51 42 001 Replacing left or right rear door trim panel

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Remove AIRBAG module from rear door, refer to SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
• Remove wooden strip in door trim (rear), refer to 51 42 065 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING WOODEN STRIP ON LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM (REAR) 
• Remove chest strip (chrome strip), refer to 51 42 300 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CHEST STRIP (CHROME STRIP) ON LEFT OR RIGHT REAR DOOR (WITHOUT ROLLER SUN BLIND) 
• Remove decorative strip (light strip), refer to 51 42 030 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING DECORATIVE STRIP (LIGHT STRIP) ON LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM (REAR) 
• Remove inside door opener, refer to 51 22 225 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING INSIDE DOOR HANDLE OF REAR LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR 
• Remove footwell light, refer to 63 31 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FOOTWELL LIGHT .

Unlock catches (1) and remove trim (2) in direction of arrow from door trim panel (3).

Fig 1: Removing Trim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replace all clips (4).

Feed out AIRBAG badge (5), remove and if necessary replace (depending on build date). Refer to 51 42... REPLACING AIRBAG BADGE ON REAR LEFT OR RIGHT DOOR TRIM PANEL .

Lever trim (1) out of door trim (2).

Fig 2: Removing Trim

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Version with roller sun blind only:

If necessary, lever out retaining clips (3).

Unclip wiring harness (5) from door trim (6).

Fig 3: Unclipping Wiring Harness

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Plug connections:

1. Control unit
2. Footwell lighting
3. Rocker switch for window operation
4. Decorative strip (light strip)