41 35 101 Stripping operations - Replacing rear side panel, left

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 33 other vehicles, including the 2018 BMW M6, 2018 BMW 650i xDrive, 2018 BMW 650i, 2018 BMW 640i xDrive, and 2018 BMW 640i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Owing to the different engine variants and equipment specifications, not all the components are taken into consideration.
The following list basically represents the removal sequence.

Remove front inner door sill cover strip (51 47 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT (INSIDE) LEFT OR RIGHT ENTRANCE COVER STRIP )
Remove rear left side trim panel (51 43 002 REMOVING AND INSTALLING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE TRIM PANEL )
Remove rear left power window regulator (51 37 000 51 37 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COMPLETE REAR LEFT OR RIGHT POWER WINDOW REGULATOR )
However, do not remove power window regulator from vehicle. Do not release electrical plug connection.

IMPORTANT: Stow power window regulator on suitable support in vehicle.
Stow power window regulator in such a way that window movement can not cause any form of damage.
After completing rigging operations: Loosen electrical plug connection and remove power window regulator from vehicle.

Remove striker for tailgate catch. See 51 24 130 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING STRIKER FOR TAILGATE LOCK .

Close tailgate lock.

NOTE: Closing the lock is necessary so that the soft top system remains ready for operation.

Close rear lid.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!

Fig 1: Locating Tailgate Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Close the tailgate as far as is possible!

In the next work operation the soft top compartment lid is opened.

If the tailgate is not fully closed, contact damaged may be caused to both components during opening of the soft top compartment lid.

Move soft top and soft top compartment lid into position shown.

Switch off ignition.

IMPORTANT: Danger of injury by trapping!
After the ignition has been switched off the soft stop system is depressurized after approx. 20 seconds.
The soft top compartment lid then closes automatically.

Fig 2: Moving Soft Top And Soft Top Compartment Lid Into Position

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before opening the tailgate, care must be taken that the tailgate does not knock against the soft top compartment lid (1).
Therefore the soft top compartment lid must be closed as far as is possible. If necessary, press down the soft top compartment lid on both sides in area (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Soft Top Compartment Lid On Both Sides Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove tailgate (41 62 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING TAILGATE )
Removing rear lid hinge (41 62 043 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT HINGE FOR TAILGATE )
Remove water channel cover at rear center (51 71 385 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR MIDDLE WATER GUTTER TRIM (REAR LID) )
Disconnect negative battery cable (61 20 900 DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY EARTH LEAD )
Remove bumper trim panel (51 12 156 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) REAR BUMPER PANEL )
Remove bumper support (51 12 050 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING SUPPORT FOR REAR BUMPER PANEL )
Remove center bumper guide (51 12 825 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING GUIDE FOR REAR CENTRE BUMPER PANEL )
Remove left bumper guide (51 12 828 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING GUIDE FOR THE BUMPER PANEL, REAR LEFT OR RIGHT )
Remove luggage compartment floor trim panel (51 47 101 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR TRIM PANEL )
Remove left luggage compartment wheel arch panel (51 47 151 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM )
Remove left rear light (63 21 180 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT REAR LIGHT (IN SIDE WALL) )
Remove left rear wheel arch cover (51 71 041 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL ARCH COVER )
Remove front left lock striker (51 21 003 REPLACING DOOR DETENT (LOCK STRIKER), FRONT LEFT OR RIGHT )
Remove left door edge protection (51 72 000 REPLACING EDGE PROTECTION FOR LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR )
Remove left side member trim panel (51 71 447 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING TRIM PANEL FOR COVER ON LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE MEMBER )
Partially detach tailgate seal
Partially loosen soft top compartment lid cover
Remove rear ventilation
Secure soft top against dirt contamination.
Loosen electrical plug connection and remove rear left power window regulator from vehicle.

Unlock latch mechanisms and remove rear ventilation (1).

Installation note:

The rear ventilation must not be damaged. (water tightness).

All latch mechanisms must engage audibly.

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Ventilation

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.