51 45 070 Removing and installing or replacing instrument panel lower section

Necessary preliminary tasks: 

• Move wheels into straight-ahead position
• Disconnect battery negative lead  . See 12 00... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .
• Remove COMPLETE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER .
• Remove instrument panel top section trim  . 
• Remove knee protection, driver's side, left  . 
• Remove steering column switch cluster  . See 61 31 008 REMOVING AND INSTALLING OR REPLACING STEERING COLUMN SWITCH CLUSTER .
• Remove footwell lights  . See INTERIOR LIGHTS .
• Remove glove compartment light  . See INTERIOR LIGHTS .
• If necessary, remove CD changer  . See 65 11 072 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING CD CHANGER .

Release screws (1).

Release plug for On-Board Diagnosis (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Screws And Plug

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Fig 2: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screws (1).

Remove instrument panel lower section (2) towards rear.

Installation: 

Make sure air ducts are correctly seated.

Replacement: 

Remove vents (3).

Fig 4: Identifying Screws And Instrument Panel Lower Section

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.