51 42 000 Removing and installing left or right rear door trim panel (up to 03/2007)

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• If necessary, remove FOOTWELL LIGHT at bottom.
• If necessary, remove LED FOR DOOR HANDLE/DOOR COMPARTMENT LIGHT .
• If necessary, remove ROLLER SUN BLIND  on fixed side window.

If necessary, lever out airbag emblem (2) with special tool 00 9 317 and release screw underneath.

Tightening torque: see 4AZ in 51 42 REAR DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH ARMRESTS .

Lever out protective caps (1) on door trim panel (3) and release screws underneath.

Tightening torque: see 1AZ in 51 42 REAR DOOR TRIM PANEL WITH ARMRESTS .

Fig 1: Removing Airbag Emblem With Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unclip clips (1) of door trim panel with special tool 00 9 317 .

Fig 2: Removing Door Trim Panel Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully unclip door trim panel (1) at top from retainers (3).

Feed door trim panel (1) upwards out of central clip mounting and release button.

Installation: 

Attach central clip mounting to door trim panel.

Bend open retainers on inner door plate for accommodating central clip (2) for installation.

Fig 3: Attaching Central Clip Mounting To Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook Bowden cable (1) from door lock (2).

Fig 4: Identifying Bowden Cable And Door Lock

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Model with side airbag: 

Disconnect remaining plug connections.

Remove door trim.

Installation: 

Connect all plugs to original locations.

Installation: 

All clips (3) are white.

If necessary, replace faulty clips (1).

Attach central clip mounting (1) to door trim panel.

Fig 5: Attaching Central Clip Mounting To Door Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation: 

After assembling the door trim panel proceed as follows:

• Open door window.
• Lock with vehicle key.
• Check whether the locking knob linkage can move freely, align linkage if necessary.