51 43 002 Removing and installing (replacing) rear left or right side trim panel

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2015 MINI Cooper Paceman, 2014 MINI Cooper Paceman, and 2013 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove left or right REAR SEAT
Remove luggage compartment wheel arch panel on left or right. See REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH TRIM or REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH PANEL .
Remove the ARMREST from the side trim panel
Remove TOP TRIM PANEL FOR DOOR POST

Release expansion rivet (1).

Release screw (2).

Tightening torque 51 43 4AZ .

Release screw (3) and remove the end fitting.

Tightening torque 72 11 7AZ .

Unlock plug connection (4) and disconnect.

Fig 1: Identifying Side Trim Panel, Expansion Rivet, Screw And Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release the side trim panel inward from clips (1) and clamp (2).

Installation note:

Replace faulty clips (1) and clamps (2).

Make sure the edge protection for the front door is correctly fitted.

Fig 2: Identifying Side Trim Panel Clips And Clamp

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release the side trim panel (1) and remove it from the clamps (2) by pulling upwards.

Installation note:

Replace faulty clamps (2).

Make sure the edge protection for the front door is correctly fitted.

Fig 3: Releasing Side Trim Panel And Clamps

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Replacement (depending on version):

Modify TWEETER .

Modify MID-RANGE SPEAKER .

Modify LED .