51 45 072 Removing and installing dashboard with support

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move wheels into straight-ahead position
Disconnect BATTERY NEGATIVE LEAD .
Remove trim for roof pillar at front (A-pillar), left or right .
Remove door sill cover strip at front left and right .
Remove storage compartment .
Remove heating center console trim .
Remove glove box lid .
Remove side air outlet grille lid cover left and right, see bottom air outlet grille cover .
Note: For version with storage compartment or CD changer, no dismantling of right decorative trim.
Remove LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN TRIM .
Remove 6 CONTROL PANEL FOR HEATER - A/C SYSTEM .

Depending on version:

Disconnect left plug connection (1) up to (3) A-pillar.

Fig 1: Identifying Left Connector

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Disconnect right plug connection (1) up to (4) A-pillar.

Fig 2: Identifying Right Connector

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Disengage cable (1) for handbrake switch.

Fig 3: Disengaging Cable For Handbrake Switch

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Disconnect plug connection (1) for airbag control unit.

Fig 4: Identifying Connection For Airbag Control Unit

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Unclip wiring harness (1) on driving area and center console.

Fig 5: Unclipping Wiring Harness

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Remove STEERING COLUMN .

(Complete with steering wheel, airbag, steering column switch cluster)

Disconnect plug connection (1) at air conditioner (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Connector At Air Conditioner

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Unclip wiring harness (1).

Detach cooling hose (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Wiring Harness And Cooling Hose

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Release screws (1) above steering column.

Fig 8: Identifying Screws Above Steering Column

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Unfasten screws (1) to (3).

Fig 9: Identifying Screws (1 Of 2)

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Unfasten screws (1) to (3).

Fig 10: Identifying Screws (2 Of 2)

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Release left screw (1) underneath air conditioner controls.

Fig 11: Identifying Left Screw Underneath Air Conditioner Controls

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Release right screw (1) underneath air conditioner controls.

Fig 12: Identifying Right Screw Underneath Air Conditioner Controls

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IMPORTANT: For the following repair work, use a step drill with a large diameter, otherwise the background will be damaged while drilling the 20 mm dia. access holes.

Fig 13: Identifying 20-30mm Step Drill Bit

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Make access drill holes (2) of 20 mm dia. left next to the aperture (1) for air conditioning controls.

Fig 14: Locating Area For Access Drill Holes At Left Of Aperture For A/C Controls

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Determine and mark center of access drill hole as follows:

Line up the edge of the deepening (1) to side.
Distance to flank (2) - (A) = 14 mm.

Release screw becoming visible behind the access drill holes.

Installation note:

Close off access drill holes with plugs.

BMW/MINI Part Number 51 71 1 801 066

Fig 15: Marking Center Of Access Drill Hole

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Make access drill holes of 20 mm dia. left (1) and right (2) in the glove box aperture.

Fig 16: Locating Area For Access Drill Holes At Left And Right In Glove Box Aperture

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Left access drill hole:

Determine and mark center of access drill hole as follows:

Distance to flank (1) - (A) = 16 mm.
Distance to profile corner (2) - (B) = 26 mm.

Fig 17: Marking Center Of Left Access Drill Hole

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Release screw, reachable sideways from front, through the access drill holes (1).

Installation note:

Close off access drill holes with plugs.

BMW/MINI Part Number 51 71 1 801 066

Fig 18: Releasing Screw Through Access Drill Holes

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Right access drill hole:

Determine and mark center of access drill hole as follows:

Line up the edge of the flank (1) to the bottom.
Distance to top flank (2) - (A) = 58 mm.

Release screw becoming visible behind the access drill holes.

Installation note:

Close off access drill holes with plugs.

BMW/MINI Part Number 51 71 1 801 066

Fig 19: Marking Center Of Right Access Drill Hole

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Unfasten retaining bracket (1).

Release side screws (2) and (3).

Pull off dashboard complete with support.

Fig 20: Locating Retaining Bracket And Side Screws

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