51 43 000 Removing and installing/replacing rear left or right side trim panel

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Preliminary work needed:

Remove TRUNK WHEEL ARCH PANEL
Remove REAR SEAT
Remove REAR SEAT BACKREST
Remove TRIM PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR AT THE REAR (C-pillar)
Remove TRIM PANEL FOR ROOF PILLAR AT THE REAR (D-pillar)
Remove DOOR SILL COVER STRIP

Removal:

Release expansion rivet (1).

Release side trim panel (2) from clip (3).

Fig 1: Releasing Side Trim Panel From Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove screw (1).

Release side trim panel (2) at clips (3).

Unclip side trim panel (2) from clamps (4) and remove side trim panel.

Fig 2: Releasing Side Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

NOTE: Replace defective clips (3) and clamps (4).

Install side trim panel (2) and clip into clamps (4).

Clip in side trim panel (2) at clips (3).

Tighten screw (1).

Fig 3: Releasing Side Trim Panel

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Replace the faulty clip (3).
Make sure the side trim panel (2) is correctly seated at the edge protection.

Clip in side trim panel (2) into clip (3).

Mount expanding rivet (1).

Fig 4: Releasing Side Trim Panel From Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.