51 41 001 Replacing front left or right door trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 525i, 2002 BMW 525i, and 2001 BMW 525i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove door trim panel, refer to 51 41 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING LEFT OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL

Pull wooden strip backwards to remove.

Fig 1: Pulling Wooden Strip Backwards

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Installation:

If necessary, replace damaged clips and/or grommets for wooden strip.

Fig 2: Replacing Damaged Clips &/Or Grommets For Wooden Strip

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Version with HiFi:

If necessary screws (1) unfasten and remove loudspeaker (2).

Fig 3: Removing Loudspeaker

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NOTE: The operation "Replacing front left or right door trim" ends here.

Only replacement of fresh air grill:

Unfasten screws (1) and lift out fresh air grill (2).

Fig 4: Lifting Out Fresh Air Grill

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Only replacement of fresh air grill:

(A) = Version up to 3/96

(B) = Version up to 3/96

The new version (B) has an additional dome (1) which must protrude through the cover in the door trim.

Fig 5: Identifying Fresh Air Grill (1 Of 2)

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Only for replacement fresh air grill:

Version up to 3/96:

If a new fresh air grill is fitted to a door trim panel (version up to 3/96), the bore (1) in the door trim must be drilled out +/- to 14 mm.

If necessary, unfasten disc (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Fresh Air Grill (2 Of 2)

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Only for replacement of loudspeaker finisher:

Unfasten plastic welded joints (1) and remove loudspeaker finisher (2).

Installation:

Install new loudspeaker finisher (2). Fit retaining washers (3) on the pins (4).

Fig 7: Installing Loudspeaker Finisher

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CAUTION: The armrest must only be replaced on vehicles without side airbags.

Only for replacement armrests (version without side airbag):

NOTE: Replacement of the armrest is illustrated on the door trim on the passenger side.

Unfasten nut (1) and remove bracket (2). Unfasten plastic welded joints (3) and remove armrest.

If fitted, unfasten plastic welded joint (4).

Fig 8: Unfastening Plastic Welded Joint

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Only for replacement of armrest (version without side airbag):

NOTE: On older door trim panels, there is no bore (4) for the plastic pin (X) (refer to next diagram). If necessary, drill a hole in the door trim.

Installation:

Install new armrests and secure bracket (2) with nuts (1).

Press down on armrest and mark out plastic pins (3) flush with door trim panel.

Dismantle armrest again.

Fig 9: Installing Armrests & Securing Bracket

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Only for replacement of armrest (version without side airbag):

Installation:

Saw off plastic pins (1) and (X) with gap (A) below the mark (2) with a handsaw.

Distance (A) = 2 mm

Fit armrest and secure with repair washers and screws.

NOTE: On older door trim panels, there is no bore for plastic pins (X). If necessary, drill a hole in the door trim panel.

Fig 10: Fitting Armrest & Securing With Repair Washers & Screws

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