How do I remove LHS A pillar cover

[Chaz Ricorn]

Hi anyone know how to remove the plastic cover from the left hand side windscreen (A Pillar ?) I want to install a windscreen mounted DAB radio aerial and need to access the metal underneath for a ground.

Attached a photo with arrow to the bit, in case I'm not describing this correctly.

 

[Nodzed]

Assumming its an E85? You need to remove the 4 screws that hold the sun visors down from the overhead trim piece. Take out the center light assembly, disconnect the wiring connector and then pull out this trim piece.

Then you can remove the side trim pieces by pulling upwards. You may however break the plastic tabs, so I'd get some new ones before you start.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Thanks for that, yes it is an E85, sorry should have mentioned before.

What clips and where can I get them ?

 

[Nodzed]

Think its these BUT you need to check first, BMW sell them (not expensive) or online but to stop any after fitting rattles I'd use BMW clips

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Ta, quite lucky as I've got a BMW main agent about 1 mile away so will give them a call.

Many thanks.

 

[Nodzed]

Sorry I'm wrong the tab appears to fixed so if its broken you will need some double sided tape to refit (stop rattles) Just checked on Real OEM

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Right, luckily I've got some 3M VHB tape so that should sort it

 

[Nodzed]

This is the tab you need to be careful with

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

I shall treat it with the utmost gentleness

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Sorry to bang on about these clips, but are they pushed in form the side or down, it may help if i'm pulling in the right direction, and I'm hopy that this warm weather might help to soften the plastic a little

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Also how do I release the centre light fitting, can't seem to see and prise points/catches ?

 

[t-tony]

The interior light "glass" comes out first and it's a tight fit. Then, if I recall right, you can access the fasteners. Only time I took mine out was to change the bulb.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Ta Tony

 

[Nodzed]

The interior light "glass" comes out first and it's a tight fit. Then, if I recall right, you can access the fasteners. Only time I took mine out was to change the bulb.

Tony.

Correct very small srew driver prise the light out then you can pull the whole unit out

 

[Nodzed]

Sorry to bang on about these clips, but are they pushed in form the side or down, it may help if i'm pulling in the right direction, and I'm hopy that this warm weather might help to soften the plastic a little

If memory serves you pull the A pillar cover upwards once the top cover is off

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Cheers Nodzed, fingers crossed.

 

[t-tony]

Correct very small srew driver prise the light out then you can pull the whole unit out

Thanks Niall.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Cheers guys apperciate the pointers as always.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Just thought I'd let you know it came out very sweetly, as long as you pull it straight up the catch doesn't seem to engage with anything.

Thanks again for your help.