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 16 197 Removing And Installing/Replacing Decorative Trim On Center Armrest
Necessary Preliminary Tasks:Β
- Remove center armrest (front). Refer to 51 16 195 REMOVING AND INSTALLING CENTER ARMREST (FRONT)Β .
- Remove control unit in center armrest (front). Refer to 61 31 152 REMOVING AND INSTALLING (REPLACING) CONTROL UNIT IN CENTER ARMREST AT FRONT .
- Remove switch combination for seat adjustment on left and right. Refer to 61 31 203 REPLACING SWITCH COMBINATION FOR SEAT ADJUSTMENT .
Version With Rear Compartment Monitor:Β
- Remove rear compartment monitor. Refer to 65 50 120 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING REAR COMPARTMENT MONITOR .
Unlock plug (2) and feed out towards bottom.
Release screws (3).
Press trim (4) in direction of arrow (A) and press out in direction of arrow (B) from inside outwards.
Installation:Β
Make sure guides (1) are not damaged; if necessary, replace trim (2).
Release screws (1) on left/right.
Remove center armrest panel (2) on left/right in direction of arrow.
Release screws (1) on left/right.
Detach carrier (2) from decorative trim (3).
Release screws (1).
Remove controller (2) in direction of arrow.
Release screws (1).
Remove fastener (2) for center armrest cover in direction of arrow.
Release screws (1).
Remove center armrest cover (2).
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.