Z4 interior side panel removal

[RogerC493]

Can anyone tell me how to remove, or point me where to look, the interior side panel on a Z4? I need to replace an airbag sensor which is bolted to the side of the quarter panel (according to diagrams I've seen). Of course, I want to be able to replace the panel without any visible signs of damage.

[bmwdirtracer]

The factory directions can be found here. Look up replacing the roof motor:

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

When you see an item in blue, like "Remove side panel", click on that, and you'll go to specific directions and photos for that portion.

[RogerC493]

Thanks, Chris, for the links to everything relating to BMW. I'm sure others will benefit from this knowledge base. I found the side panel removal listed under section 54 31 "Convertible top linkage and operation." If I had the dexterity and even temperament, I'd tackle this job. Alas, I don't feel I qualify so off to the BMW repair shop next week to have the replacement air bag sensor I bought installed and let the pros do this job. Plus, if it needs re-programmed, the shop has the BMW equipment. They like me coming in, as I paid their rent with my repairs last week.

You are listed "in the boonies of Western NC." Where is your shop located?

[bmwdirtracer]

Hendersonville.

In Kernersville, I highly recommend Carmine's Import Auto. Tell Carmine that I sent you; we both instruct for BMWCCA at VIR.

[RogerC493]

Bummer. I was advised by the Carmine shop "We don't work on air bag systems, nor do we install customer parts". Guess I'll be looking for an independent shop that knows something about BMW's. The deal with buying a used matching sensor fell thru, as the salvage yard in CA mixed my order with someone else's and we both are out of luck. I hope the other guy is as irritated about this as I am. There is a guy in GA that works on sensors but I can't find his website now. Even then, the R/R of that sensor looks to be a beast to do. If I get tired of staring at the air bag light, I might revisit this later. Where's my roll of black tape?

[bmwdirtracer]

Oh, you're right; I hadn't thought of that. Carmine has a good point. A professional shop probably will not install a used airbag system part, because of the liability.

Most shops don't install owner-supplied parts anyway; I have to get special permission, for my friend's cars. A shop makes its money from parts, more than labor You're probably either going to have to do the job yourself, or pay for a brand new part, supplied and installed by the dealer or other BMW specialist.