Inner side panel disassembly

quain24 · 08-17-2024, 02:14 PM

Hi everyone!

I am looking for a detailed instruction / video about inner inner side panel disassembly.

Due to leather cleaning my driver door armrest became discoloured (yellowish tint) and I will probably need to replace it.

I have found that this part is available separately from the dealer - part number "51 41 7 489 267" (if I correctly matched it with my VIN) - number 1 on attached diagram.

As far ass I see on the diagram - no specific screws or fasteners are specified, other than normal screws (at least on the diagram).

When I was looking for this part, I take a deeper look at the inside of the side panel on some auction pictures and I do not feel entirely confident that replacing this is easy or straight forward....

Could you help me with this?
Maybe some of you already tried it and knows if - optimistically - it is possible without need of whole side panel removal?

In addition - VIN: WBAJR71020WW01339

(sorry for bad English on my side, I hope that this post is readable

)

ezaircon4jc · 08-17-2024, 02:50 PM

This help?

quain24 · 08-17-2024, 02:58 PM

No, unfortunately. There are lots of videos about removing whole side panel, but no videos about replacing just the armrest... I found a manual that states the need of drilling out plastic welding pins, need for sawing of said pins on new armrest and reattaching with screws, but it looks "dangerous"..
I'm hoping for something more user-friendly.

ezaircon4jc · 08-17-2024, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quain24

No, unfortunately. There are lots of videos about removing whole side panel, but no videos about replacing just the armrest... I found a manual that states the need of drilling out plastic welding pins, need for sawing of said pins on new armrest and reattaching with screws, but it looks "dangerous"..
I'm hoping for something more user-friendly.

Unfortunately, without replacing the entire door card, I believe that is your only option.

padresu · 08-17-2024, 07:35 PM

the process us very straight forward and hardest part is to remove panel and disconnect enough wireing to have cardboard in workable position. factory armrest has long mounting pins melted in place to secure tight fit. You drill them outs, and it taks 3 sec for each, easy process and hard not to do it right. Mounting will be done on screws you have to purchase separately. I have done it twice on 08 and 2018 with good results both times.
Do not hesitate. Not difficult at all.
BDW, replacement armrest for 2008 purchased at dealership in USA was made in Poland, excellent craftsmanship!

quain24 · 08-18-2024, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padresu

the process us very straight forward and hardest part is to remove panel and disconnect enough wireing to have cardboard in workable position. factory armrest has long mounting pins melted in place to secure tight fit. You drill them outs, and it taks 3 sec for each, easy process and hard not to do it right. Mounting will be done on screws you have to purchase separately. I have done it twice on 08 and 2018 with good results both times.
Do not hesitate. Not difficult at all.
BDW, replacement armrest for 2008 purchased at dealership in USA was made in Poland, excellent craftsmanship!

Thanks for the answer!
Do you remember which particular screws you use in 2018 one?
Also, was it necessary to also replace part number 15 on the diagram?
Full manual shows the need for replacing both parts ("drill out the support", not shown on attached picture), which is unfortunate given the price (number 15 is a simple plastic bracket but it costs more or less the same as the armrest)

I would love to just replace the whole side panel, but I cannot find any matching replacements - that is LZFI leather with piano black decor, led, black bottom part (storage part?) and harman grill, memory seats and button for the boot.
Price of the new one, which would also required modifications from the dealer is not acceptable for me - they want about 2000 usd just for the part....

padresu · 08-19-2024, 11:19 PM

no point or replacing panel.
I would replace door handle (part 15)since this is known weak spot for newer BMW - plastic becomes sticky and unpleasant to touch with time and there i no cure just replacement/./ You will have all parts out with easy access to it.
Above post tells you screw type recommended - go very easy to torque.

08-17-2024, 02:14 PM	#1
quain24 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: G30 530i Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	Inner side panel disassembly Hi everyone! I am looking for a detailed instruction / video about inner inner side panel disassembly. Due to leather cleaning my driver door armrest became discoloured (yellowish tint) and I will probably need to replace it. I have found that this part is available separately from the dealer - part number "51 41 7 489 267" (if I correctly matched it with my VIN) - number 1 on attached diagram. As far ass I see on the diagram - no specific screws or fasteners are specified, other than normal screws (at least on the diagram). When I was looking for this part, I take a deeper look at the inside of the side panel on some auction pictures and I do not feel entirely confident that replacing this is easy or straight forward.... Could you help me with this? Maybe some of you already tried it and knows if - optimistically - it is possible without need of whole side panel removal? In addition - VIN: WBAJR71020WW01339 (sorry for bad English on my side, I hope that this post is readable ) Attached Images Last edited by quain24; 08-17-2024 at 02:24 PM..
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08-17-2024, 02:50 PM	#2
ezaircon4jc Major General 6316 Rep 6,097 Posts Drives: 2019 540i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	This help?
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08-17-2024, 02:58 PM	#3
quain24 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: G30 530i Join Date: Aug 2024 Location: Poland iTrader: (0)	No, unfortunately. There are lots of videos about removing whole side panel, but no videos about replacing just the armrest... I found a manual that states the need of drilling out plastic welding pins, need for sawing of said pins on new armrest and reattaching with screws, but it looks "dangerous".. I'm hoping for something more user-friendly. Attached Images
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08-17-2024, 07:35 PM	#5
padresu Private 53 Rep 55 Posts Drives: g30 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Tx iTrader: (0)	the process us very straight forward and hardest part is to remove panel and disconnect enough wireing to have cardboard in workable position. factory armrest has long mounting pins melted in place to secure tight fit. You drill them outs, and it taks 3 sec for each, easy process and hard not to do it right. Mounting will be done on screws you have to purchase separately. I have done it twice on 08 and 2018 with good results both times. Do not hesitate. Not difficult at all. BDW, replacement armrest for 2008 purchased at dealership in USA was made in Poland, excellent craftsmanship!
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08-19-2024, 11:19 PM	#7
padresu Private 53 Rep 55 Posts Drives: g30 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Tx iTrader: (0)	no point or replacing panel. I would replace door handle (part 15)since this is known weak spot for newer BMW - plastic becomes sticky and unpleasant to touch with time and there i no cure just replacement/./ You will have all parts out with easy access to it. Above post tells you screw type recommended - go very easy to torque.
	Appreciate 0 Quote