51 42 000 Removing and installing rear left or right door trim panel (long version or from 03/2007)

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WARNING:

Model with side airbag:

Side airbag is mounted on door trim panel:

DISCONNECT BATTERY .

IMPORTANT:

Do not use any sharp-edged removal tools, risk of damage to airbag.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove FOOTWELL LIGHT at bottom

Version with roller sun blind:

Remove ROLLER SUN BLIND on fixed side window

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 .

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 .

Fig 1: Identifying Protective Caps And Airbag Emblem On Door Trim Panel

G00460287

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE:

Start by unclipping door trim panel (2) at bottom.

If necessary, wear gloves due to sharp edges on cutout (1).

Firmly pull on cutout (1) of footwell light and thus detach door trim panel (2) from clips (3).

Fig 2: Identifying Cutout, Clips, And Door Trim

G00460288

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.

Prior to installation, bend open retainer on inner door plate for central clip mounting (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Door Trim Panel, Retainers, And Central Mounting Clip

G00460289

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 4: Identifying Bowden Cable And Door Lock

G04749830

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Model with side airbag:

WARNING:

DISCONNECT PLUG CONNECTION ON SIDE AIRBAG .

Disconnect remaining plug connections.

Remove door trim.

Installation:

Connect all plugs to original locations.

NOTE:

Illustration shows E60 long version, basic variants E60 and E61 have one clip fewer in the lower area.

Installation:

All clips (2) are white.

If necessary, replace faulty clips (2).

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

Fig 5: Identifying White Clips And Central Clip

G00460290

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