51 45 072 Removing and installing dashboard completely with support

When working on trim panel components, make sure that visible surfaces are not scratched or damaged (e.g. by sharp-edged tools).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Move wheels into straight-ahead position
Disconnect BATTERY EARTH LEAD
Remove DOOR SILL COVER STRIP AT FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT
Remove FRESH-AIR GRILLE ON LEFT AND RIGHT
Remove COMPLETE STEERING COLUMN
Remove complete center console. See REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT FRESH AIR GRILLE and REMOVING/INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT FRESH AIR GRILLE .
Remove STORAGE COMPARTMENT
Remove CENTER CONSOLE COVER

Unlock and disconnect all plug connections of wiring harness (1).

Unclip and roll up wiring harness (1) to mark (2).

Fig 1: Locating Wiring Harness Plug Connections

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Release screws (1).

Unfasten screws (2).

Tightening torque 51 45 8AZ .

Undo bolts (3) and remove bracket (4).

Tightening torque 51 45 6AZ .

Installation note:

If necessary, observe the ground cable (5).

Fig 2: Identifying Bracket, Screws, Bolts And Ground Cable

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Release screw (1) on air conditioning housing on the left.

Installation note:

Feed in guide pin of air conditioning housing correctly into recess on support for dashboard.

Fig 3: Locating Screw On Air Conditioning Housing

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Release screws (1) on air conditioning housing on the right.

Installation note:

Feed in guide pin of air conditioning housing correctly into recess on support for dashboard.

Fig 4: Locating Screws On Air Conditioning Housing

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Disconnect the fresh-air duct (1) for the glove box on the air conditioning housing.

Fig 5: Identifying Fresh-Air Duct For Glove Box

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Right:

Unlock and disconnect all plug connections of wiring harness (1).

Unclip wiring harness (1) up to support for dashboard (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Wiring Harness And Dashboard Support

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Left:

Unlock and disconnect all plug connections of wiring harness (1).

Unclip wiring harness (1) up to support for dashboard (2).

Fig 7: Identifying Wiring Harness And Dashboard Support

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NOTE: Illustration is similar.

Release screws (1) above steering column.

Tightening torque 51 45 7AZ .

Fig 8: Identifying Screws Above Steering Column

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Perform the next operations with the assistance of another person only:

Release screws (1) on left and right on support for dashboard (2).

Tightening torque 51 45 3AZ .

Carefully pull support for dashboard (2) together with the dashboard toward the back slightly.

Unlock and disconnect the necessary plug connections.

Fig 9: Identifying Screws On Left And Right On Support For Dashboard

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Carefully lift support for dashboard (2) together with the dashboard out of vehicle.

Installation note:

Mount support for dashboard (2) correctly on guide pin (mark).