51 42 000 Removing and installing rear left or right door trim panel

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW X5, 2002 BMW X5, and 2001 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

For Special Tool identification, see SPECIAL TOOLS - X5 (3.0i) .

Special Tools Required:

00 9 317

WARNING: Version with side airbag: Follow safety instructions for working on cars with airbag systems, refer to 51 00 ... SERVICE POSITION OF ENGINE HOOD .

CAUTION: Do not use any sharp-edged tools to remove the panel - risk of damage to airbag.

Remove clipped-in trim (decorative strip) on door trim panel. Refer to 51 16 221 REPLACING A CLIPPED FINISHER (DECORATIVE STRIP ON PANEL FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL, FRONT OR REAR DOOR) .

Remove toggle switch for door window operation. Refer to 61 31 115 REPLACING ROCKER SWITCH FOR SIDE WINDOW OPERATION (DOOR SWITCH CENTER) .

Remove footwell light on bottom of door. Refer to 63 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FOOTWELL LIGHT .

Version with roller sun blind additionally:

Remove roller sun blind on door window. Refer to 51 16 400 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING SUN BLIND AT FIXED SIDE WINDOW OF LEFT OR RIGHT REAR DOOR .

Release screw (1).

Installation:

Bracket (2) must not be damaged.

Fig 1: Identifying Bracket And Screw

G03255934

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Lever out airbag label (2) and release screw underneath.

Fig 2: Removing Airbag Label And Locating Screw

G03255935

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Fig 3: Unclipping Clips Of Door Trim Panel With Assembly Wedge

G03255936

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Carefully unclip door trim panel (1) at top with special tool 00 9 317 (trim panel wedge).

Feed door trim panel (1) out of unlocking button (3).

Installation:

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

Fig 4: Identifying Retainers For Central Clip

G03255937

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with lighting for inside door handle:

If necessary, disconnect plug connection (1) on inside door handle (2).

Fig 5: Disconnecting Plug Connection On Inside Door Handle

G03255938

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Unhook Bowden cable for release lever:

Tighten release lever (1).
Lever out lock (2).
Detach Bowden cable towards inside/rear.

Fig 6: Detaching Bowden Cable

G03255939

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Press unlocking lever (1) for installation fully on door trim panel.

Version with additional speaker:

If necessary, disconnect plug connection (1) on additional speaker (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Plug Connection On Additional Speaker

G03255940

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove door trim panel (3).

Installation:

Clips (1) are longer than the other clips.

Clips (1) are gray, the other clips are white.

Fit all clips with sealing ring.

Fig 8: Identifying Clips With Sealing Ring

G03255941

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If necessary, replace faulty clips.

Installation:

After assembling the door trim panel proceed as follows:

Open door window.
Lock with vehicle key.
Check whether linkage of safety button can move freely.
If necessary, align linkages.