Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
51 16 195 Removing And Installing Center Armrest (Front)
Necessary Preliminary Tasks:Β
- Close front cup holder.
- Remove side panels on center console. Refer to 51 16... REMOVING AND INSTALLING SIDE PANELS ON CENTER CONSOLEΒ .
- Remove fresh air grille in rear compartment. Refer to 64 22 191 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR COMPARTMENT FRESH-AIR GRILLE (AUTOMATIC A/C HIGH) .
Version With Rear Compartment Monitor:Β
- Remove control unit for rear compartment monitor. Refer to 65 50 631 REPLACING CONTROL UNIT FOR REAR COMPARTMENT MONITOR .
Version With Rear Compartment Monitor:Β
Unclip rear compartment monitor lead (1) and plug connection (2) in direction of arrow from fixture (3).
Disconnect plug connection (2).
Release screws (1) on left/right.
Version With Mobile Phone Storage Compartment:Β
Remove storage tray/CD box.
Snap out trim (1) in upward direction and disconnect plug connections underneath.
Lift out mat insert (2).
Pull out mat insert (1) in direction of arrow.
Pull out coin box (1) in direction of arrow and remove.
Disconnect plug connection (1).
Unscrew nuts (1).
Raise center armrest (1) slightly.
Feed out plug (2) towards bottom.
Unlock plug connections (3) and disconnect.
Lift off center armrest (1).
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.