install return spring button (1) correctly and check function of button (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Return Spring Button And Housing

G08528949

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully disengage return spring locking hook (1).

Installation note:

Test function of return spring locking hook (1).

Fig 7: Locating Return Spring Locking Hook

G08528950

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever out locking hook (1) out of axle bearing and feed out of housing (2).

Repeat additional operation on new part.

Installation note:

Install removed separate component from new part into previous housing (2).

Fig 8: Removing Locking Hook From Axle Bearing And Housing

G08528951

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.