51 41 001 Replacing front left or right door trim panel (up to 03/2007)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 19 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW M5, 2009 BMW M5, 2008 BMW M5, 2007 BMW M5, and 2007 BMW 550i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL
Remove TOGGLE SWITCH
Remove AIRBAG MODULE IN FRONT DOOR
Remove INSIDE DOOR HANDLE
Remove INSIDE DOOR OPENER
Remove SPEAKER
Replace ARMREST
Replace DOOR POCKET

Version with interior light package:

Remove TRIM FOR DOOR HANDLE/DOOR COMPARTMENT LIGHT

Version with interior light package:

Cut out opening (1) at molding (2) with a scalpel.

IMPORTANT:

Ensure a clean cut so that the door trim panel cover (3) is not damaged.

Fig 1: Identifying Cut Opening, Molding, And Door Trim Panel Cover

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.