51 43... Replacing a decorative strip on left or right side trim panel

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

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove side trim panel at rear left or right.

Side trim panel, rear left

Remove sound insulation (1) from side trim panel (2).

Fig 1: Removing Sound Insulation From Side Trim Panel

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IMPORTANT: Only drill down to side trim panel area so as not to damage the contact surface.
Decorative strip is welded to side trim panel only during initial installation, release mounting elements if necessary.

Drill out welding spots (1) in area (X or Y) with 8 mm dia.

welding spot drill bit and remove decorative strip.

Fig 2: Identifying Welding Spots

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(X) Decorative strip, front

(Y) Decorative strip, rear

If necessary, remove welding residue on side trim panel with (heavy-duty) scalpel.

Installation:

Fit decorative strip in area (X or Y) on side trim panel (3).

(X) Decorative strip, front

(Y) Decorative strip, rear

Secure welding pins (1) with locking washers (2).

Shorten welding pins (1) down to measurement (A).

A = 2 mm

Fig 3: Identifying Welding Pin Dimension

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IMPORTANT: Do not pinch off welding pins (1) with side nippers as these will be deformed and locking washers (2) may come loose.
In order not to undershoot measurement (A) when sawing off, place suitable shim on locking washers (2) and saw off welding pins (1) above shim.

Side trim panel, rear right

Remove sound insulation (1) from side trim panel (2).

Fig 4: Removing Sound Insulation (1) From Side Trim Panel (2)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Only drill down to side trim panel area (2) so as not to damage the contact surface.
Decorative strip is welded to side trim panel (2) only during initial installation, release mounting elements if necessary.

Drill out welding spots (1) with 8 mm dia. welding spot drill bit and remove decorative strip.

If necessary, remove welding residue on side trim panel (2) with (heavy-duty) scalpel.

Fig 5: Identifying Welding Spots And Side Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Fit decorative strip on side trim panel (3).

Secure welding pins (1) with locking washers (2).

Shorten welding pins (1) down to measurement (A).

A = 2 mm

Fig 6: Shorten Welding Pins (1) Down To Measurement (A)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.