Interior door trim — removal and installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal - Front Door

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A(.

"Sedan" and "Tourist" models

2. Starting from the rear end, using a special tool or a flat-head screwdriver, carefully detach the decorative trim from the door trim (Fig. 12.2).



3. On models with electric mirrors, when removing the driver's door trim, first carefully remove the mirror control switch from the armrest (starting from the front end). After removing the switch, disconnect the electrical connector from it. When removing the passenger door trim (or the driver in models without electric mirrors) remove the plastic cover from the front of the armrest (fig. 12.3, a, b).





4. Remove the plastic plugs from the armrest, then unscrew the five screws securing the panel (fig. 12.4, a, b). Please note that the top front mounting screw is longer than the others.

Model "coupe"

5. On models with electric mirrors, when removing the driver's door trim, first carefully remove the mirror control switch from the armrest (starting from the front end) (see fig. 12.3, a). After removing the switch, disconnect the electrical connector from it.

6. In the recess of the trim under the door opening handle, press on the rear edge of the plug and remove it, then unscrew the fastening screw with a slotted head (Fig. 12.6).



7. Carefully remove the cover with the airbag system emblem and unscrew the screw located underneath it (Fig. 12.7).





8. Remove the three screws securing the armrest.

All models

9. Using a flat-head screwdriver, carefully unfasten the fasteners securing the trim to the door. Once all the fasteners around the perimeter of the door have been disconnected, pull the top edge of the trim away from the door and lift it up to remove it from the door lock button (fig. 12.9, a-c).







10. Pull the door trim away from the door, pull the door opening handle, remove the cable retainer and disconnect the cable (fig. 12.10).





11. After removing the trim, disconnect the wire connectors from the speaker.

12. Remove the airbag unit from the door (if it exists) (see chapter 12).

13. If necessary, remove the sound insulation panel from the door.

Removal - Rear Door

14. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A), then open the back door.

15. Starting from the rear end, using a special tool or a flat-head screwdriver, carefully detach the decorative trim from the door trim (fig. 12.15). On models with manual windows, carefully remove the plug from the window handle. Remove the screw and remove the handle together with the round cover (fig. 12.16, a, b). Remove the plastic cover from the front of the armrest (see fig. 12.3, b).







17. On models with electric windows, use a small flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry the window switch out of the armrest. Place a piece of cardboard under the screwdriver to avoid scratching the armrest (fig. 12.17).





18. Remove the plastic plugs, then unscrew the five screws securing the trim panel (fig. 12.18, a, b). Please note that the front top mounting screw is longer than the others.

Installation

20. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Before installation, check the condition of all trim fasteners and replace damaged ones. Make sure that the sound insulation is located in its original place (if she was filming). If the sound insulation was damaged during removal, replace it.

[The original article is located on: BMWman.ru]