Front panel — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Before disconnecting each connector, attach a label to it. These labels will be very helpful during assembly when you need to pass the wiring through the holes in the front panel.

Removal

1. Remove the center console (see paragraph 28).

2. Pull up and remove the handle from the gear shift lever.

3. Remove the trim from the gear shift lever. Disconnect the electrical wiring connectors from the trim, remembering their location.

4. Remove the steering column switches (see chapter 12, paragraph 4).

5. Remove both glove compartments (see paragraph 27).

6. Remove three screws, remove one retainer, unscrew one plastic nut and remove the trim panel located above the pedals. Slide the retainer back and remove the on-board diagnostics connector from the panel. Also disconnect the backlight lamp connector (fig. 29.6, a-c).







7. Using a plastic spatula, carefully pry off the driver and passenger side trim panels, starting from the outer corners, then remove the trim panel from the center of the panel (fig. 29.7, a-c).









8. Remove the instrument panel (see chapter 12).

9. Open the lid of the storage box located under the heater control panel. Carefully pry the lower edge of the compartment and remove the box from the front panel (Fig. 29.9). If you are removing the cup storage box, lift the box slightly, push it back approximately 2 mm, then press down on the edges of the lid and remove it from the front panel.





10. Remove the four screws and remove the base of the small box from the front panel (fig. 29.10). Disconnect the electrical wiring connectors from the base, remembering their location.



11. Remove the front body pillar trim (see paragraph 27).

12. Remove the light switch from the front panel (see chapter 12, paragraph 4).

13. Remove the heater control panel (see chapter 3).

14. Remove the car radio from the front panel (see chapter 12).

15. Remove the passenger airbag unit (see chapter 12).

16. On the passenger side, remove the screw that was covered by the decorative trim (fig. 29.16).



17. Remove the screw and the driver's side ventilation grille (fig. 29.17).





18. The passenger side faceplate may be secured with screws or clips. Remove the screws or clips.

19. Unscrew the nut securing the front panel near the gear shift lever (fig. 29.19).



20. Move the front seats all the way back, unscrew the four nuts securing the front panel and, with the help of an assistant, remove the front panel from the bulkhead (fig. 29.20, a, b). Disconnect the ventilation system cable from the side wall of the heater. Disconnect all electrical wiring connectors that interfere with the removal of the front panel, remembering their location.

Installation

21. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Please note the following:

• a) Replace the front panel and connect all the wiring connectors according to the marks made before removal. Secure the wiring connectors in place.
• b) Make sure that the protrusion of the front panel fits into the corresponding groove. The front edge of the panel is in the correct position and all electrical wiring connectors are passed through the holes. Then securely fasten the panel.
• c) After installation is complete, connect the battery and make sure all switches and electrical appliances are working.

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